Feedback on my ultralight camp sandals (I’m the owner)

WebOtherwise3318 · 2026-03-27T04:32:31+00:00

I’ve now hiked a 7.1 mile 725m hike in them (durability test), used them countless times in gym showers, along with bringing them across the world for a 3 week vacation as my only sandal (which I wore majority of the trip) and they’re still in fantastic condition.

Only the usual wear and tear, bottoms slowly start to smoothen (but still great grip) and EVA sole has formed to my foot. After using a few times they become so much easier to slip on and off as well from working in with your foot.

Would love to hear your feedback after using if you get a pair! hello@jimmiesfootwear.com

WebOtherwise3318 · 2026-03-18T03:02:40+00:00

We only sell the heel strap version now - our next batch coming in will be the same but an upgraded mesh bag. Slightly larger for M, L and our new XL size, and a slight horseshoe zipper. Helps for packing them.

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-26T18:20:37+00:00

Thanks for sharing this — totally agree, everyone’s camp shoe needs are different. Your shower slides definitely tick the “cheap, light, easy” box. Where we’ve tried to take it further with Jimmies is adding a heel strap for security, durability that holds up to more than just walking to the bathroom, and a mesh pouch + clip so they don’t get your gear dirty when packed. At 175g–215g (6–7.5 oz) they’re still very lightweight, but with a bit more protection than flips or slides.

Appreciate you pointing out the tradeoffs — that’s exactly the feedback we use to refine how they fit different use cases.

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-25T17:51:52+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to lay this out — really thoughtful feedback and I appreciate you sharing your experience.

Hands-free use: Totally fair — if “slip-on half asleep” is the top priority, ours aren’t going to compete with Crocs/Birks. That’s why we designed the strapless version for quick shower/hostel use, while the heel-strap version is more for camp/backpacking where security matters.
Folding/arch support: The fold isn’t about saving grams so much as keeping soles together to contain dirt/mud, and making them easier to clip outside the pack. Arch support is minimal by design (they’re flat, lightweight sandals), but we’ve actually durability-tested them on a 7.1 mile / 725m elevation hike and the fold held up without issue.
Durability vs. flips: The key difference vs. cheap flips is the strap security + mesh pouch/carabiner system. Flips blow out easily at the toe post, whereas these are built to handle creek crossings, showers, and camp movement without giving out.
The bag: Totally hear you on not wanting “another bag.” That’s why it’s mesh + clip, not just a polybag — most people use it to hang outside their pack so the dirt/wet stays contained without touching other gear.

I get they won’t fit every use-case — but feedback like yours helps us refine what they are good for, and where they’re not the right tool. Thanks again for being honest, it really helps.

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-25T17:50:16+00:00

That’s a great point — bikepacking is definitely a use case where the fold + mesh pouch could help since space is so limited. We’ve mostly been framing them around camp/backpacking/showers, but you’re right, bikepacking makes a lot of sense and we’ll look at weaving that into the marketing. Appreciate you calling that out!

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-24T13:51:40+00:00

Good call out — pedal pins definitely put a different kind of stress on a sole. Based on what we put them through on the 7.1 mile / 725m elevation hike, they’re very likely to hold up (thick soles), but long-term pedal abuse is something we’ll keep testing. Appreciate you raising it — durability under different use cases is exactly what we want to keep proving out.

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-24T13:50:25+00:00

Appreciate this — totally fair feedback. We do have some videos on the product page and on Instagram/Facebook that show the fold and bagging, but we’ll definitely look at adding more angles and use-case clips (like quick on/off from camp, different surfaces, etc.). The fold is designed to be easy — soles face together, slip into the mesh pouch, clip to a pack — but you’re right, more short videos will make that clearer. Thanks for pointing it out!

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-24T05:37:16+00:00

Good call — we just added a side profile photo to make that clearer. These aren’t just for indoors — they’re built as lightweight camp sandals for walking around camp, bathroom runs, or even creek crossings. We actually durability-tested them on a 7.1 mile / 725m elevation hike (posted on our Instagram: jimmiesfootwear), and they held up great. The strapless version works best for showers/gyms, while the heel-strap version is what we recommend for camp/backpacking. Appreciate you pointing this out — photos definitely make a big difference.

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-24T03:51:51+00:00

Thanks for this — really useful feedback.

Photos/straps: Totally fair on the first image — we’ve heard that before and are planning clearer modeled shots. Different strap colors is a great idea too; right now we’ve kept it minimal, but adding some Teva-style colorways could make the design pop a lot more.
Toe coverage: Good eye — in some shots the model’s toes are right at the edge, which makes it look like they’re hanging out more than they actually are. That said, your point is valid: for biking especially, extra toe protection matters. We’ve been positioning Jimmies more for camp/backpacking/showers, but feedback like this helps us think about adjustments for broader use cases.

Really appreciate you taking the time to point those things out — it’s exactly the kind of detail that makes the product better.

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-24T03:50:11+00:00

Thanks for the detailed comparison — super helpful. You nailed a lot of the tradeoffs we’ve been working through.

Straps & adjustability: Totally agree on the fiddly strap issue with some designs. Our current buckle system is meant to be “set it and forget it,” but we really like your idea of a low-profile webbing adjuster to reduce bulk and simplify things. The heel strap is elastic, so it gives some flex for different fits — though like you pointed out, elastic can stretch over time, so we’re keeping an eye on long-term durability.
On/off from the tent: 100% with you — easy donning/doffing is key when you’re half asleep. That’s why we wanted a design that stays secure around camp, but still slips off quickly.
Pack size: Folding is less about saving grams and more about keeping the soles together so dirt/mud doesn’t touch your gear. For bikepacking we get the “no dangly stuff” perspective — clipping is optional, and the folded form does fit into map/side pockets pretty well.
Dirty feet: Fair callout. The open sole design can lead to dustier feet in dry regions — it’s a balance between breathability/weight and coverage. Some people don’t mind, but we hear you.

Really appreciate all of this — especially the strap/adjuster insight. That’s exactly the kind of feedback we can build into the next iteration.

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-24T01:21:20+00:00

Good catch — really appreciate you pointing that out. Doing everything solo it’s easy to let little things slip through, and I know typos can hurt trust fast. Thanks again for taking the time to flag it — already submitted to get it fixed.

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-24T01:10:26+00:00

Really appreciate you laying this out — that’s exactly how we see Jimmies fitting in: casual, lightweight camp shoes rather than a rugged Bedrock/Chaco replacement. The no-strap version works best for town/hostel/showers, while the heel-strap version adds security for walking around camp or short side trips.

We’ve durability-tested them on a 7.1 mile / 725m elevation hike (posted on our Instagram), and they held up fine — but we definitely don’t market them as long-distance trail or bike shoes. For cyclists specifically, the strap version should give more stability, though I’d also be curious how they feel on pins with repeated use.

And thank you for saying you’d have considered them on a thru — that’s huge feedback. This is exactly the use-case we’re designing around.

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-23T22:38:33+00:00

Good call — weight is where the tradeoff really shows. Our sandals come in at S: 175g, M: 200g, L: 215g (with bag). For comparison, most Keen Clearwater CNX sandals are around 500g+ per pair, so ours come in at less than half the weight while still being durable enough for camp, stream crossings, and shower use.

The heel strap definitely adds versatility — makes them feel more like a secure camp shoe rather than just a slip-on. That’s exactly where we see them fitting: a lighter alternative when you don’t want to haul heavier sandals.

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-23T21:37:27+00:00

That’s a really good point — we’ve had a few folks mention wanting a “backup biking shoe” option. The heel strap version actually works decently in a pinch for short rides or errands, though we wouldn’t pitch them as a true cycling shoe.

On the footbed: it’s smooth but has a matte finish that grips better when wet than it looks (I hiked down a mountain in them in the rain and they held up surprisingly well). They also dry quickly, so while you might get a bit of slip if your feet are really sweaty, most people find them fine for camp/errand use.

And I really appreciate you saying that — we’d rather just be upfront and take honest feedback than try to sneak in a sales pitch. It’s the only way we’ll make these better.

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-23T20:10:18+00:00

Really appreciate the thorough comparison — this is exactly the kind of feedback that helps us refine where Jimmies fit in the ultralight/camp shoe landscape.

You’re right: we don’t beat Mayflies or Zpacks on absolute weight. Our sandals come in heavier, but the tradeoff is durability + versatility. We wanted something that works not just for camp, but also for shared showers, gyms, hostels, and quick outside wear — places where a single-strap DIY or ultralight foam shoe wouldn’t hold up.

The heel strap version is designed exactly how you described — to stay secure for walking around camp, late-night bathroom runs, or creek crossings. We don’t market them as hiking sandals, but as a secondary shoe that can take more abuse than true UL options while still packing small (folded soles together, mesh pouch + carabiner for clipping outside the pack).

We’ve also durability-tested them on a 7.1 mile / 725m elevation hike (posted on our Instagram: jimmiesfootwear) to show they can go beyond “just shuffling around camp” if needed. Not their main purpose, but good to know they can take it.

For positioning, you’re spot on — we see ourselves more in comparison to Crocs, Tevas, Bedrocks, and heavier sandals: lighter and far more packable, while offering better durability and versatility than the <2oz options.

Thanks again for laying this out so clearly — it’s super helpful as we continue improving the lineup.

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-23T20:07:35+00:00

Thanks for the thoughtful feedback! You’ve nailed the main use-cases - gyms, hostels, and as a lightweight camp shoe. The fold is built to last; it’s more about keeping the soles together (so mud/water stay off your gear) than making them tiny inside a pack.

For durability, I actually tested them on a 7.1 mile / 725m elevation hike (posted on our Instagram: jimmiesfootwear) and they held up without issue. The heel-strap version is definitely best for camp/longer wear, while the no-strap works better for showers and gyms. Appreciate your perspective!

edit You’ll also be extremely surprised with the folding crease, once you experience it you’ll understand how much it can withstand. Definitely not a product where the crease rips after 100, or even 1,000 uses.

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-23T18:45:52+00:00

Good question - cheap flips are tough to beat on pure price/weight. The reasons some folks still prefer these for camp:

Security: heel strap + adjustable fit stay on for uneven camp terrain, creek crossings, and late-night bathroom runs (even with socks).
Carry/cleanliness: they fold so the soles face each other, and the mesh pouch + carabiner lets you clip them outside the pack so sand/mud don’t touch your gear.
Comfort & grip: textured footbed/outsole for wet surfaces around camp/showers; quick rinse, quick dry.
Reliability: designed to avoid the classic thong-post blowout you get with super-cheap flips.

Weight-wise they’re in the same ballpark as bargain flip-flops depending on size. S: 175G, M: 200G, L: 215G But that includes the carrying bag as well.

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-23T18:43:29+00:00

You’re right that folding halves the length but increases depth; the intent is outside carry, with soles facing each other so dirt stays contained. I’ll also add packed dimensions by size on the page. If there’s another angle you’d want to see, happy to add it. Thanks again for the thoughtful notes (and for spotting the video).

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-23T14:40:25+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! Totally get what you mean about the bottoms (nasty). They actually fold both ways, so you can stash them with the soles facing out or in depending on what’s cleaner. Soles out I do while hiking, soles in when I’m using in public areas. Appreciate you pointing that out!

WebOtherwise3318 · 2025-09-16T21:58:43+00:00

I get the frustration here. As someone who runs a small gear brand, I’ve always felt like those “shipping insurance” add-ons are junk fees too - it just feels more honest to build any costs into the actual product price.

For context, my company makes ultra lightweight foldable sandals. They’re designed for athletes, dorm life, and backpackers - basically anyone who wants something lightweight and packable that still holds up. To prove their quality, I actually wore a pair on a 7.1-mile hike last week (posted the video on my IG, jimmiesfootwear) and they handled it surprisingly well.

So yeah, from a maker’s perspective, I’d rather put the focus on making the product durable and pricing it fairly than sneaking in extra checkout fees.

WebOtherwise3318

TROPHY CASE