Birkenstock Arizona EVA is classier, airier, and 44% lighter than Crocs
This content is sponsored by REI Co-op, but the views expressed are my own
Colorful foam clogs may be the camp shoe du jour, but when it comes to Birkenstocks vs Crocs for backpacking… let’s just say that Stocks are rising. To the hoards of Croc-happy hikers we say this: Birkenstock Arizona EVA is significantly lighter weight, airier, classier, and the better camp shoe option for most people on most trips. While neither are ultralight per se, Birks are the clear winner between these two.
For more lightweight camp footwear options sold at REI Co-op, check out Xero Shoes Z Sandals. Compare Crocs and Birkenstocks to more great options in our guide to ultralight sandals.
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Advantages of Birkenstocks vs Crocs
- Lighter weight
- Less bulky to pack
- Allow toes to breath
- Timeless aesthetic
- Adjustable fit
- Better traction
Advantages of Crocs vs Birkenstocks
- Textured footbed
- Heel strap
Similarities of Both
- Price
- EVA foam
- Not ultralight
Expanded Advantages of Birkenstocks vs Crocs
Lighter weight: My pair of men’s size 12 Crocs weigh 14.4 oz, while my pair of men’s size 12 Birkenstock Arizona EVAs weigh 10.0 oz. A women’s size 7 weighed only 3.6 oz. Depending on your shoe size, upgrading to a pair of Birks could save you up a nice little chunk of weight. This is the most functional advantage of Birkenstocks vs Crocs.
Less bulky to pack: Birkenstocks are a bit less bulky to pack than Crocs, and the sandal straps can be compressed to further reduce size. For something even more packable, consider Xero Shoes Sandals.
Allow toes to breath: Hiking is hard on toes. They get sweaty, clammy, swollen, scuffed, and potentially blistered. After a long day on the trail, it feels marvelously to let your tootsies breath. Ergo, the open front of Birkenstocks Arizona EVA is highly preferable to closed-toe Crocs. To take even better care of your feet and reduce blister potential, carry and a foot repair salve daily. This is the biggest comfort advantage of Birkenstocks vs Crocs.
Timeless aesthetic: Crocs might be having a moment in the sun, and they’re especially popular with younger generations. Birkenstocks, on the other hand, have always been elegant, beautiful, and stylish. They elevate the look of any outfit, whether it be a night on the town or a night in the backcountry. For any even more elegant and timeless pair, consider the Cork and Leather Birkenstock Arizona for use outside of backcountry. This is perhaps the clearest advantage in favor of Birkenstocks vs Crocs.
Adjustable fit: Birkenstock Arizona EVA have functional top straps with four adjustment points. They can be tightened or loosened according to the shape of your foot. Crocs cannot be adjusted, and are a poor choice for lower volume feet which will slosh around inside.
Better traction: Okay, so it’s not like either sandal has great traction given that the outsoles are made of foam instead of rubber. That being said, the Birkenstocks have a more aggressive tread that offers marginally better traction. For even more traction, consider minimalist sandals with rubber outsoles, like Xero Shoes Sandals.
Expanded Advantages of Crocs vs Birkenstocks
Bump textured footbed: One design feature about Crocs that’s really nice is the bumpy texture on the footbed. This reduces skin-on-foam surface area contact, increases air flow, and decreases heat and sweat build up. Conversely, the relatively, flat, non-textured footbed of Birkenstocks creates more skin-on-foam contact. While Birkenstocks are cooler and less clammy overall, their underfoot is actually sweatier than Crocs.
Heel strap: The ability of Crocs to go into “sports mode” with the heel strap down is a distinct advantage when comparing Birkenstocks vs Crocs. If you intend to use your sandals for fording rivers, it can prevent your sandals from floating off in the current. However, it’s not very relevant if you’re only using it for a camp shoe, but this might come up from time to time. If you’re serious about fording, just wear your trail running shoes, or consider closed-toe water sandals.
Expanded Similarities of Both
Price: At time of publication, both Crocs and Birkenstock Arizona EVA cost $50.
EVA foam: Both shoes are made from all one material – EVA Foam. EVA stands for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, and is a great choice because it’s lightweight, soft, flexible, and durable. While the version of Arizonas with a cork footbed and leather straps are even more elegant, they’re much heavier and a poor choice for backpacking.
Not ultralight: A number of hyper minimalist sandals exist on the marketplace weighing 1-3 ounces. These set an extremely high bar that neither Birkenstocks nor Crocs meet. For lighter options, check out our guide to ultralight sandals.
Conclusion to Birkenstocks vs Crocs
As a backcountry camp shoe, the choice between Birkenstocks vs Crocs is no choice at all. Go with Birkenstocks! Above all else, the Arizona EVA series is simply much lighter weight than Crocs – 44% by our measurement. And on top of that, they’re better looking, more packable, and let your toes breath. Happy camping!
