#6 on this list
Arizona Essentials EVA
Birkenstock
The Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA translates the iconic two-strap anatomical sandal into a one-piece, waterproof molded EVA design. Weighing approximately 8 ounces per pair and retailing for around $50, this model has earned a devoted following among backpackers and weekend campers looking for orthopedic support without the water sensitivity or weight of traditional cork-and-leather footwear. Unlike traditional Birkenstocks, the EVA version is completely immune to water, mud, and river soakings. It washes clean with a splash of water and dries almost instantly. The molded footbed provides substantial arch support, a deep heel cup, and a pronounced toe bar, giving tired feet familiar structural relief after miles spent inside flat trail runners. Furthermore, the dual wide straps accommodate thick wool camp socks with ease. The main drawback stems from the nature of molded EVA foam. While it delivers excellent lightweight shock absorption, it offers minimal grip on wet, mossy river rocks or steep muddy banks. In addition, leaving these sandals exposed to high ambient heat or direct sunlight—such as inside a hot vehicle or baking on a rock—can cause the EVA material to shrink and warp permanently. **Highlights** - Ultralight one-piece molded EVA construction (around 8 oz per pair) - Built-in anatomical arch support and deep heel cup - Fully waterproof, washable, and quick to dry - Dual-strap design accommodates thick socks easily - Very accessible price point around $50 **Watch-outs** - Sole can be slick on wet, smooth surfaces - Susceptible to shrinking and warping if left in intense direct heat - Rigid sole shape makes them awkward to compress in a small pack
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#7 on this list
evo Cairn
Bedrock
The Bedrock evo Cairn represents one of the most capable adventure sandals ever designed for backcountry foot travel. Weighing 13.6 ounces per pair, the Cairn strips away all excess bulk while retaining a heavy-duty Vibram outsole and an ultra-secure, patented strap system. It is favored by long-distance hikers and river travelers who need a camp shoe capable of handling technical trail miles when primary boots fail. The standout feature of the Cairn is its lock-down fit. Using a three-point adjustment setup anchored by a climbing-spec metal ladder-lock hook, the sandal keeps your heel firmly centered, virtually eliminating forward slide on steep descents. The Vibram sole provides dependable traction over greasy mud and slick granite, allowing backpackers to wear them confidently during challenging stream fords without switching back to boots afterward. While packable and exceptionally durable, the Cairn does demand trade-offs. The between-the-toe thong layout means you cannot slip them over regular wool socks on cold evenings unless you carry specialized split-toe socks. Furthermore, the firm, zero-drop platform offers minimal plush cushioning, which may not appeal to hikers seeking soft, pillowy relief at the end of a 20-mile day. **Highlights** - Vibram outsole delivers exceptional traction on wet and dry terrain - Patented three-point strap system provides rock-solid foot stability - Low-profile design packs remarkably flat against pack gear - Completely non-absorbent materials dry in minutes - Proven durability under long-distance thru-hiking conditions **Watch-outs** - Thong post prevents wearing standard socks in cool weather - Zero-drop footbed is stiff with little soft cushioning - Premium price compared to basic foam sandals
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Arizona Essentials EVA | evo Cairn |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (Pair) | Approximately 8 oz (varies by size) | — |
| Primary Material | One-piece injection-molded EVA foam | — |
| Retail Price | Around $50 | — |
| Closure Type | Dual adjustable plastic pin buckles | — |
| Water Resistance | Fully waterproof and non-absorbent | — |
| Footbed Profile | Anatomical arch support with deep heel cup | — |
| Weight | — | 13.6 oz per pair (women's 8 / men's 7) |
| Footwear Style | — | Minimalist adventure sandal |
| Outsole Material | — | Vibram rubber compound |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | — | 0 mm (zero-drop platform) |
| Closure System | — | Patented three-point webbing adjustment |
| Primary Focus | — | Camp relaxation and technical river travel |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Arizona Essentials EVA
- Significantly lighter than traditional cork Birkenstocks at around 8 oz per pair
- Pronounced arch support and deep heel cup provide structured recovery for tired feet
- Completely waterproof material rinses clean and dries in minutes
- Dual adjustable straps easily accommodate thick wool camp socks
- Shallow foam outsole lacks traction on wet, mossy, or steep terrain
- EVA material shrinks and deforms permanently if exposed to intense heat
- Rigid footbed takes up substantial volume when lashed to a pack
evo Cairn
- Vibram outsole provides unmatched traction on slick riverbeds and trails
- Three-point strap system completely locks the foot to prevent slipping
- Low-profile silhouette packs flat against the inside or outside of a pack
- Non-absorbent synthetic materials dry almost instantly in the sun
- Exceptional durability with factory resoling options available
- Thong post prevents wearing standard wool socks in cold weather
- Firm, zero-drop footbed offers minimal plush recovery cushioning
- Substantially higher price point than conventional foam camp slides
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.