Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Fold flat shoes Fold flat shoes
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria




Like Tree7Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
Fold flat shoes
I'm looking for something that is both sturdy and compact. Trainers are fine for walking etc. but too bulky to fit into my Giant Loop with the other minimal stuff that I carry, Euro size 48 feet doesn't help either! Sandals or flip flops are fine if not needing to walk too far and the weather is OK.

Ideally these shoes would have a grippy, durable sole with a soft upper that can be folded flat against the sole allowing them to be slid into small gaps between other items.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnon View Post
I'm looking for something that is both sturdy and compact. Trainers are fine for walking etc. but too bulky to fit into my Giant Loop with the other minimal stuff that I carry, Euro size 48 feet doesn't help either! Sandals or flip flops are fine if not needing to walk too far and the weather is OK.

Ideally these shoes would have a grippy, durable sole with a soft upper that can be folded flat against the sole allowing them to be slid into small gaps between other items.
Crocs fit the bill for me; they are not perfect - certainly not flat in the way you describe - but they do dry out quickly after they get wet (e.g. in the early morning dew on the grass) and the soles are fairly grippy. They are not for longer distance walking of course.
Being made totally of rubber, you can even strap them on to the outside of luggage, in extremis.

I can step straight out of the shower and move on to breakfast, without a change of footwear = versatility.
__________________
Dave
Last edited by Walkabout; 5 Jun 2013 at 20:42.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Jun 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 74
I use Merrell sandal. Not exactly fold flat due to the chunky soles, but as good as Crocs in that respect and, I find, better on rugged ground.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Jun 2013
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
Converse (or Converse style) fold flat onto the sole and do the job. Crocs are surprisingly bulky and as I can testify have zero grip when the soles are wet. I still have the bruised backside from some impromptu stair surfing at the HUBBUK having taken a shower.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Jun 2013
rockwallaby's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 120
I'm also interested in this as my pair of sandals are near to worn out.
I'm looking for something that you can put on after a day's ride and air the toes.

The leather sandals have been great, especially on hot days in the south of Europe, when you are on foot in the villages as they appear presentable.

And like 'Walkabout' says, in regard to heading to the shower block, there's nothing more awkward than having to put on socks and boots right after a shower.

I was thinking of flip-flops, but after reading this I might need to consider other options.
_____
Paul
__________________
I have learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
Thanks for the replies.

Anyone tried these: Timberland's Folding Shoes Zip Up Tight | Gadget Lab | Wired.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Jun 2013
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by rockwallaby View Post
I'm also interested in this as my pair of sandals are near to worn out. I'm looking for something that you can put on after a day's ride and air the toes.
I use Keen Kanyon's. Lashed outside the luggage on the bike and readily available. The toecap was the thing I wanted. First pair lasted 6 years of abuse.

KEEN Footwear - Mobile
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Jul 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
Crocs fit the bill for me; they are not perfect - certainly not flat in the way you describe - but they do dry out quickly after they get wet (e.g. in the early morning dew on the grass) and the soles are fairly grippy. They are not for longer distance walking of course.
Being made totally of rubber, you can even strap them on to the outside of luggage, in extremis.

I can step straight out of the shower and move on to breakfast, without a change of footwear = versatility.
Since this post, I have used the Crocs for power washing a patio, climbing around on scaffolding (not too slippery on timber boards and alloy steps), washing down brickwork with the power washer and, at the end of the working day, I even power washed the Crocs while wearing them.
They are none the worse for this treatment, and even a bit cleaner.

Versatile they are, but I would stop short of wearing them while riding (they are OK for 4x4 driving however).
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 Jul 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Bridgend, South wales
Posts: 109
Hi Chaps, I'm also a fan of merrel but I've used teva sandals ever since I wore out my merrels after 7 years hard use.

I use clarks classic desert boot when I need to pack light, they are light, comfortable & pass as smart with anything from jeans to chinos - they also fold flatish.

there is a reason things become a "classic", Crocs are for toddlers & the elderly ... ducks & runs..

regards all

Gren
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 6 Jun 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Essen
Posts: 27
+1 for Teva sandals.

Sent from my GT-I9100G
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 7 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
Most of the teva's have a thick, chunky sole except for the new model which has a much thinner sole and would take up much less space.
The keens give a bit more protection to the top of the foot than the majority of the Teva models.
Also they look a bit dressier if you need to wear them out.

But had a pair of Tevas and they lasted for years.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 7 Jun 2013
rockwallaby's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 120
Redboots wrote:
Quote:
I use Keen Kanyon's. Lashed outside the luggage on the bike and readily available. The toecap was the thing I wanted. First pair lasted 6 years of abuse.
I looked on the site and yes, they do look like exactly what I wish for.
Just need to find a store when I get to France in some weeks.

It's so good to be able to take off your day boots and put on some comfy airy foot ware while pitching le tent avec une glass of wine.
Thanks for posting this little red riding boots
____
Paul
__________________
I have learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 7 Jun 2013
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by rockwallaby View Post
It's so good to be able to take off your day boots and put on some comfy airy foot ware while pitching le tent avec une glass of wine.
Thanks for posting this little red riding boots
IF I was not a "moderated user", I might have taken exception to that, RockWally.

I would suggest you buy Keen's on-line if that's what you want. Be difficult to find and pricey here. The Keen website sell direct.

Oh and I think you will find its: La tente et un verre de vin
Bertrand will be along soon to correct me if it wrong

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 8 Jun 2013
rockwallaby's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 120
Ah, oui, merci mon ami Redboots,
I didn't want to confuse our non French speaking readers too much
Glad we can have some fun here though.

I looked online on the French site, yes you are correct, I'll need to go to Paris where there is a number of stores. I will so not go there.

I'll find a store that sell these or a similar style, but they look to be spot on for what I want, I like the protected toe. They will dry quickly and have reasonable sole or should that be soul

Now, I want to find a une nouvelle tente as well as my 'Go-Sport' €30 special has served well enough on previous trips.
_____
Paul
__________________
I have learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 8 Jun 2013
stephen.stallebrass's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 318
My recommendation, if it's not already been suggested, is the Vibram Five Fingers, lots of different styles available.



Good for walking, climbing, swimming and pack tiny... bit expensive but probably no more than a pair of good trainers.
__________________
www.AdventureVagabond.com Mongolia & Siberia 2012: Adventure Moto Madness
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
F/S: Columbia Trail Shoes (Buenos Aires) deeve007 TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 7 Mar 2012 20:15
solution for flat tyre omar mansour Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 0 29 Feb 2012 17:59

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:04.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top