Booties?

[XLR8]

And no I don't mean cute SUP chicks...

Anyone have a recommendation for some boots that don't rip up your pad?  I had a pair of excel 5mm that I really liked, but the tread was too aggressive and started to tear through the pad on my board.  Maybe I dance around too much.  Any ideas would be appreciated.

[Shark]

I have Excel booties but haven't had the same problem with my deck pad.  My problem is that they stink to high heaven.

[SoCalSupper]

i too have the excel booties-no issues with my Pad- i have the lower profile X-Trac pad on mine- maybe the deck pads like Hydroturf-Dakine-etc  with the higher-deeper Corduroy lines wear faster?!

[Velasco]

Are you using the booties for thermal protection or abrasion prevention?

I have a pair of Vibram Five Fingers (KSO) for walking through grassy areas (with known patches of stickers) and paddling in areas where detritus builds up (I'm in Gulfport, MS and besides dead things from algae blooms, there are a few reasons you don't want to step in the soft mud).

I also use Xcel booties when the water temps drop and I haven't seen any issues of excessive pad wear with either of these footwear.

[SoCalSupper]

Velasco-how do youlike your Vibrams-already pre-ordered the Komodo version-they look awesome-really aggressive tread pattern on bottom-wondering what it will do to my pad, any issues with the KSO wearing out your pad?

[XLR8]

Thanks for the replies...

I'm needing the boots for thermal protection.  Going bootless right now but the great lakes are cooling off.

I have used my 5finger bikilas and kso's for places where I need some foot protection and think they are great.  Ran 5 miles in the bikilas two nights ago and my calves feel like softballs today.

I have a starboard blend with the factory pad.  It's not getting too damaged, but I do want to avoid two heel rub holes.  I'll check out the excel tread mentioned above.

Thanks!

[jdmotes]

Velasco-how do youlike your Vibrams-already pre-ordered the Komodo version-they look awesome-really aggressive tread pattern on bottom-wondering what it will do to my pad, any issues with the KSO wearing out your pad?

 Not to hi-jack your question to Velasco, SoCalSupper but wanted to give a nod to the KSO's. I've only used them a few times as I just got them a few weeks ago. I used them in a 6 mile race (my first sup race, btw) this past weekend and they worked great! My feet were the only thing on me that was not hurting at the end of the race...  Later,  JD

[SoCalSupper]

no worries JD-thanks for the input-cant wait to try out the new Komodos.

[andygere]

These are the best booties I have ever owned.  Hotline 5 mm split toes.  Warm, super durable and grippy, but no problems with the deck pad.

http://www.hotlineonline.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=905&Category_Code=boots

Check the size chart, it's accurate.

[Easy Rider]

I really like the Quiksilver Cypher booties.
I have them in several thicknesses - including the toasty warm 7mm ones.

[Rolf]

For winter Time I use the Oneill Psycho freak 5mm split toe full bootie
very solid construction smooth sturdy sole, no wear problem on pad
I really like split toe booties and that is all I ever buy,
I Try to add  a couple drops of JOY soap in each boot after every use
shake really good with water and then rinse really good,
really works good to keep them from stinking really bad.

[XLR8]

Thanks!  There's three different ones for me to check out.  I have been interested in split toe boots.  I'll get into one of these pair soon, it's starting to get cold.

[Rolf]

Ya I really like the split toe, gives you a little more of that barefoot feel.

[southwesterly]

Best booties for apres-surf?

[pdxmike]

Best booties for apres-surf?

Those'll never catch on--they're too ugly.