Last updated on March 26th, 2024 at 12:03 pm
If you are looking for the best surf boots, you came to the right place. In this article, you will find our top choices for boots that will keep your feet warm and protect you from sharp reefs.
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About Surf Boots
Surfing is an exciting sport that provides adrenaline-pumping thrills and pure freedom as you carve through the waves. However, if you don’t have the right surf booties, the cold and the rocks can definitely ruin your party. Therefore, while surfing in chilly water, a thick surf bootie becomes a necessity. And if you are not sure which surf boots are right for you, no worries—we’ve got you covered in this post.
So, let’s look at a few of the best surf boots currently available so that you will be prepared for the challenge no matter what type of wave you plan on riding.
The 10 Best Surf Boots
1. Neo Sport Neoprene Wetsuit Boots – Best Overall
Neo Sport Wetsuit Boots are the perfect companion for all your watersport adventures. They offer an ideal blend of comfort and durability, with a puncture-resistant sole, a 5 mm thickness suitable for moderate or cold water, and a cool design.
The boots are made with durable glued and sewn construction in a classic black color. So, whether you are a professional or an amateur surfer, these boots are designed to provide you with the most comfortable ride possible.
The boot’s rubber soles will help keep your feet secure on slippery surfaces, while its lightweight nature makes it easy to transport and wear in the water. Since it is made of neoprene, it can withstand extended exposure to water without compromising on quality.
Specs Overview:
● Thickness – 5mm.
● Weight – 1.45 Pounds.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
● Great Traction.
● Durable Material.
● Fit snugly.
Cons
● Insufficient Thermal Protection.
2. Cressi Neoprene Anti-Slip Sole Boots – Best Runner Up
The Cressi surf boots are perfect for those looking for durable, lightweight shoes with solid traction. Made of neoprene, they are 3 mm thick, incredibly elastic, and highly durable.
The boots feature an anti-slip sole to keep you on your feet. The rubber heel and toe caps further enhance the boots’ strength while providing extra support when needed. These anti-slip sole boots offer superior comfort in surfing while keeping your feet safe and supported.
Specs Overview:
● Thickness – 3mm.
● Weight – 1.1 Pounds.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
● Superior Grip.
● well made.
● Water-Resistant.
Cons
● Tough Break-in Period.
3. SoLite Custom Pro 2.0 Surf Booties – Best Lightweight
With a 3D molded natural rubber sole for extra durability, these booties offer superior protection against rocks and urchins by blocking them entirely from your encounters with nature.
The unique sole of these surf boots leaves no exposed gaps between the sole pods as it wraps around your foot in a snug fit, so you will not have to worry about any potential slips.
Along with this proprietary feature comes the secure 3-point strap, split toe design, and a floating D-Ring that anchors under both the arch and heel on the inside part of the foot as well as under the heel on the outside of the foot for optimal security, ensuring stability while riding a wave.
Specs Overview:
● Thickness – 3mm.
● Weight – 3 Pounds.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
● Custom Fit.
● Lightweight.
● High performance.
Cons
● Higher Price.
4. Yonsub Wetsuit Booties – Durable Traction Sole
To put it simply, these booties feature 5 mm of thickness, making them consistent, sturdy, and comfortable during chilly weather conditions. The neoprene material ensures stretchiness for a snug fit that allows your feet to move freely.
Thanks to the single-layer sole, these surf booties are highly durable and won’t wear down even after constant use. The grippy design provides excellent traction, ensuring stability while surfing or walking on the reef.
Specs Overview:
● Thickness – 5mm.
● Weight – 1.45 Pounds.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
● Easy donning.
● Versatile design.
● Super cozy feel.
Cons
● Lower sole durability.
5. O’Neill Surf Booties – Best Split Toe
We have picked these surf booties in our list due to their construction with glued and blindstitch seam panels (GBS). The split toe inside helps improve the board feel and provides warmth, while the lining on the inside dries quickly and adds to the heat.
The 3 mm thickness is enough to keep your feet warm while still being flexible enough for comfortable movement. Interior taped seams prevent water flushing, while our Shin Strap and Forefoot Strap ensure your booties are well-secured.
Specs Overview:
● Thickness – 3mm.
● Weight – 0.13 Pounds.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
● Strong seams.
● Ergonomic Flexibility.
● Arch support.
Cons
● The material could wear out over time.
6. Phantom Aquatics Surf Boots – Best Anti-Slip Rubber Sole
Phantom Aquatics surf booties are designed mainly for surfing in rugged conditions. Constructed with a zipper, a sturdy outsole, and rubberized armor, these boots provide optimal protection for both men and women.
The durable rubber sole material is elastic sealed and taped sewn with glued and sewn seams for maximum strength and durability. An easy-to-use hook-and-loop zipper-end patch secures the side zipper when closed, so you don’t have to worry about losing your shoes while in water.
Specs Overview:
● Thickness.
● Weight – 5mm.
● Design – 1.7 Pounds.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
● Protective rubber sole.
● Attractive design.
● Anti sole rubber.
Cons
● Weak zipper.
7. XUKER Premium Neoprene Surf Boots – Side Zipper
The XUKER surf boots are an excellent choice for a wide range of water sports. They are made of 3 mm thick neoprene and durable nylon. These thicker booties will keep you warm while providing a solid barrier from dangerous undersea creatures and unexpected rocks.
The boots feature an anti-slip surface, are water-resistant, and are totally sealed to ensure no water seeps in. Ideal for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or any other water sport, these surf boots are sure to make your time in the waves even more enjoyable.
Specs Overview:
● Thickness – 3mm.
● Weight – 1.5 Pounds.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
● Water-resistant.
● High-performance surfing.
● Great sole.
Cons
● Nice, but not for extra chilly weather.
8. Bare Surf Boot – Ultra Warmth
What makes these surf booties special is their low-loft ultra warmth insulation, 7mm thickness fused cut edges, and unrestricted stretch neoprene. With such construction, you can stay in the water longer without compromising performance. The heavy-duty soles provide strong traction while standing on your surfboard.
Specs Overview:
● Thickness – 7mm.
● Weight – 1.6 Pounds.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
● Super warm.
● Works well in cold-water surfing.
● Heavy duty sole.
Cons
● Quite expensive.
9. SEAC Neoprene Wetsuit Boots – Excellent arch support
If you plan to surf in icy conditions such as 10 to 12 degrees, you need something hardy like the Seac Wetsuit Boots. With open-cell neoprene construction, this round-toe surf bootie provides excellent arch support for maximum control. Plus, the design is reinforced with anti-slip rubber soles to ensure a great grip on your board.
The SEAC Boots are available in multiple sizes for adults and children alike. So, if you’re looking for comfort, flexibility, and extra protection on your next water adventure, then SEAC wetsuit Surf Boots will do the trick.
Specs Overview:
● Thickness – 6mm.
● Weight – 1.76 Pounds.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
● Durable bootie.
● Thermal lining.
● High grip sole.
Cons
● May not fit all fins.
10. BPS Neoprene Surf Boots – Super Cozy
During moderate weather conditions, BPS Surf Boots provide just enough warmth for you to stay in the water for prolonged periods. With 3 mm thickness, easy on and off, and superb ankle support, these boots provide perfect flexibility. So, if you are looking for a reliable pair of surf boots that provide both flexibility and stability, BPS Neoprene Surf Boots have your feet covered.
Specs Overview:
● Thickness – 3mm.
● Weight – 1.5 Pounds.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
● Velcro straps.
● Arch straps.
● Totally flexible.
● Adjustable straps.
Cons
● Water could be entered into the booties.
How Did We Choose the Best Surf Boots?
We started by exploring user reviews across multiple platforms, seeking first-hand experiences. Then, we organized our list based on criteria like warmth, traction, durability, design, poundage, and comfort. From the split-toe to the round-toe booties and even the new internal split-toe booties, our list has everything. We also considered design, fit, and eco-friendly materials in our evaluation.
After multiple rounds of comparisons and analysis, we zeroed in on the best surf booties that surpassed all others in quality and performance. You can trust that these surf boots will keep your feet protected and firmly planted on your board, so you can focus on catching waves.
Buying Guide: What to Look for Before Buying Your Surf Boots?
Material:
The prime factor influencing a surf boot’s quality and longevity is obviously its material. Neoprene and rubber are known for their excellent flexibility and insulation properties. They are commonly used in first-class surf boots. Neoprene is a superb booty choice as it holds well in cold water. At the same time, rubber offers an excellent grip and protection against sharp objects.
Warmth Rating:
It is clear that a surf boot warmth rating has a massive impact on your performance, comfort, and overall surfing experience. The best surf boots keep your feet warm in cold water and prevent heat loss. Higher ratings are essential for most chilly climates, while lower ratings work pretty well in warmer waters. When the water temperature is 11-12 degrees, you can go with 5mm thick surfing booties. In contrast, 6 or 7-mm thick booties are usually preferred where the temperature is lower than 6 degrees.
Round vs Split Toe:
This boils down to personal preference and the level of control you desire. Round-toe boots, where all your toes are in one compartment, offer better warmth as the toes can generate heat collectively. However, they may not provide as much board control. Split-toe boots, on the other hand, have a separate compartment for your big toe. This design increases foot-to-board contact, providing better stability and maneuverability, but might compromise slightly on warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it hard to surf with booties?
Surfing with booties can be difficult, especially when you do it for the first time. The extra grip and traction they provide will help you stay on your board but can also make it harder to move and turn. To help you get used to them faster, try wearing them around the house for a few days before taking them out in the water. This will help you become accustomed to their feelings and make it easier to transition into surfing with them.
How should I care for my surf boots?
After each surf session, rinse your boots with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and other debris. Dry them inside out in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Store them in a cool, dry place. Regular care will prolong their lifespan.
What is the significance of surf boot thickness?
The thickness of your surf boots, measured in millimeters, relates directly to warmth. Thicker boots (5mm-7mm) are suitable for cold water surfing as they provide better insulation. In contrast, thinner boots (2mm-3mm) are apt for warmer climates.
Conclusion – Final Thoughts!
To sum up, our 10 surf boots pics will make sure that you are ready for any water adventure. Whether you’re looking for maximum flexibility, warmth, or a great grip, there is something for everyone in this selection of the best surf boots on the market. With multiple sizes and styles, you can find the perfect pair to make your time in the waves even more enjoyable.
For more surf product reviews, check out our post about the best surf watches and surf hats.
