Their feet have been described as resembling tyres filled with fat. The underside of the foot consists of a hard leathery pad. When the camel places his foot on the ground, it spreads out which acts as a firm base from which to take the next step. They are well designed to deal with sandy environments as the splaying prevents the camel sinking in the soft shifting dunes. In mud however the camel is at a distinct disadvantage and they tend to slip and slide everywhere.
Some camels can learn to manage wet conditions.
Unlike horses, it is impossible to nail on shoes onto the camel's pad. Moccasins have been developed with limited success. These are found in the areas where the camel's body comes into contact with the ground when it is couched i.e., on it knees, stifle, hocks and pedestal. By 12 weeks all its pads are fully developed. This is a large pad situated underneath the camel's stomach to the front, behind the front legs on the sternum.