In my experience, you want the most grippy pad as possible, without damaging your skin and wetsuit.
And the thinner one, for a better feel and less weight. (also closed cells not to absorb water)
Soft thick pads may "choke" the veins underside your feet and trigger cramps and "ants" and other circulatory issues.
But too thin a pad may trigger bigger heel dents depending on your weighth on non-sandwich decks.
I did not like wax: barefoot it melts underfoot if you stand too long at the same place. Plus it is messy...

I didn't try a lot of pads, but I have been impressed by the latest "dimpled" 3mm FCS pad. super grippy, not abrasive, very thin but dense, waterproof. But insanely expensive.
I guess my ideal solution would be:
- a FCS dimple pad in the paddling position around the handle for some comfort on long paddles, plus reducing heel dents. But I guess a dense enough front pad for prone surfboards could also do the job.
- your favorite surf tail pad
- Hexatraction or Van Der Waal hexagonal grip everywhere else.

Well these high tech responses have me mind blown but thanks.
Sadly the recommendations are worth more than my board - well almost.
Any lower budget suggestions for just an everyday almost average surfer?