Whether you call it an après shoe, cabin slipper, or camp slide, nothing beats the feeling of slipping into your happy shoe after a day of outside adventure.
It all started with après ski, the French phrase used to describe the after-ski time spent at the lodge with ski boots unbuckled—or better yet, totally off—as you relax after an epic day of turns on the mountain. Naturally, après hike, après bike, après slack, après SUP, and après snowshoe, etc., followed because it always feels good to dial up the kick-back-and-get-comfy factor after going hard—at anything. Particularly for your feet!
So what exactly makes a good après shoe? We look for three main things: easy on, super comfortable, and ready for the weather (whatever that may be). Check out our selection below to find the perfect way to spoil your feet after your favorite activity.
Whether you’re just getting back to the car after a fast-paced mountain bike ride or you’re hanging up your bike in the garage after ticking off some city miles, a cozy pair of shoes is just what tired feet need. (You know, a comfy pair to slip into while you eat a sandwich, clean off your bike, or just stare at the glorious machine that allowed you to cover 30 miles in three hours.)
Warm-weather bike rides are some of the best. Sun on your skin, beautiful views, no need to pack extra layers. But when you’re done, you just want to unbuckle your cycling shoes, peel off your sweaty socks, and step into total comfort. For those types of rides, check out our UNEEK II slides. Made with a free-moving cord upper and contoured arch support, these open-air slides provide support and cushioning for worn-out feet.
For happy feet after a cold-weather ride, have a look at our Kaci II clogs or Anchorage boots. These slip-ons are insulated for warmth and made of durable leather that holds up to being tossed in the back of the truck ride after ride. Plus, we use ethically sourced leather from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries. They're great out at the cyclocross races too. Just be sure to spray off the race-day mud before putting them on the shoe shelf to ensure that the leather continues to look its best.
Super snug and designed to keep your foot in the ideal position for jamming into cracks and smearing across rock faces, rock climbing shoes are not typically associated with the word “cozy.” Luckily, we have a few comfy shoes that you can easily slip on after a few hours of bouldering or an all-day multi-pitch climb. (Some of us even like to give our feet a break between routes by switching into our favorite KEEN shoes or sandals.)
For colder-weather climbs, pull on a pair of our Greta Chelsea boots or our Targhee III slip-ons. They're equipped with grippy rubber soles for hiking out and lugging your gear back to the car.
For warmer days, let your feet breathe a little in our roomy-fitting Newport slides. The supportive cushioning and protective toe bumper make them ideal for navigating rocky trails or standing around waiting for your turn to belay. For a lighter-weight version that you can easily clip onto a backpack when not in use, check out our Yogui and Shanti clogs. They’re made of molded foam for a super comfy feel.
Camping shoes might be our favorite après shoes, especially when your feet have done all the work to make it to the campsite.
To give feet a little extra TLC and cushioning after walking in hiking boots for miles, we love bringing along lightweight hybrid sandals with arch support. They're easy to strap onto the outside of your backpack with a carabiner and won't add much extra weight. Plus, they're great for heading to the nearest creek to soak those hard-working feet in some icy water (or hot springs if you're really lucky).
For colder evenings, just throw on a pair of merino wool socks and rock that socks and sandals look.
In winter you’re likely to find us pulling on our snow gear and ski boots to enjoy powdery days on the mountain. From snowboarding to split boarding, and downhill to cross-country skiing — we’re all-in when the snow starts to arrive. If you’re heading out for a day on the hill or in the backcountry, remember to pack a pair of cozy après shoes for some sweet relief when the snow day is done.
After your last run of the day, get a fire going in the woodstove, pour yourself a warm beverage, and slip into a pair of Howser shoes. One of our bestsellers for a reason, our Howser slip-ons for men, women, and kids provide cozy comfort with an inside/outside sole. If you want a little extra height to keep snow out, check out the new Howser Fold-Down.
Whatever the activity, we have a shoe, sandal, or boot to keep feet cozy and comfortable after a jam-packed day of outdoor adventure. Got a favorite KEEN après shoe for your go-to hobby? Let us know in fan reviews on our product pages!
