Hi Folks, any suggestions for good booties for kiting? I picked up another nasty gash on my heel at Woodies yesterday :-(. My primary concern with booties is them sticking in the bindings when I crash (a fairly common occurrence) and twisting my little princess legs where they shouldn't twist ;-).

I have been using these for years and have never cut my feet up. Using bindings, you may be better using a type that extends above the ankle more.

www.ripcurl.com.au/mens/wetsuits/accessories.html

I have the Rip Curl flash bomb (bit like these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rip-Curl-FLASH-Split-WBOXIF/dp/B0094RSB7Y)

Split toe means less space for water inside. The strap across the top of the foot stops much water living inside and the strap on the ankle sort of stops them rolling down your ankles. Long ankles helps to stop them falling off when you body drag along (intentionally or otherwise)

Mine are fairly thin soles so you still have a decent level of feel (enough so that after a week you forget there is a difference). I haven't noticed any difference between skin and boots in getting my feet out of the bindings although they are a little stickier putting your feet in.

YMMV

I got a pair of Xcel split toe boots before going to Fiji this winter.

Perfect.

I now use them all the time. Just in case.

Thanks Guys, appreciated.

Another vote for the Ripcurl split toe boots. Also used them in Fiji and never had any problems with them Into or out of the footstraps. The thin but tough soles give you plenty of feel too.

+1 for Rrrrriiip Curl booties, had mine from surfing days so maybe 10 years old. separate straps over foot and over ankle so no water gets in. grips well with a waxed board and the sole is nice and thin and strong. Dont buy crap booties. The mystic booties I had filled with water, the straps broke after a few months and now has holes.

I wear booties with a springsuit in summer so while I might look like a bit of a dick (who cares) its better than sea urchin spikes or cutting your feet on reef.
booties also good with bindings, just loosen them a bit as you have the extra grip.

not sure I can go back to barefoot anymore unless completely sand bottom.

I got me some O'Neill ninja booties,
they're the best because they don't have an over foot strap,
those over foot straps push on the board straps and they hurt