Which Wetsuit Boots Should I Buy?
When looking to buy wetsuit boots there are a few things you should consider in terms of what time of year you will be using the boots. In the summer a pair of 3mm boots will be fine for pretty much all water sports; 3mm of neoprene is thick enough to keep your feet warm in any water temperature above 10C. At this time of year you will be able to get away with wearing a simple pair of reef slippers that come up to your ankle in height. If you are a keen sailor then a handy pair of zip-up boots are generally the boot of choice as they are easy to get on and off and have a hard sole for added comfort and protection.
Winter Wetsuit Boots
When it gets to winter months, a complete change of thickness is required, especially in the UK and northern Europe. This is the time of year where anything from 5mm to 8mm is essential. The most popular thickness for winter is 5mm as it is less restrictive in the water and gives more than enough protection from cold temperatures. If you tend to feel the cold more, 7mm neoprene boots could be the solution to that. The extra thickness means your feet are going to stay warmer for longer.
Should You Size Up Or Down For Wetsuit Boots?
Wetsuit boots typically run true to size so you won’t need to size up or down. However, one thing to note is that sizes can vary from manufacturers, so you may need to try a couple in your preferred size to really get the perfect fit you’re looking for. For half sizes, it’s best to size up rather than down as wetsuit boots don’t stretch to your foot size, so if they’re too tight, they won’t get any better.
Wearing Wetsuit Boots
Choosing wetsuit boots is important if you’re frequently in the water and can be a big issue if you don’t get the right ones. You’ll want a tight but comfortable fit around your toes and ankle. You’ll also want to consider the thickness of the sole, with thicker boots providing more protection walking over pebbles, rocks and pavement, while thinner boots offer a better feeling on the board, but less protection. Remember, you should always wear your wetsuit over your boots to ensure the water can flush out.
Wetsuit boots above the entry level models such as the O'Neill Epic boots are generally lined with thermal material which acts in the same way as thermal underwear and keep your feet even warmer. You should consider this if you are looking to stay in the water as long as possible. For any advice please contact us at Wetsuit Centre and we will do our best to help you.
RRP: £16.95As low as £7.95
As low as £64.95
