Wetsuit boots - How durable?

[Fenlander]

Until last year (given our sibbing is concentrated around the warmer months) I'd always launched in shorts and beach trainers. I've now moved very successfully to wetsuit trousers which have given a whole new level of comfort (warmth)... except now for the feet.

So I'd wondered about going over to wetsuit boots or similar.

But... are they duarable enough to walk 5 mins down the road from setup to slipway or do I need to change into them at the last moment?

[John Kennett]

They're fine for that. I like the Crewsaver Phase 2 or Palm Force boots, or for something a little more rugged the Palm Tuff boots look good.

[chipko]

Yes, I agree they should be fine for a short walk. If you want durable go for a dinghy boot which has thicker soles. I actually prefer surfing boots with a really thin sole for good feel underfoot. These are a couple of seasons old, showing no wear and worn to drag boat about 300 metres over tarmac, grass and dunes to beach.

[Bombardc2]

I've had these for three years now and still going strong, even walked to the top of Lundy island wearing them


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[Fenlander]

Great response thanks guys.

Excused my ignorance but... are these boot types are designed for water to get inside??

Do you wear them over bare feet?

[Bombardc2]

Yeah they fill with water, but are very warm. Yes bare footed.


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[Fenlander]

OK good.. do you go a size down compared with everyday footwear as you'd not be wearing socks?

[HDAV]

I go same size they should be snug but not tight I had a pair that lasted years (10?) they were far to small by the end..... But sooooo comfy the dingy and dive boots are harder wearing but what out for zipped ones easier to get on and off (off can be interesting ) as the zip can rub and catch I did some new fancy guy ones that were wrap around Velcro



https://www.watersportswarehouse.co....FSsq0wod0jkJ7w



These are easier to get on and off
https://www.wetsuitoutlet.co.uk/2015...d-p-11022.html

[Fenlander]

Excellent thanks. I'm really a 9.5 so will get a 10 and if loose will add thin wetsuit socks.

Due to a combination of price, looks & availability today in my size I think I'll try the Gull All-Purpose 5mm from Wetsuit Outlet as I have received good service from them and quibble free swapping when sizing wrong...

https://www.wetsuitoutlet.co.uk/2016...6-p-15331.html

[simonafloat]

Remember wetsuit goes over boots or they will quickly fill up... my boots have withstood 8 years of surfing and that always involves a lot walking to and from the beach.

[HDAV]

Originally Posted by simonafloat

Remember wetsuit goes over boots or they will quickly fill up... my boots have withstood 8 years of surfing and that always involves a lot walking to and from the beach.

Really? Always had boots over the legs of my suit (when wearing a full suit obviously not when wearing a shortie!)

If your a 9.5 I would go 9 unless you feet are very wide.

[Fenlander]

>>>Remember wetsuit goes over boots or they will quickly fill up..

Now just before I click on the order... does this matter? My use for them is to walk a few mins to the slip... into the water thigh deep to launch... and then continue wearing without taking off to drain.

[chipko]

Will still fill up with water, just slightly slower if under wetsuit. Won't make any difference to size, but snug fit is best for both warmth and comfort. No need to drain either, unless you want to.

[Yabadabadoo]

I'd be interested in this last thought too. In my experience wet suit boots fill up with water and depending on the fit of the boot this can mean a little water - manageable/you don't notice it, to walking around with balloon feet boots :-)
Does the wet suit or Velcro do enough to keep the boot dry?

[chipko]

No they are not dry boots. Water will get in regardless as generally not blind stitched. Zipped ones, while easier to get on and off will fill up quicker. You can get dry boots but I wouldn't usually wear these with a wetsuit.
Make sure they are a snug fit so not much room for water to slop around. 👍

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

>>>Remember wetsuit goes over boots or they will quickly fill up..

Now just before I click on the order... does this matter? My use for them is to walk a few mins to the slip... into the water thigh deep to launch... and then continue wearing without taking off to drain.

I have some 25+ year old wet boots and usually put the suit over the boot at its more comfortable, but if I wear with shorts or my float suit I've never worried about or had a problem with them filling quickly. I'd rather walk a mile on a road in them than a mile in my sailing wellies once water has gone over the top.

My wet boots are coming to the end of their life, and I have been looking at sea kayak boots as a possible replacement.

[Fenlander]

OK thanks all. I'll go for the 0.5 size down rather than 0.5 up as HDAV advises to avoid adding too much weight in water.

Wetsuit trousers inside or outside boots?? Well I'll go for the etiquette of the area where we're launching... in case of any regional differences... Essex coast vs Scottish west coast.

[HDAV]

I don't notice the water in mine until I take them off and am always amazed how much water is in them! There are some with drain holes (rock boots) but these won't keep you warm as the water will flush through, I am used to wet legs (wet all over infact) coming from windsurfing so it's just normal for me.


These have interested me http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/22150...&ul_noapp=true there are 2 types with a sock and without for use with dry suits.

[psycho]

I have the same pair of Gul's that are pictured above, and they are perfect for what you want. I do exactly the same, when going out on the kayak or paddle board, walk from home to the beach. Just for an extra bit of comfort, I sometimes when an ordinary pair of socks underneath them, but notice no difference with regards to the sizing.

[mick]

I use these with my Drysuit there very comfy