My local is a rocky point break, after this weekend I have another couple of bad cuts to my feet from either walking over rocks to jump in or standing up on them after a wipeout or even just walking over them to get out of the water.

Im thinking about getting a thin pair of lightweight surf booties to protect the feet, I dont really get cold feet in the winter so thats not the issue.

Anyone got a pair or have used a pair, any pros and cons or tips on brands,models. What about fit, as Im concerned that if they are too loose they will be a pain when popping up.

I surfed in a pair to help with a Brocken toe. I got told to get a size too small. To be honest I wish I hadn't. They are too tight. But good to surf in

I surfed in a pair to help with a Brocken toe. I got told to get a size too small. To be honest I wish I hadn't. They are too tight. But good to surf in

Stuk these are the ones I use mate they are oneill $25 a pair from Sideways surf I use them mainly in winter on the 666 but also great for rock fishing etc they are grippy as cheers Boof

I have the same as Boofy and love them (or as much as you can love booties)

Must have a split toe...make sure you try lots of brands to make sure you get a really snug fit with no rubbing. They do stretch a little - maybe half a size at most from my experience.

i heard if you buy two thermos, a knee type leggie, paddle gloves and a biku sticker, you get a pair of booties free

Had the same problem Stuk , getting cut toes on reef breaks .

Since been wearing these ones all summer , even on the 666 ,


Ted is on the money make sure you get split toes , and be careful some of the brands are real pains to get on and off .have a couple of pairs hanging in the cupboard which have only been worn once for that reason

Got these off surf stitch I think they were about 70 bucks but it was money well spent .
Also have the advantage of wearing them all winter for warmth

Why get a split toe?

I've used single toe booties for years, since my employers questioned the amount of sickies I had from sea urchin spines, from a particularly good reef break. I don't really notice the difference from bare feet while surfing. (I can't surf anyway.)
I also have contractures on my feet which made the walk over conglomerate rock tortuous. Booties are a godsend for this.

On another angle. I recently got a pair of Five Fingers Aquas. Now there's split toes for you. They stick like ** to a blanket. To the point that you can't drag your toes in the pop up. Bit slippery on wet smooth rocks though.

Yep those O'Neil split toes are the ants pants,make sure they are a snug fit as the other guys have mentioned,they give you a better feel.

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62mac said...
Yep those O'Neil split toes are the ants pants,make sure they are a snug fit as the other guys have mentioned,they give you a better feel.

eat some concrete qld'r

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Ted the Kiwi said...
I have the same as Boofy and love them (or as much as you can love booties)

Must have a split toe...make sure you try lots of brands to make sure you get a really snug fit with no rubbing. They do stretch a little - maybe half a size at most from my experience.

Thanks all for the input. Boofy/Ted would you say get the same size as your normal shoe size or a size smaller.

Stu I can not see what size my booties are as the tag is gone - I removed it as soon as I liked them. Just try several types on at the store as you will quickly get an idea of what ones fit and don't....then just make sure they are snug as Mac says. You will get the idea really which ones suit your feet shape. From memory the FCS ones are a similar fit whilst the Rip Curl ones felt a bit longer and slender to me.

Beer dead the idea of the split toe is to give you a more natural feel , more like being in bare feet , so gives you better control of the board . same theory as having the thumb separate in a set of gloves . Saying that some people hate split toes .

Stuk I only wear rip curl booties mine are size 9 and I normally wear size 8 shoes .
But different brands different sizes .
Young fellow has a set of ONeils size 6 he wears size 1 shoes

this topic is just a front for some weird rubber fetish.

bring out the gimp

Thanks all, I was going to buy online but going off whats been said I think I'll go in shop and try different brands and see which suits best.

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stuk said...
Thanks all, I was going to buy online but going off whats been said I think I'll go in shop and try different brands and see which suits best.

Smart move.

I waer the ripcurl fireskin 3mm ones in winter and the peak ankle ones in summer....I got sick of stubbing my toes and cutting my feet so unless I am surfing a beachie its booties all the time for me...summer ones have split toes and the winter ones have an internal split toe...not much differnce IMO once you get used to them its all good

Mine are the Ripcurl core 1.5 mm (i think) and in a 9. I normally would wear a 9.5 and i feel they keep working my heel up the back. I constantly have to re-adjust them and my toes hurt like heel. In the shop though they did feel a bit small but i was told they'd feel better in the water..[}:)]

I'll be buying a bigger pair for winter

Just double checked after reading your post JB , my rip curl flash bomb and rubber soul definitely size 9 s and both fit me snug as .
Guess it just reinforces what everyone has been saying try before you buy .

Tux I don't get on to well with the internal toes , trip / stumble / fall off . Probably just means I am a clumsy prick , or maybe it is all pschylogcal . Don't know but I like the split toes .

Other people I know hate the feel of the split toes between their toes ,

Pffffffft ...... Fark the booties mr simgromdo is getting a new board and it should be a wicked sweet thing of Vicco desire