|

Tropicfeel Shoes Review: Most Versatile Travel Shoes?

Kumano Kodo

Tropicfeel shoes are designed with travelers in mind and can handle a variety of environments. Whether exploring the outdoors, discovering a new city, or just relaxing on the beach, these shoes are a versatile choice to help you make the most of your travels.

As a traveler, you’ll likely spend a lot of time on your feet, so it’s essential to have good shoes that will keep you comfortable and help you avoid blisters and sore feet. However, packing multiple pairs of shoes for different activities can be impractical, which is where Tropicfeel shoes shine. They are suitable for light hikes, beach days, bike rides, and exploring new cities.

This review will explore the features that make Tropicfeel a unique and innovative brand and how these shoes can enhance your travel experience.


Tropicfeel Shoes Review

Tropicfeel Canyon Shoes

Price: $125-$159 (Model Dependent | Weight: 14 oz. | Materials: Recycled Nylon/Recycled Elastane

Pros

  • Versatile 
  • Various Colors/Styles
  • Water Capabilities
  • Breathability
  • Machine Washable
  • Comfortable
  • Great Quality

Cons

  • Mesh Pattern Allows Dirt/Dust
  • Thin Insole
  • Lacks Normal Shoe Laces
  • Not For Serious Adventures

Tropicfeel Shoes


Quick Overview of Tropicfeel Shoes

Tropicfeel Shoes In Various Styles

Tropicfeel has expanded its line of shoes in only a couple of years. There are now seven shoe styles that all come in various colorways. All the shoes carry the same principle, simple shoes ready for travel and made with sustainable materials. There are two primary lines in their collection, weatherproof and water-friendly.

Water-friendly is where the company started, and they have six various styles of these shoes. These water-friendly shoes are great for traveling to tropical destinations and activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. The water-friendly line includes the Canyon, Jungle, Lava, Monsoon, Dune, and Sunset. The Geyser is Tropicfeel’s latest variety, their new “weatherproof” shoe. It’s a travel sneaker with recycled wool and a waterproof membrane to keep your feet comfortable during inclement weather.

Tropicfeel Shoes


First Impressions

Tropicfeel Jungle Shoes

The appearance of the Tropicfeel shoes gives you a clue to their versatility and style. They look pretty sharp for a pair of shoes made for the water. On close inspection, the shoes utilize a lot of mesh, foam, and rubber. Lightweight and with a minimalist appearance, the shoes bring together a nice blend of casual and athletic. They’ll look right at home on the trail but are perfectly suitable for urban use and don’t give off an “on the way to the gym” vibe.

Water capabilities are a clear priority, with the mesh sidewalls and soles designed to dry quickly. Rubber soles have a nice blend of styles that should help provide traction on several surfaces. There are various styles to pick from, the two most famous being the Monsoon and the Canyon.

I prefer the stylings of the Canyon, an ankle-cut sneaker, but some may prefer the low-cut Monsoon. If you like color, there are brighter options like green or aqua. Those who prefer subtler shades will be happy with traditional black or gray shoes. For our tests, we chose Canyon Night Blue and Monsson Sage Green.

Tropicfeel Shoes


Performance of Tropicfeel Shoes

Wearing Tropicfeel Shoes While driving a motorbike in Siargao
Riding Around The Philippines in Our Tropicfeel Shoes

The biggest question is whether Tropicfeel holds up to the rigors of the road. Well, the answer is yes. Of course, there are a few downsides (more on that later), but by and large, these shoes have great reviews from many travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. They’re impressive as shoes for coastal destinations. I loved the shoes on our trip to Siargao in the Philipines, where I could comfortably drive a motorbike before cliff diving off rough rocky outcroppings.

Cameron Jumping Off A Cliff In The Philippines Wearing Tropicfeel Shoes
Cliff Jumping in Tropicfeels

With regular use, they held up well as daily drivers. It took around 180 days of wear for the shoes to start showing signs of age, and this is while handling saltwater, rocks, and generally rough conditions. They work as casual shoes for errands around town or for working out comfortably. I have done a light run in them, but they lack the correct ergonomics for more serious runs and are too loose. However, they are perfect for a quick workout in the hotel gym!

Tropicfeel Shoes On A Boat
Enjoying our Tropicfeel Shoes on the Boat

They also travel exceptionally well as the shoes are lightweight, flexible, and easily fit in your luggage. This saves room and weight in your bag. A carry-on traveler can easily pack Tropicfeel shoes in their suitcase without fretting over the space.


The Best Use For Tropicfeel Sneakers

Natasha And Cameron In Kyoto After Sushi Making Class
Tasha in her Tropicfeels in Japan, and me with an untied shoelace

Tropicfeel makes some excellent shoes. They feel appropriate for many travel destinations and use at home. Although travelers can particularly appreciate this level of versatility, anyone can benefit from having one pair of shoes with many functions.

It’s tough to pick one best use, but an ideal destination or purpose involves some body of water. They’re great on the boat, canoe, or paddleboard. Or the shoes can help out exploring waterfalls, beaches, or lakes. Since water is the typical breaking point for shoes, this makes them so versatile, especially when they’re comfortable and supply enough support to spend a whole day walking around a city.

  • Comfort: The comfy design makes them a great everyday casual pair of shoes.
  • Durability: They’re sturdy enough to hold up to hours on the trail or travel adventures.
  • Quick Dry: The quick-dry ability makes them a perfect pair of aqua shoes.
  • Style: To top it all off, they’re stylish enough for urban use.

Ideal Travel Destinations for Tropicfeel Shoes

  • Costa Rica
  • Indonesia
  • Italy
  • Florida Keys
  • Greece
  • Brazil
  • Rockies
  • Philippines

Materials in Tropicfeel Sneakers

Bamboo Forest In Kyoto

What makes Tropicfeel suitable for hiking, water, and urban use shoes starts with the materials. You might be surprised to learn that algae are one of the components in Tropicfeel insoles! Yep, you read that correctly. About 8% of the insole is made from harvested algae, according to Tropicfeel, which creates a lighter, more durable, and eco-friendly shoe.

The EVA material in the midsole provides good support and comfort and is made from 20% upcycled material. And to tack on yet another sustainability bonus, it’s estimated that about five recycled plastic bottles are put into each pair. So, not only will you be wearing recycled plastic, but the combination of natural and synthetic materials creates a quick-drying, soft, and flexible shoe. 

Each pair weighs about 7 ounces, which is practically nothing for footwear, especially footwear suitable for extended periods of walking. Whether you’re hiking, doing outdoor yoga, or touring a new city, you can benefit from these shoes’ “light as air” quality. 

Tropicfeel Shoes


What It’s Like To Wear Tropicfeel Sneakers When Traveling?

Cameron In Hong Kong
All Day Comfort in Hong Kong

Of course, everyone’s feet are made differently, so what works for one person might not work for another. However, Tropicfeel has created a super comfortable shoe to treat most wearers well. The super breathable 3D mesh keeps your feet dry and aired out on long walks and allows for super-speedy drying after you go swimming or get caught in a rainstorm. The aqua shoe property also means they’re super easy to wash – throw them in the washing machine, and they’ll come out as clean as when they were brand new.

Cameron In Hong Kong Looks Up To Skyline
Exploring Hong Kong In Our Tropicfeel Shoes

Unlike some urban shoes with flat and slippery soles, Tropicfeel has slip-resistant rubber to keep your footing while hiking on trails or city streets. The cushioned footbed is removable to help fit different foot shapes and sizes. Although most people prefer cushioning, you might have your preferred shoe inserts, which can be put in place instead for better comfort. 

The shoes are slip-on style with a stretchy, elastic-like closure and elastic laces that stay in place on your ankles. For those who like slip-ons, it’s a dream come true. If you prefer regular laces, then the Canyon shoes come with a pair you can interchange! Tropicfeel adds an anti-odor and anti-bacterial treatment. It might be a small touch, but it helps when you’ve been out walking and sweating all day! 

Tropicfeel Shoes


What’s to Love About Tropicfeel sneakers? 

As you can already see, Tropicfeel shoes have many positive qualities going for them in terms of function and style. Below are a few other things we love about the shoes and what sets Tropicfeel shoes apart. 


Sustainability

A Bay In Hawaii

As mentioned in the materials section, Tropicfeel is committed to producing high-quality and environmentally friendly shoes. These shoes also began as a grass-roots project designed by travelers tired of constantly wearing out their sneakers while on the road. With a Kickstarter campaign for initial funding, the brand launched with the support of thousands of travelers. Most travelers already have a few go-to brands they trust for equipment, but sometimes it’s worth branching out to try a new product-especially one with such high reviews from so many travelers! 


Value

Natasha Walking Up Temple Steps On Kumano Kodo

While it’s possible to find pairs of sneakers cheaper than Tropicfeel, chances are you’ll be getting something that will look shabby within a month, probably has relatively poor support, and certainly won’t have the aquatic qualities of Tropicfeel. 

For how durable these shoes are and the versatility of uses, you could argue that they’re a bargain deal. There are plenty of “travel shoes” on the market selling for a lot higher price, which might not even measure up to Tropicfeel in terms of versatility and comfort. Every dollar we save can be used for future travels.


Unique Mesh Bag

Laos

Another exclusive part of getting a pair of Tropcifeel shoes is the unique mesh bag each pair comes in. The simple sack has the Tropicfeel logo on the bottom, black mesh on the top, and a fold-over closure with a buckle. 

Not only is it a great bag for carrying your shoes, but it can also function as a camping gear stuff sack, a laundry sack, or storage for other gear while on the road. The only thing better than a pair of versatile shoes is a pair of versatile shoes with a versatile carrying sack! 


Your Feet Can Breathe!

Bali Waterfalls -Sekumpal Waterfall

If you’re traveling to hot climates like Southeast Asia, it’s beneficial to have breathable footwear that provides support. Walking around a city all day or hiking to a nearby temple are activities where flip-flops aren’t feasible, regardless of how hot and uncomfortable it is to wear close-toed shoes.

Thankfully, the light and airy build of Tropicfeel shoes gives your feet plenty of air to breathe and prevents them from becoming trapped and sweaty while out on adventures. Plus, since they’re also made for aquatic use if the opportunity presents itself, you can always take a dip to cool off without worrying about taking off your shoes!

Tropicfeel Shoes


What’s Not to Love About Tropicfeel?

No gear is perfect, and despite all the great features of Tropicfeel shoes, some things could still use improvement or don’t work for particular travelers. Here are the primary considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether to get a pair of Tropicfeel shoes. 


Lacks Protection

Cameron Hiking The Plain Of Six Glaciers In Banff

They may be light and airy, built for the cold, but they are not. As versatile as Tropicfeel is, the line is drawn at cold and snowy temperatures. If you’re traveling to Sweden in the winter or hiking mountains in South America, you’ll want a different pair of shoes because your feet will get cold quickly. After all, the name is Tropicfeel.

They are made for warm-weather destinations. Nor are they great at rough conditions. They may be great for an easy hike on the trail but not trekking through the jungle. The airy design does little to protect your feet if you’re likely to face rough conditions such as sticks or mud. This was the case until the latest shoe. The Geyser solves many of these problems for cold weather as they’re lined with wool and feature a waterproof exterior. It’s a promising shoe, but we’re unsure if it replaces a boot.


Slip-on Have their Limitations

A Beach In The Philippines

As we mentioned, the personal preference for slip-ons vs. regular lace-ups may affect your overall impression of Tropicfeel shoes. Thankfully, some of their new pairs come with regular laces you can interchange if you’re not a fan of the elastic ones. 

Also, remember that while these shoes will hold up to easy hikes and outdoor activities, they are not a substitute for a sturdy pair of hiking shoes. If you’re going on longer hiking expeditions or planning a two-week thru-hike with extended hours on the trail every day, you’ll need something with more support and structure for your feet and ankles.


Conclusion On Tropicfeel Shoes

Tropicfeel Canyon Shoes

Price: $125-$159 (Model Dependent | Weight: 14 oz. | Materials: Recycled Nylon/Recycled Elastene

Pros

  • Versatile 
  • Various Colors/Styles
  • Water Capabilities
  • Breathability
  • Machine Washable
  • Comfortable
  • Great Quality

Cons

  • Mesh Pattern Allows Dirt/Dust
  • Thin Insole
  • Lacks Normal Shoe Laces
  • Not For Serious Adventures

Tropicfeel Shoes

Defining “the best” when it comes to travel gear is always a tricky business. Each traveler has their preferences and style, which change how effective a piece of equipment or clothing is for the traveler. That being said, Tropicfeel is close to achieving a nice balance of function, style, and comfort. There are drawbacks, but the positive qualities greatly surpass the imperfections in the grand scheme. 

Compared to some shoes marketed for travelers, Tropicfeel is also a very affordable option, especially considering how well they hold up to daily use and the overall scuffs and scrapes of the road. 

Hopefully, as Tropicfeel continues to make new shoes, they will continue to improve on this already great product to meet the needs and wishes of even more travelers. When I’m off to a warm destination, these inevitably end up in my backpack or suitcase.


New Product: TropicFeel Shell Backpack

Cam Creekside Tropicfeel Shell 1
TropicFeel Shell Backpack

The Tropicfeel Shell Backpack markets itself as the ultimate modern-day travel backpack, and we couldn’t agree more. This backpack can easily shift between 22L and 40L quickly. That means you can pack up all your travel belongings, and once you get to your hotel, you can unload the wardrobe system and use it as a daypack. No need to carry little backpacks for groceries or hiking in your suitcase anymore!

The Shell backpack has excellent organization and features detachable accessories. It’s also a fantastic anti-theft backpack that uses Fidlock® security. Its waterproof and sleek design means you can go from urban travel to wilderness adventures in a snap!

Cameron Seagle

Cameron Seagle

Cameron Seagle is one of the principal writers and photographers for The World Pursuit. He is a travel expert that has been traveling the world for the past decade. During this time, he established a passion for conservation and environmental sustainability. When not traveling, he’s obsessed with finding the best gear and travel products. In his free time, you can find him hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering, and snowboarding. His favorite countries are Scotland, Indonesia, Mozambique, Peru, Italy, and Japan. You can learn more about Cameron on The World Pursuit About Us Page.