Bottom Line
The Feathered Friends Down Booties are a great idea to keep warm at camp. They insulated our feet and kept us warm on frozen ground and in our sleeping bags during an early January camping trip, but they lacked the versatility and reliable fit of other camp shoes we tested and reviewed. They also are not very durable, and we had some issues with the cinch coming out of the boots. We would, however, happily take these down booties along to backcountry hut trips and winter camping trips, no problem.
These booties are one of the more specialized pairs of our favorite camp shoes. We found them to be warmer than other cold-weather options like the North Face ThermoBall Traction Mules V. Thoughtful details include a removable and waterproof shell, so you can wear the clean lining in your sleeping bag for a warmer night. The cinches keep cold, out and the footbed works well for mild forest detritus around camp. They provide great value for those looking to keep warm during trickier weather and peace of mind for those looking to extend their car camping season.
How We Tested
We tested these insulated booties in early January at a campground with freezing nighttime temperatures and frozen ground. While at camp, we tested them continuously over 16 hours. We walked over pine needles and small sticks, rough-housed with our dog, cooked, and even slept in these booties to evaluate their comfort, versatility, support, and durability.
Quick Specs
Feathered Friends Down Booties
Best Down Bootie
CleverHiker Rating: 3.8/5.0
Price: $119
Weight (Pair): 9.2 oz.
Pros
- Cloud-like comfort
- Super warm with 800-fill down
- Weather-resistant shell
- Removable insole
Cons
- Not appropriate for warmer weather
- Not as durable as some
- Expensive
- Foot kept sliding off sole
COMFORT
The Feathered Friends Down Booties offer a confusing mix of comfort. On one hand, they felt like sleeping bags wrapped around our feet. Who doesn’t dream of sinking into their favorite sleeping bag after a long hike? On the other hand, the lack of structure hindered a correct fit and irritated our feet when we tested them at camp.
These booties are easy to slip into and don’t require any break in period. We found no seams or tags that might lead to a blister (though we also wouldn’t recommend taking this for walks long enough to procure a blister). The plush 800 fill power European goose down felt like clouds caressing our unworthy stompers.
At camp, we did normal camp things: flipped patties on the grill, rough-housed with inexhaustible dogs, and walked to the nearest bathroom (and walked away from it as quickly as possible). During these activities, we noticed that the sole – a thin slab of waterproof material – moved around so much that sometimes we stepped on the side of the boot, not the sole. Think of a high school girl wearing Ugg Boots circa 2010.
To be clear, we tightened the cinches and buttoned down the lining to the correct size before testing these in the field. There were no gaps between pant leg and shoe, and the pressure of the ankle cinch was palpable. Regardless, the bootie’s soles would not stay put during basic camp chores, which negatively affected our comfort at camp.
VERSATILITY
The Feathered Friends Down Booties are more specialized camp shoes than many we tested and reviewed. They excel for their intended use – keeping feet toasty at camp in cold temperatures – but rate poorly for versatility.
The sole is thin, thin, thin – even compared to the minimalist Xero Shoes. At camp, we found they provided adequate protection from pine needles, small sticks, and other campside detritus we walked on regularly. We were a bit worried about taking these through the campground to the bathroom, but they did just fine. However, we wouldn’t trust them for more demanding uses. This is not the camp shoe for summer backpacking trips, water crossings, or anything more than short wanders around camp.
SUPPORT
Similarly, we do not recommend the Feather Friends Down Booties if you are looking for a supportive camp shoe. Classic camp shoes have a rigid sole and tough heel to provide stability and cradle the delicate curves of our tired, achy feet. In contrast, these insulated booties have zero real support with almost non-existent soles that offer more of a barefoot feeling in camp.
We tested these after a meandering 6-mile day after walking in unsupportive shoes that left our arches achy and tight. The down booties were not terrible to wear around camp, but we craved the support of the HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides.
DURABILITY
Compared with classic camp shoes, the Feathered Friends Down Booties’ durability is not a strong suit, either. Yes, they withstood a full 16 hours at camp – including time inside our sleeping bag – and came out with minimal impact. We were surprised at their sturdiness, especially because at one point we had a rambunctious dog using our feet as a launchpad for her zoomies.
However, these shoes are not meant to withstand conditions outside of the immediate camp area. Feathered Friends even states, “Our booties were built for warmth, not a marathon, so please use them responsibly.” We have to approach these shoes with the same caution that we would our beloved sleeping bags and puffy jackets.
We also noticed that somewhere along the journey from camp to home, the cinch on the boot opening came out on both booties. We were able to re-string it through the boot but nearly lost the string while unpacking the car.
Feathered Friends offers a lifetime warranty against issues with quality or production. They will not cover normal wear or improper use. Be careful with these insulated booties.
Should You Buy the Feathered Friends Down Booties?
The Feathered Friends Down Booties excel at their specific purpose – keeping feel warm and comfortable at cold-weather campsites. Their feather-light weight (thanks to the down) makes them the lightest, most packable camp shoes on our list of favorites. However, these aren’t the camp shoes to depend on for summertime temperatures or any sort of exploring beyond the campground. We only recommend them for cold weather camping adventures.
What Other Camp Shoes Should You Consider?
The Feathered Friends Down Booties are just one of the best camp shoes. Here are some other great options:
The North Face ThermoBall Traction Mule Review: Thermoballs won’t be as reliable in cold temps – and are significantly heavier – but they’re more versatile insulated camp shoes than the Feathered Friends Down Booties.
Crocs Classic Clog Review: These classical yet contentious clogs offer a lightweight shoe that travels well but can’t hold a candle to Feathered Friends in cold weather
Bedrock Mountain Clog Review: Other clogs can’t match the traction, hike-ability, and protective leather uppers of the Bedrock Mountain Clogs do. These are heavy but excel at car camping and 3-season adventuring.
