Hi All,

I got ION socks below for winter, because I read somewhere on the internet that these should be better than others for windsurfing, since they have minimum rubber elements on top, to interfere with getting in and out of the foot straps

Haven't used them with foot straps yet, but it seems that the rubber sole will still not let you easily slip into and out of the foot straps

Came across interesting opinion here on the topic the www.iwindsurf.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=23642 that says:

"Today I discovered the perfect boot...
its...
any boot with sock over it!"

...that got me thinking - why not use full neoprene socks (without ANY rubber elements, including sole) in winter?

Something like these ones jobesports.com.au/products/300017554-jobe-neoprene-socks
or any other brands / models

What do you think?

Sounds like Atans, but they wear out pretty quick.

I went sailing with a pair of cheap 1mm (or maybe 1.5mm) sock from Amazon. they actually worked really well...only problem with mine... there is little to no traction on the board. there is this 'so called' grippy material on the bottom...but it does nothing of the sort. does the opposite. but the thickness was really nice. offers no protection if you step on a small stone or a lego . but will protect against cuts and scrapes.

one other tip....wahtever you get. makes sure they are not low cut. low cut socks or boots will come off your foot or heel at speed while sailing.

Select to expand quote

skyking1231 said..
I went sailing with a pair of cheap 1mm (or maybe 1.5mm) sock from Amazon. they actually worked really well...only problem with mine... there is little to no traction on the board. there is this 'so called' grippy material on the bottom...but it does nothing of the sort. does the opposite. but the thickness was really nice. offers no protection if you step on a small stone or a lego . but will protect against cuts and scrapes.

one other tip....wahtever you get. makes sure they are not low cut. low cut socks or boots will come off your foot or heel at speed while sailing.

O'Neil split toe booties have a velcro strap over the top.You can tighten it to stop your foot sliding forward ( I've got a big toe issue atm so it's great for that) .
There's no way they'd come off speed sailing.

Select to expand quote

skyking1231 said..
I went sailing with a pair of cheap 1mm (or maybe 1.5mm) sock from Amazon. they actually worked really well...only problem with mine... there is little to no traction on the board. there is this 'so called' grippy material on the bottom...but it does nothing of the sort. does the opposite. but the thickness was really nice. offers no protection if you step on a small stone or a lego . but will protect against cuts and scrapes.

one other tip....wahtever you get. makes sure they are not low cut. low cut socks or boots will come off your foot or heel at speed while sailing.

I also tried those cheap neo sock things for kite-foiling, and didn't like them for various reasons. But I've since gone to using simple cheap socks with a smear of silicone sealant on the bottoms to give traction and make them wear better. Actually work better for allowing feel and movement of feet, compared to the neo socks or proper booties which I also tried.
You could easily do the same on your neo socks. just make a foot-form to stretch it over to hold it straight and spread a thin layer of silicone using a glue-spreader.

I got a couple of models below

- Cressi Tough 3mm Socks
- Rob Allen 3mm Neoprene

Only tried Rob Allen ones so far, which worked really good - warm and don't get stuck in the footstraps like IONs from the top post

Feeling better than bare feet!