Ever wish you had the space to stuff comfy camp shoes into your pack or bag? If you’ve ever allowed yourself the luxury of different shoes to slip on after a long day of trekking, cycling or traveling, you know what I’m raving about. Before you start looking for a new pack, give the Timberland Radler Trail Camp Shoes a glance. The Radlers are made from recycled materials and designed by one of the most environmentally responsible outdoor companies around.

Radler Trail Camp Shoes

These unique shoes are super packable and perfect for campers, backpackers, bike commuters and travelers. What makes the Radlers special is that each shoe folds in half and then zips onto itself to form a sort of compact shoe capsule small enough to fit into a jacket pocket or a corner of your bag and weighs only about 8 oz. Just zip a sock inside for the ideal footwear solution. Another clever feature is a small bungee loop on the back of each shoe that allow them to be clipped onto a pack with a carabiner. This is great if you really don’t have the space, or if your shoes are too muddy to be stored next to your clothes.

But I love My Sandals!

Many outdoor enthusiasts use sandals as camp shoes after a hike or as alternative footwear so they don’t have to click around in their cycling shoes all afternoon. However, the Radler offers better traction and coverage than most sandals out there. The cinch-up lace system ensures a snug fit with a nylon upper that has been treated with a water repellent finish making them perfect for 3-season use, unlike sandals which are only really appropriate during the summer. The Radler has no mid-sole and is very low to the ground so you don’t loose many the of minimal design advantages of your flip-flops, and you can get even more low down and dirty if you take out the removable foot-beds. These fleece-lined shoes feel like heaven on Earth after a day in stiff hiking boots, plus the out-soles are made from 42% recycled rubber so you’re doing your feet and the environment a favor.

Zip Boots Coming Soon

People love the Radler Trail Shoe concept so much, Timberland is back for another round, this time with some innovative zip boots. Unlike the Radler shoes, the boots zip together to form one capsule about the size of a water bottle. Once zipped, the lugged rubber bottoms face out and the Primaloft ® insulated uppers face in, both of which contain a high amount of recycled materials. Insulated booties while backpacking are amazing, but I can’t help but hold my breath when I walk around a rugged, muddy camp site sure that the next rock or stick will rip right through the delicate bottom. These Timberland boots appear to have more than enough tread and durability to handle some sticks and rocks. The zip boots are coming in fall 2012, just in time for cool weather camping trips!

Image Credits: InStash.com, Timberland.com, MorgueFile, GearJunkie.com