Water Shoes

[krash]

How many wear shoes on the SUP ?

If so what do you wear ?

[LBsup]

Hi Krash,  I have a pair of xcel reef shoes I occasionally wear.  They work fine but sometimes sand gets in them when I’m walking into the ocean so I have to rinse them out once I get past the line up.

[SurfKiteSUP]

Vibram Five-Fingers
 
I use the EL-X model which are NOT water-specific.  They are close to retirement but they have held up to a couple of seasons of kitesurfing/-foiling and occasional SUP session.

I just bought a pair of the Five-Finger V-Aqua's which are water specific but haven't tried them yet.

The reason I like the EL-X though is because the sole is their thinnest (3mm) and gives more feel.  The V-Aqua's have a thicker sole (3.7mm).  I also sewed a loop on the heels of the EL-X and a made a short dyneema leash so I don't loose them in the surf.  The V-Aqua's have a loop already so I just need to transfer the leashes over.

They are a bit spendy but they have the occasional sale which bring them down to about $60 and is why I decided to try the Aqua's.

The have no insulating qualities though.

[DavidJohn]

Crocs work fine.. Not for surfing but good for casual flat water paddling in calm conditions.

[puget sound]

O'neill Superfreak Tropical "boots" have been great for me. Boots is the wrong word for them. They're low cut and slip on and off fast like a pair of Vans. Minimal warmth and minimal protection, just enough for walking across the gravel. You can still feel your board.

https://bigwinds.com/products/oneill-17-booties-superfreak-tropical-boot-rt/

[PonoBill]

Yup, superfreak tropical split toe or Ion low "boots".

[sflinux]

In the surf I wear surf style booties.
On flat water, in the summer, I wear teva style sandals or water shoes (i.e. speedo).
On flat water, in the winter, I wear Neosport Explorer boots:
https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,22864.msg229637.html#msg229637

[Surfside]

I've used Superfreaks for many years until someone on this forum suggested  https://soliteboots.com/  My go to bootie from here on.

[Dusk Patrol]

I have Superfreak split toes in two varieties, identical except one has a 1mm neoprene across the top of the foot , and the other has a lighter weight non-neoprene mesh.  Drain holes are a good thing. 

I use them either for warmth if need be, or if I'm around reefs.  Otherwise I prefer barefoot.

 

[Caribsurf]

+1 on O'Neil Superfreak  low profile, comfortable and sold sole when walking on rocks, sea urchins whatever...

[Caribsurf]

+1 on O'Neil Superfreak  low profile, comfortable and sold sole when walking on rocks, sea urchins whatever...

[krash]

I have Superfreak split toes in two varieties, identical except one has a 1mm neoprene across the top of the foot , and the other has a lighter weight non-neoprene mesh.  Drain holes are a good thing. 

Lookin around online and the Superfreak look OK, but all I see is 2mm neopreme, not the mesh. Mesh sounds like a good option.
I like barefoot better also if just paddlng the SUP.. but when fishing I need some protection cause many times I have to jump off the board, (also kayak or canoe), do the jesus run and chasing down a running Bonefish in shallow water and need some protection from rocks or coral.

As far as barefoot, unfortunately due to medications I have to start covering up in the sun, so shoes or some sort of sock is required. Warmth is not an issue though here in sunny South Florida.

[Dwight (DW)]

For water shoes, not booties

These are nice because there is no tongue. A one piece slipper. Helps just a little at keeping grit out. My preferred foiling “shoe” now.

https://www.amazon.com/Under-Armour-Micro-Kilchis-Sneaker/dp/B087TQDBQH/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Under+Armour+Men%27s+Micro+G+Kilchis+Sneaker&qid=1626186356&sr=8-2

[Tom]

I need to wear orthotics inside my booties due to several foot problems I have. Oneill superfreaks don't work because they seem to wear out the soles quickly and become slippery. I currently use Body Glove Men's 3T Barefoot Cinch Water Shoe which I get at Amazon for about $40.  They work great, but they fall apart sooner than I think they should. I'm still looking for the right ones, but the 3T's seem the best right now.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NHC82LC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1