Standup Zone Forum
Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: Zooport on June 12, 2018, 08:30:17 AM
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I'm looking for the most natural and realistic booties that don't mess me up while surfing. I'm planning to surf Dogpatch and Trails (both hard on the feet) a lot this summer, and typical booties mess up my footwork. Don't need warmth, just need protection. Have you tried these? They seem like they might be better, or maybe they are just weird, don't know.
http://us.vibram.com/shop/fivefingers/men/new-releases/v-aqua-mens/M73.html?dwvar_M73_color=Black&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiZypkJrM2wIVlAR9Ch23SwfVEAEYASAAEgLXh_D_BwE#start=1
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I hate “classic” booties because mostly they squeeze my toes together for that pointy ballet shoe effect, and I hate the feel and loss of a stable platform. FiveFingers work like your feet do so you can grip with the toes. By far my favorite bootie for places where you do need foot protection.
They aren’t warm enough for very cold water. That Aqua looks cool. The Signa, being thinner, may give you even better feel for your board.
You do need to get the right size (see website and do measure). Also takes a bit of practice to get them on.
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I've used the Body Glove 3T Max water shoe for many years sup surfing. I've gone on hikes with it too. Only thing is they last about 6 months since I'm on rocky breaks usually. I believe they are lighter than the Vibram and have better drainage system.
https://m.swimoutlet.com/p/body-glove-mens-3t-max-water-shoe-8125061/
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I have them and like the way they feel/fit but rarely use them. My biggest issue with them....get some sand in by your toes and you have to take them off. A chunk of grit will doubtless get stuck in a spot where it hurts. While it does get easier to get them on and off with time (really sucks at 1st) it still takes more time than a regular booty and is too frequent. Those Body Glove look easier, I may have to get a pair. My local is all cobbles now after this winter.
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Zoo, when I need foot protection (not that often) I use the FiveFingers KSO. From 10 feet it looks very similar to the v-Aqua but it's a more closed design which helps keep sand and grit out.
The main thing about this style shoe is, does it fit your particular foot. You need to try them on for sure.
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I use those Body Glove booties too. They're pretty good, but I agree with Stoney's criticisms. Sometimes a tiny piece of grit can really annoy the hell out of you.
https://paddlexaminer.com/2017/08/body-glove-watershoes/#.WyEKuS2ZOCQ
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I have to wear compression to avoid leg cramps, but I've found an unexpected benefit to wearing compression knee socks--I can walk over cobble and gravel without pain. You don't need a thick sole, just a little cushioning, and a sock is enough. Completely avoids the grit problem too. And of course, stylish as hell. They make putting your wetsuit on much easier. Traction is good, and foot feel is natural. I have a dozen pair of booties and I hardly ever wear them now.
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I have to wear compression to avoid leg cramps, but I've found an unexpected benefit to wearing compression knee socks--I can walk over cobble and gravel without pain. You don't need a thick sole, just a little cushioning, and a sock is enough. Completely avoids the grit problem too. And of course, stylish as hell. They make putting your wetsuit on much easier. Traction is good, and foot feel is natural. I have a dozen pair of booties and I hardly ever wear them now.
We all would love to see a pic of you wearing them.
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If you can find these Maiori -> they are ones to get for ocean play. Provide fantastic traction on your SUP better than bare feet. Neoprene uppers keep rocks and grit at bay. Mine are about 5 years old and have taken them to beaches in Mex DR Cuba etc.
Not had any reason to buy any recent offerings -> but do have 4 different styles for running and working out and water use. They seem to last forever. Fit is very specific for certain toes and feet. So make sure you can return them if need be.
Vibrams are def weird -> but they do provide just the right amount of protection from glass and rocks and such. Warmth not really. Oddly many peeps ask about them and want to know where they can get them.
https://youtu.be/ngINqCNofoM
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Those look interesting, ankle cuff gets rid of the grit problem. I may have to get some. Drives me crazy spending a couple minutes lining up your toes only to get some grit inside with the 1st step.... :P
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Just checked out what they currently have available. No water items have a high neoprene cuff. Also got one called the Lontra way back that has a cuff for wet trail running. But do remember peeps complained it was way too hard to get on. So pros and cons.
Personally have no probs -> but can kinda see that could be an issue for some. Got them both especially to keep out debris like you note. My other 2 pairs are low cut which do allow 1 or 2 small rocks to flip in. Good to keep an eye out as they seem to change up models each year.
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I'm looking for the most natural and realistic booties that don't mess me up while surfing.
Check out O'Neill 3mm Ninja Booties. The soul is thin so you still have good feel with your feet and they are light compared to most booties. I usually hate booties but I like my Ninja Booties :-) I forget I am wearing them most of the time.
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I'm looking for the most natural and realistic booties that don't mess me up while surfing. I'm planning to surf Dogpatch and Trails (both hard on the feet) a lot this summer, and typical booties mess up my footwork. Don't need warmth, just need protection. Have you tried these? They seem like they might be better, or maybe they are just weird, don't know.
http://us.vibram.com/shop/fivefingers/men/new-releases/v-aqua-mens/M73.html?dwvar_M73_color=Black&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiZypkJrM2wIVlAR9Ch23SwfVEAEYASAAEgLXh_D_BwE#start=1
Yes, I use these when doing SUP or surf ski. They obviously don't offer warmth but they offer enough protection to get around. the only thing I do find is that sometimes, really small bits of gravel can get into the drainage holes in the sole but its not frequent. I really like Vibrams and once you've learned the technique to get them on, they are easy to deal with. They can be expensive though.
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For special requests, difficult to find models, customer support issues or any assistance with finding better satisfaction let me know and I can try facilitate assistance from Vibram. A good friend works there and helped develop FiveFingers.
I was surprised to learn they didn't get a bigger market sucess in watersports. Their attempts at warmer water models failed as the neoprene thickness was too great a trade-off for sensitivity. So for warmth look elsewhere.
Their FiveFingers have a lot of success in trail and barefoot running. Obviously markets where Vibram is already very well known.
I use the older KSO (Keep Stuff Out) model in water where I need protection. I haven't had the sand issues so much. I guess they have newer models but definitely pick one which keeps stuff (sand) out.
Check out their re-sole program if you have a pair of [normal land] shoes you sometimes wish had better grip or you want to give them a new lease on life. It's a very cool service.
https://us.vibram.com/shop/sole-factor/
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The ones I have are also the older KSO....should be KSOA for me....keep stuff out...almost.... ;)
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The Vibram sole looks grippy and protective for walking over rocks (i.e. Trails), not sure I could get my crooked toes to cooperate getting them on....
What I really need is a high-top, sand, muck and pebble proof bootie with plenty of sole. We spend summers on a lake in the Sierras where the trail to the water is 100 yd downhill, quite rough and the bottom of the lake is granite sand to mucky; my feet sink in 4 to 6 inches.
I've tried my O'niell Superfreak lowtops and my Speedo water shoes with socks which shield my feet from the sand and pebbles, but, there's gotta be a better KSO bootie available.
Any suggestions?
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How about one of the many high top split toe varieties?
Not sure how prevalent 2mm is, but lots of 3mil.
e.g.,
https://www.leisurepro.com/p-onlb5/oneill-heat-split-toe-3mm-mens-boots-black-5?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg-GH5K-u3AIVB9NkCh1TWAyFEAQYCiABEgLHBPD_BwE&kwid=productads-adid%5E228662146458-device%5Em-plaid%5E345601201169-sku%5EONLB5@ADL4LP-adType%5EPLA
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Thanks; I think I'll try the round toe version of the Heat 3m. That way I can add insole or orthodics if needed to make better for walking over gravel and rocks....
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Just a quick word on round toe vs split toe booties. I find that split toe helps keep the bootie from twisting on the foot in 5mm and under. Booties over 5mm seem to be stiff enough on their own and work fine in a round toe design (for me).
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For your consideration, as I am just an impartial user for 3.5 months, est. 4+ hours/week
Kayak booties, Astral Hiyak
Not for warmth, unless worn with neo socks
Easy on and off
Water drain holes so your feet are not carrying water
Durable and protective in even bigger beach rocks (1 foot boulders, e.g.) while carrying gear
Take inserts as desired, no heel lift
Lots of toe room
Will not rotate around your foot
Lace with velcro for custom fit
Great grip without being tough on the board deck
Still will slip on wet, algae covered rocks
Dry reasonably soon if left outside in the sun and wind
Can be used for other things
Flexible enough to sit on your heels w/o grief, if so desired
Cannot be used with footstraps without serious stretching of the strap neo covers
From mfr:
https://www.astraldesigns.com/shop/footwear/unisex/hiyak#technical_details
Intended Use: Water, Boat
Uppers: Hydrophobic Canvas with 1060D ballistic nylon reinforcement rand. High top padded ankle protection with semi-rigid heel cup. 3mm quilted spacer-mesh lining. Hidden laces with Velcro Over-Flap. Reflective logo at heel and tongue.Water resistant laces.
Midsole: Removable, 7mm thick 45C closed cell EVA foam.
Outsole: G.ss highest friction G Rubber compound with razor-siping and drain holes toe and heel. 3.5mm thick. Non-marking.
Foot to Ground Distance: 12 mm heel, 11 mm ball.
Weight/shoe: Men's 9 = 273g (9.632 oz)
Sizes: Men’s US 7-13 (Whole sizes only)
Fit: True to size (For half size, size down)
gss
The “ss” is for “Super Sticky” and we can confidently say that outsoles made with it provide the best grip in water-sports. Unlike other maximum friction compounds, G.ss is non-marking and provides good abrasion resistance. Its low durometer (measure of hardness) lessens impact and provides excellent conformity to surfaces.
flex grip outsole
This rubber allows excellent flexibility and sensory feedback for heightened grip and balance. Maximized surface area for high friction on smooth surfaces. Divided lugs for substantial grip on loose dirt. Razor Siping maximizes edges that bite into surfaces upon flexion.
water ready
All Astral shoes have a special relationship with water. Every component, from the thread to the laces are critically evaluated and chosen for its ability to hold up after constant soaking, to shed water, and not to accumulate funk. Many models have engineered drainage for water to come out while minimizing entry of silt.
balanced geometry
We believe that a foot’s position in a shoe should be similar to when barefoot. This allows excellent balance and biomechanically natural lifestyle.
Foot-beds are essentially level (only 1mm drop from heel to toe ) and provide medium arch support. Tapered instep and heel area for better foothold and control. Wide forefoot allows your feet and toes to spread out for stability.
gss
The “ss” is for “Super Sticky” and we can confidently say that outsoles made with it provide the best grip in water-sports. Unlike other maximum friction compounds, G.ss is non-marking and provides good abrasion resistance. Its low durometer (measure of hardness) lessens impact and provides excellent conformity to surfaces.
flex grip outsole
This rubber allows excellent flexibility and sensory feedback for heightened grip and balance. Maximized surface area for high friction on smooth surfaces. Divided lugs for substantial grip on loose dirt. Razor Siping maximizes edges that bite into surfaces upon flexion.