Canvas shoes and tropical shoes: what are they, and should you take them on your trip or not?

What are canvas shoes or tropical shoes?

• A tropical shoe is a shoe suitable for warm, humid, and often muddy conditions in tropical regions.
• Tropical shoes are often made of canvas: a sturdy woven fabric that is relatively light, breathable, and quick-drying.
• Canvas shoes come in all kinds of varieties:
  • low-top sneakers.
  • lightweight hiking shoes.
  • slip-ons.
  • military tropical shoes.
  • simple fabric travel shoes.
• They are widely used by travelers because they are lightweight, dry quickly, and take up little space. For many travelers, canvas shoes are therefore a practical middle ground between flip-flops and heavy hiking boots.

Why are tropical shoes often made of canvas?

• Canvas shoes breathe easily, allowing heat and perspiration to be wicked away faster than with many leather shoes.
• Additionally, canvas shoes usually dry relatively quickly after a monsoon shower or after washing.
• As a result, they often remain more comfortable in warm and humid climates than heavy leather shoes.

What can you use canvas shoes or tropical shoes for when traveling and backpacking?

• For traveling in warm and humid areas.
• For city trips in tropical countries.
• For light walks.
• For daily backpacking.
• For scooter or bicycle trips.
• For trips where you prefer lightweight shoes.
• They are usually less suitable for:
  • strenuous mountain hikes.
  • prolonged rain and mud.
  • cold climates.
  • technical terrain.

When should you take canvas shoes or tropical shoes with you on a trip or while backpacking?

• When traveling to warm and humid areas: often recommended.
• For other trips: they are generally easy and lightweight travel shoes.

Where can you buy canvas shoes or tropical shoes locally when traveling?

• Canvas shoes are available almost everywhere worldwide:
  • at markets.
  • in shoe stores.
  • in sports shops.
  • in backpacking towns.
  • in major cities.
  • on tourist islands and beaches.
• In warm countries, you can often find cheap local variants that can be handy as spare or temporary travel shoes.