Take Off Your Damn Shoes!

[hbsteve]

linter--You might like these, by Xcel Wetsuits.

[linter]

Those look great.  I'll have to try a pair.  Thanks!

[mrbig]

My right foot crushed when my Royal Enfield, my ex-wife, and I were run over by,a semi. It is a half size smaller and doesn't like dome decks, or concave decks.

Bought a pair of Adidas Jaw Paw Climacool for flat-water. Drain holes, arch support, and haole feet protection. Love 'em!!

[Ichabod Spoonbill]

I have got to check these out. I usually use cheap Tevas, but I think I can do better, clearly.

I noticed some of the booties with gel soles give me cramps. I wore some NRS booties on a long paddle and my calves cramped up. It was seriously painful. I don't know why I didn't have the sense to take them off. Now I wear solis soles on any long distance run.

[PonoBill]

I wear oniell superfreak split toes in various weights. They're fine, until I take them off, and realize what I've been missing. As good as they are for the rocky gorge, or the pincusions covered with razor blades of Maui coral and va'na, when I take them off it's always an "aha!" moment.

[SUPcheat]

linter--You might like these, by Xcel Wetsuits.

I use these in the winter sometimes. They are like Frankenstein boots, but they are really tough and durable.

Got some Vibram Five Fingers for $20 on ebay.  I'll see if they improve board sensitivity without reef ouchies.

[linter]

there are two varieties of those boots.  did you get the thick soled ones or the regular?  i already walk like frankenstein and don't want to add to the spectacle.  otoh, at this point, what diff would it make?

[SUPcheat]

I would presume I got the thick soled.  I thought they were rated more as diving boots, but they do the trick in winter (California winter, that is)

[diveChick]

I have similar issues. There's always dangerous things to step on so I try to wear some sort of shoe when I'm in a safe mood. I've tried wearing my (knockoff) Teva's and also my booties. Nothing beats the feel of the naked foot on the board (and not wearing shoes increases my speed) but, then again, having the safety net of a shoe on your foot is priceless. Here I am in my booties. We paddled to an island and as you can see there are lots of rocks and things.

[hbsteve]

If you want something light weight try the Victory Koredry Vooties.
Some of the beach volleyball players used them when the sand is hot.
In this picture, the blue is a stretch nylon.  They dry quickly and like a regular sock can be turned inside out to dry.
I do not work for them in any way.

[Ichabod Spoonbill]

I had a great barefoot run today. Keeping my shoes off is giving me a great sense of the board's secondary stability. Plus, I'm noticeably faster. It's weird how this has made such a difference!

[Eagle]

Very brave of you.  Remember take it very very slow and at a very low intensity.  It is very addictive.  Let your foot and leg muscles develop without injury.   

[SUPcheat]

Got my pair of used Vibram Five Fingers.  I hope they don't have trench foot in them, but they look to be in good condition for $20.  They fit perfectly, but blue-ish color make me look like I have Smurf feet.

I can tell right away they help in my yoga balance, which I usually do with shoes.  I guess we underestimate the role the toes play in proprioception, their ability to grip and move around.

I will try them this weekend, but I think they actually may help a bit.  I would never run in these things, though.

[Eagle]

Haha!  SUPcheat - now that really is the dark side indeed.  No running.  One day though you will try it - and think WOW!!! - or forget that bs!  $20 is way less than what I paid.  Good find!   

[PonoBill]

I had a great barefoot run today. Keeping my shoes off is giving me a great sense of the board's secondary stability. Plus, I'm noticeably faster. It's weird how this has made such a difference!

Yup. Every time I use my split toed shoes I think "these are fine, there isn't that much difference." Then I do a run without them and think "holy crap, shoes suck."

That's where you are now.