Arc'teryx Kragg Shoe
The Arc'teryx Kragg Shoe delivers slipper-like comfort with real trail performance. Made from stretchy Spacermesh upper, it weighs 320 grams in size 11.5 and features a collapsible heel that converts to slide mode. Vibram Megagrip outsole grips surfaces from gravel to wet rock. TPU overlays and thick rubber protect the toe box and high-wear zones.
At $160, the Arc'teryx Kragg Shoe costs more than slides or flip-flops but delivers actual trail capability. I bought these to replace my slides and wear them around the house or when traveling. The roomy fit works perfectly for my wide feet. This is my first Arc'teryx shoe with the comfort fit feature, and I recommend buying a half-size larger because it doesn't run true to size.
The elastic gore maintains a secure fit during movement. The rear pull tab makes slipping them on effortless. The bio-based foam insole cushions feet better than any slides I've owned. No laces means faster on and off than traditional shoes.
Spacermesh Upper Beats Standard Materials
Spacermesh uses a single-layer stretchy knit that wraps feet like a sock. The material breathes better than leather or synthetic uppers found on typical approach shoes. My feet stay cool wearing these around the house or on quick store runs.
The stretch fabric conforms to wide feet without pressure points. Standard approach shoes with rigid uppers squeeze wider feet uncomfortably. The Kragg accommodates my foot shape naturally. The sock-like fit eliminates the need for break-in time.
TPU overlays reinforce high-stress areas without adding bulk. The thick rubber covering protects toes from impacts. The sidewalls shield feet from scrapes on rocky terrain.
Antimicrobial treatment reduces odors. I wear these without socks constantly. The treatment keeps them fresh even when used sockless. Better odor control than standard slides or flip-flops after weeks of use.
How Does the Collapsible Heel Work?
The heel stomps down to create instant slide mode. Push your heel in to secure the shoe for walking. Collapse it for easy slip-on use around the house. This dual-mode function replaces both slides and approach shoes in my gear.
The collapsible mechanism withstands repeated use. After months of daily heel stomping, the structure maintains its shape. Cheap slides lose their form quickly. The Kragg's construction quality matches that of other Arc'teryx products, like the tough Micon 16 Backpack.
Post-hike relief on the drive home: The plush foam cushions sore feet after trail running or hiking in the Acrux TR GTX boots. The collapsible heel makes switching from hiking boots to recovery shoes effortless in the parking lot. Better comfort than keeping boots on for the drive.
The rear pull tab helps get the shoe on. Grab it and slide your foot in without bending over. Small detail that improves daily usability. Works well when carried in the Index Gear Organizer or other travel gear.
Vibram Megagrip Outsole Performance
Vibram Megagrip grips wet surfaces better than standard rubber. The shallow lugs work on mixed terrain without collecting mud. I use these for quick walks to the store on rainy days. The traction prevents slipping on wet pavement.
The outsole thickness provides cushioning without sacrificing ground feel. Not as thick as trail running shoes but more substantial than slides. The balance works perfectly for casual use and light trail duty.
Durability exceeds flip-flops or slides by miles. The Vibram rubber shows minimal wear after months of daily use. Cheap slides wear through in weeks. The Kragg justifies the $160 price solely on the basis of longevity.
Sizing and Fit for Wide Feet
The Arc'teryx Kragg Shoe runs small compared to other Arc'teryx footwear. Buy a half-size larger than your normal size. I typically wear 11.5 in most shoes, but I should have ordered 12 in the Kragg. The comfort fit feature creates a roomier toe box, but sizing up prevents toe pressure.
The roomy fit accommodates wide feet without pinching. Many technical shoes squeeze wide feet uncomfortably. The Kragg's stretchy upper expands to fit naturally. First Arc'teryx shoe I've owned that works well for wider feet out of the box.
The elastic gore adjusts to changes in foot volume throughout the day. Feet swell slightly during activity. The gore maintains a secure fit without being tight. Better than laced shoes that require readjustment.
When I Reach for the Arc'teryx Kragg Shoe
Around the house: These replaced my slides completely. The grippy outsole prevents slipping on smooth floors. The protective toe cap guards against stubbing toes on furniture. The breathable upper keeps feet cool indoors. Slide mode makes bathroom trips easy at night.
Travel: Pack these instead of bulky sneakers or slides. They weigh 320 grams per shoe in size 11.5. Lighter than most casual shoes. Slip-on design speeds through airport security. The protective features work for walking around new cities. Organize them with the Rho Glove in your travel bag. Pair well with the Word Toque for casual travel outfits.
Quick store runs: The Kragg handles short errands better than slides or flip-flops. Real traction and toe protection without the hassle of lacing hiking boots. Transitions from house to car to store seamlessly in slide mode.
Post-activity recovery: After snowboarding sessions in the Sabre LT, the Kragg provides immediate foot relief. The cushioned insole soothes feet compressed in snowboard boots all day. The collapsible heel makes getting in and out of the car easy. I just ordered the high-top insulated Kragg version specifically for snowboarding trips.
Casual wear: The Black, Arctic Silk, and Canvas colorways work with jeans or casual pants. Better aesthetics than flip-flops or slides for running errands. The subtle Arc'teryx branding looks sharp without screaming outdoor gear. Pair with the Classic Beanie for a complete casual Arc'teryx outfit.
Arc'teryx Kragg Shoe vs. Regular Slides
The Kragg costs $160, whereas quality slides cost $30-50. The price difference buys actual performance. Vibram outsole, protective toe cap, antimicrobial treatment, and real cushioning justify the premium for daily wear.
Durability alone makes the Kragg worthwhile. Slides wear out in months with daily use. The Kragg maintains performance after similar timeframes. Better long-term value despite higher initial cost.
Real toe protection prevents injuries. Stubbing toes in slides hurts. The Kragg's rubber toe cap absorbs impacts. A small feature that matters in daily household use.
The bio-based foam insole provides superior comfort. Slides use cheap foam that flattens quickly. The Kragg's cushioning maintains support. Noticeable difference during extended wear.
Worth $160?
For slide/flip-flop replacement with actual performance, yes. The Arc'teryx Kragg Shoe delivers comfort that matches slides while adding trail-worthy features. The roomy fit works well for wide feet. The collapsible heel provides versatility that single-purpose shoes lack.
For approach shoe use exclusively, maybe not. True approach shoes offer stiffer soles and a more aggressive grip for technical terrain. The Kragg prioritizes comfort over climbing performance, making it better suited for recovery and casual use than as a primary approach shoe.
For frequent travelers who want one versatile shoe, absolutely. The lightweight design, slip-on convenience, and real performance make it ideal for trips. Replaces both casual shoes and flip-flops in luggage. Worth the weight and cost for multi-use capability.
Better for comfort: Kragg Shoe
Better for technical approaches: Traditional approach shoes
Better for extreme cushioning: Trail running shoes
Better for budget: Standard slides
Remember to size up half a size, especially with wide feet. The comfort fit helps, but doesn't compensate for the small sizing. I'm ordering the insulated version in size 12 for snowboarding trips this winter.
Specs
Model: Kragg Shoe
Weight: 320g (size 11.5 per shoe)
Material: Spacermesh upper (stretchy knit), TPU overlays, Vibram rubber protection
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
Insole: Bio-based foam (50% bio-based PU compound)
Fit: Comfort fit (roomy, especially in toe box) - size up half a size
Features: Collapsible heel, elastic gore, no laces, antimicrobial treatment, rear pull tab
Sizes: US Men's and Women's sizing
Colors: Black, Copper Sky, Canvas, Mars, Arctic Silk, Nightscape, Euphoria, Vitality/Black
Price: $160 USD
Best for: Casual wear, house shoes, travel, post-activity recovery, light trails
Not ideal for: Technical climbing approaches, extreme weather, formal occasions
Sizing note: Runs small - buy half-size larger than normal
Related models: Kragg Insulated Shoe (high-top version), Kragg Multi Shoe
Find current availability at Arc'teryx.
