ive got the superfreak ones and im not a fan.
Used them surfing in indo this year and will be changing them for sure.

Ive got WEST split toe and they feel great.

Be warned that the "experts" don't recommend booties, unless you're sailing in arctic conditions.

I personally went through the booties phase and came out with the following observations.

a) They can lock you in so tight that you can injure your ankles much worse when you fall off.

b) Your feel of the board, compared to barefoot, is significantly reduced.

c) The soles can wear out pretty quickly, plus the booties also smooth out the deck pads. This means that when you go barefoot, you have reduced grip.

Just some points from my experience.

Cheers

lotofwind said...

Oh, I thought he wanted them for reef cut protection not for warmth.
If its for warmth, Id sugest a pair of HTFU. You live in Queersland, no need for warm booties. LOL

+1 Lol

Recently got O'Neill Psycho ST boots:
shopau.oneill.com

Possibly the best made 'surf style' booties I have owned (have had many pairs of O'Neill and Rip Curl booties before) but still not as well made as my previous Neil Pryde side zipper booties which lasted many many seasons (apparently not available in oz anymore). Only prob with the Psycho boots is that the upper velcro is too short and both have come undone whilst sailing. Also full rubber sole unlike other boots which have neoprene mid section.

Highly recommend West "Indo" booties. They have a split toe so never get sore toenails from these like other ones i used in the past. After cutting my foot badly on a razor fish/shell a few years ago I wear them all the time now.

They are on the long reef website you listed. But most shops should be able to get West brand booties in.

i wear dunlop volleys white ones they look great

Hi aussiex saw some at surf fx on the goldcoast and at the billabong factory outlet, got some myself from there cheap, hope it helps. I have just stopped wearing them and found it better but for learning they help in the begining

pierrec45 said...

Never could get used to the split toes - they cramp my style (whatever that is).
I never use boots unless I have to, when the bottom is dangerous.

To that effect, I'd rather wear them to take off, tie the boots at nearest buoy out there, then do the actual sailing bare foot. Much more fun this way.

Wear 20c thongs from Bali, take them off and leave them out there...?

I have been using a pair of Billabong Tropical internal split toe booties for the past 2 years. They are the best sailing shoes I have ever had by far.

1. They have a very thin but tough sole. Good feel of the board and I hardly have to adjust the straps from bare foot size.

2. They are not too warm to wear in summer.

3. They are warm enough to be used on all but the very coldest days in winter.

4. The split toe supports the forefoot so the load is distributed and the big toe does not immediately tear a hole and poke out. (It did eventually but not too bad and still usable)

5. This is the thing I really like. The split toe is enclosed. It makes the forefoot stronger and more supportive and does not allow the straps to get in between the big toe and the others. It also makes the thin boot warmer.

The only thing wrong with these boots is that I can't yet find a new pair. It's very hard to find any shops that sell them........

There is a Neil Pryde tropical boot that is very similar with an enclosed split toe. Unfortunately, none of the NP shops seem to have any in my size left in stock. I might have to buy them by mail order through the internet from the UK!!

If you want barefoot feeling get the Atan Mistral's!
Plush liner, super flexible and a latex sole.