Due to having very flat feet, i get killer pains in my feet during and after longer sessions. I am thinking of getting some ankle booties to ease the pain and give me some arch support. Do they hinder you when in the water? Have you ever lost one when you've been smashed? Are they comfortable?

Last winter I wore my reef booties a couple of times early morning, when we had a 5º minimum forecast with a strong offshore. Feet are more exposed than sitting on a surfboard, naturally (so are the hands!). Increased the comfort level definitely, & they're okay to surf in, but you can't beat bare feet! I'd guess they'd be mandatory in Vic, SA & Tassie in winter, but those boys (& girls) might be more used to it than us!!

Drewsta, Im with Lobes on the tarsal stap!! Make sure they fit snug, because your feet constict a bit in cold water but I can't recall anyone ever talking about loosing booties! also can't help with how much support you will get?! In Vicco they are mandatory by june /july I have not supped in them yet only prone. You should be aware the first couple of sessions will feel a bit weird, but you do get used to them so much so that when you go bare feet again, it to feels off for the first couple of sessions.Rodriguez

I've got really flat feet too, I wear orthotic foot beds in work boots and have actually stuck them inside my booties in winter if I'm going for a really long paddle. Sounds weird but it does help sore feet. Funny thing as I've done more paddling I find my feet don't get nearly as sore as they used to, maybe I'm a bit more relaxed.

If booties fit they won't come off in a wash but agree with Lobes about the strap, split toe thing feels weird at first but is good.

Ask DJ about his crocks,
but I'm with Piros I use 7mm eva and then sand 1mm off to make a good grippy surface and soft under the feet. I think the secret to home made deck grip is to have sharp edges on the grooves.

Rod

Hey Drewsta yeah I wear booties. Just as Miller said the only reason why I wear them is because the places we SUP are places that arent surfed. The reef is untouched and very sharp. Better than getting all cut up.
I have never worn booties before. I find them very comfortable and usually I dont even notice them on. It just allows me to freely jump of the board onto the reef.
I got the FCS booties. They have a double strap and an elastic cord with a toggle to tighten around your ankle. Ive used them windsurfing and surfing and have had some killer wipeouts and have never had any dramas with them coming off.
Hope this helps