... After 2 sessions in a row my feet already have holes in them on top of my big toes. I honestly reckon the stock Drake/starboard footstraps with the iSonics are the most uncomfortable footstraps ever made. I've put up with it for a few seasons now. On my wave boards i have the big chunky plush fellas, but I'm not keen for them on my slalom boards. Was thinking something with less wet weight.

A quick google (& SB) search came up with these threads:www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Review/footstraps/
www.iwindsurf.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12186&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=20&sid=453407b7ec221c9c723eac904bde1465

What are peoples thoughts & recommendations on thinner lighter footstraps eg Dakine Contour's, X-lites etc.
Any that are affordable? Will be looking to kit out 2 iSonics so 8 footstraps in total.

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DanP said..
... After 2 sessions in a row my feet already have holes in them on top of my big toes. I honestly reckon the stock Drake/starboard footstraps with the iSonics are the most uncomfortable footstraps ever made. I've put up with it for a few seasons now. On my wave boards i have the big chunky plush fellas, but I'm not keen for them on my slalom boards. Was thinking something with less wet weight.

A quick google (& SB) search came up with these threads:www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Review/footstraps/
www.iwindsurf.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12186&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=20&sid=453407b7ec221c9c723eac904bde1465

What are peoples thoughts & recommendations on thinner lighter footstraps eg Dakine Contour's, X-lites etc.
Any that are affordable? Will be looking to kit out 2 iSonics so 8 footstraps in total.

Supremo's or Primo's, they are not heavy even if wet and comfy

I reckon the Drake ones are fine, and hated the DaKine thin ones so maybe I am different lol

First stop IMO is the Flying Objects ones that are way thicker and more padded. Really, could not see it being more than 100g heavier so have a wee before sailing. :)

Swap them for Fanatics... best foot straps ever and they are relatively cheap.

I tried the Dakine contour on my fsw last season and they chopped my feet up after a couple of hours, I personally just prefer standard type JP or Tabou straps.

Booties

I'm with the JMan.

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stehsegler said..
Swap them for Fanatics... best foot straps ever and they are relatively cheap.

Yep, agree there. Stock standard Fanatic straps on my Falcons, Speed boards, Skate and Wave boards are superb and wouldn't ever swap them. Super comfy and super supportive.

I replace my stock straps (patrik/*board) with the Chinook ones, soooo comfy !!

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DanP said..
... After 2 sessions in a row my feet already have holes in them on top of my big toes. I honestly reckon the stock Drake/starboard footstraps with the iSonics are the most uncomfortable footstraps ever made. I've put up with it for a few seasons now. On my wave boards i have the big chunky plush fellas, but I'm not keen for them on my slalom boards. Was thinking something with less wet weight.

A quick google (& SB) search came up with these threads:www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Review/footstraps/
www.iwindsurf.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12186&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=20&sid=453407b7ec221c9c723eac904bde1465

What are peoples thoughts & recommendations on thinner lighter footstraps eg Dakine Contour's, X-lites etc.
Any that are affordable? Will be looking to kit out 2 iSonics so 8 footstraps in total.

I Have the same issue and i found the MFC ones to be great along with the fin which i swapped out from the terrible Drake one.

I chucked my feet in a set of carbon art ones the other day. They were comfy as.

Anyone who is replacing stock straps like Drake when they are new..... I am after some for my experiment boards.

Been using these for about a month now (Dakine X-Lace), Great on my wave board but not sure how you'd like them for slalom but I don't see why they would be good. Easy to adjust and like slipping your feet into a pillow, nice secure connection but still easy to slip out when you eat it big time. Down side is the cost....ouch!

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mr love said..
Booties

Round toe booties.
Rocks? Pffffft!
Coral? Pffffft!
Uni slams? Pffffft!
Foot strap, between toes? Pffffft!
Traction? So much better.
I will admit that it's an acquired thing, but once there, you can't go back.

^^ nup rather have the feel of the board when turning (surgeons don't wear gardening gloves do they)
plus booties stick to the strap and footpad, and increase ankle injuries greatly.

No thanks

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Mark _australia said..
^^ nup rather have the feel of the board when turning (surgeons don't wear gardening gloves do they)
plus booties stick to the strap and footpad, and increase ankle injuries greatly.

No thanks

I don't think they stick to straps and footpads. I have been wearing boots since I learned, as much for sun protection and protection from oysters, and they are no different to barefoot, other than the protection. If you can't feel the board through the boots, you are not very aware.

When properly adjusted, I can't believe that they would be any more prone to cause injuries than being barefoot.

The only problem I have really noticed is when other people borrow my boards and find the anti-skid is too slippery. My boards are 'well worn', but with boots, its fine. Without, just a little bit slippery.

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Mark _australia said..
^^ nup rather have the feel of the board when turning (surgeons don't wear gardening gloves do they)
plus booties stick to the strap and footpad, and increase ankle injuries greatly.

No thanks

Would rather not wear booties but had Dans problem, wore a hole in my right foot from a strap. Would not heal, every time I sailed it just tore the skin off again. The scar tissue was really weak and it started bleeding even on other boards with super comfy straps. Only way I could get it to heal was wear booties.

Other bonus is that I don't get sea urchined or reef cuts at Ricketts any more nor will I be paranoid about the Blue ring octapussies that frequent the area. Then there is the melanoma farm prevention.
But , would still rather not wear them much prefer the feel barefooted but getting used to them.

I used to work for a company (Many Years ago) that made foot straps and harness. Irish company that supplied lots of UK brands Lightwave, Typhoon, etc etc. One things for sure, like shoes one size don't fit all. Its tricky long skinny feet, short fat feet, weird knobbly feet. Some people like fanatic straps I hated them. I like Pryde ones. You got to try a few types to find a good fit. Like shoes they also need to bed in. When I find a style I like I buy a fair few and keep spares and extras for future boards. eBay is good as they are small and easy to post.
Pete.

Thanks for the replies everyone, I hate booties so will try to avoid where possible. I'll try some slim ones that are shape to cover more of the foot and if no good will end up with thick plush padded ones. Cheers.

I find the hot sail ones are good too and dakine.

I had the same problem with the standard starboard ones. The fanatic, jp and Patrik standard straps are comfy.

i have a set of these on a board www.mb-fins.com/default.asp find them comfy and super light weight. No on water adjusting is a drawback, and cost.

Have some of these to try as a cheaper version, not exactly the same but I think will be ok.

www.ebay.com.au/itm/Unifiber-footstrap-ultra-light-regular-windsurfing-/281477255626?pt=AU_Sport_Surfing&hash=item41895a11ca