How do you put on wetsuit booties, how do they protect your feet, what materials do they use, and how can you find the perfect pair?
In the following wetsuit boot FAQ, we will answer all of these questions and more.
How To Stop Wetsuit Boots Smelling
Wetsuit booties are designed to protect your feet and keep them warm.
But they are not great at getting rid of odors and bad smells will build up over time.
There are a few ways that you can combat this stench.
The first is to buy booties that contain anti-microbial technology.
Rip Curl Flash Bomb booties, for instance, are neoprene boots that keep your feet warm but also contain an anti-microbial technology.
The technology is embedded in the boots and while it won’t destroy all bacteria, it does help to keep levels to a minimum and will prevent many of those bad smells.
If you already have smelly wetsuit boots, stuff some newspaper or paper towels inside to soak-up the moisture and follow this by hanging the boots upside down in a well-ventilated area.
What Size Wetsuit Boots Should I Buy?
Wetsuit boot sizing varies from brand to brand.
The best way to know which brand to buy is to visit your local surf shop and try them on yourself.
How Should Wetsuit Booties Fit?
They should fit snugly and remain tight to your ankles and toes without compressing and cutting off the circulation.
Before you buy, consider whether or not you’ll be wearing thick woolen socks and think about how these will impact the fit.
What Thickness Should Wetsuit Booties Be?
You can purchase wetsuit boots in sizes of 3 mm, 5 mm, or 7 mm.
The thickness that’s best for you will depend on the water temperature, as well as the local climate.
Thickness of 3 mm and 5 mm is fine for temperatures that go as low as 47 F.
Above this, it’s really all down to personal preference. Below 47 F, you should look for 7 mm thickness.
How To Dry Wetsuit Booties
To keep smells to a minimum and ensure your boots last for years to come, you need to wash and dry them on a regular basis.
Begin by washing your wetsuit booties in fresh water.
You don’t need detergents or even soap—water will suffice.
To dry, wring out the boots using a towel and then hang them somewhere warm and dry.
It helps to stuff the boots with dry tissue or newspaper as it will soak up some of the water.
How To Put On Wetsuit Boots
Roll the ankles of your wetsuit, slip on your boots, and then roll the ankles of the wetsuit back over your booties.
By wearing your boots in this manner, the water that accumulates inside your wetsuit will escape over the boots and not inside of them.
Why Split Toe Wetsuit Boots?
Split toe boots separate your toes and provide more stability and control while riding a surfboard.
They tend to be preferred by many experienced surfers but they are not for everyone and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
The alternative to a split toe wetsuit boot is the round toe wetsuit boot, which is by far the most common option.
Are Wetsuit Boots Waterproof?
Yes, wetsuit booties are waterproof as they are made from neoprene.
Also known as polychloroprene, neoprene is a synthetic material that was designed as a replacement for rubber.
It is often used to manufacture wetsuits and works by trapping a small amount of water in the fabric.
The water becomes trapped between the wearer’s skin and the neoprene fabric, and this is what provides the warmth.
Can I Put Wetsuit Boots In The Washer And Dryer?
You shouldn’t put your wetsuit booties in the washer or dryer, and you don’t need to. Fresh water and air drying are all you need to keep them clean.
Do My Boots Go Under Or Over My Wetsuit?
It’s best to slip them on underneath your wetsuit.
If you place them over your wetsuit, they may fill with water.
How Long Do Wetsuit Boots Last?
Wetsuit booties should last anywhere from 3 to 10 years, but it all depends on the quality of the product, how often they are used, and how well they are maintained.
If you buy high-quality wetsuit booties, you’ll pay a little more but you’ll get a better product that should last you for several more years.
In the long run, you could even save yourself some money, as it means you’re not constantly buying new boots every time your old ones fall apart.
How To Choose Wetsuit Boots
There are a few factors to consider when buying wetsuit booties.
The first is the fit and the thickness, which will depend on your shoe size and the temperature of the water.
After this, you need to decide if you want a split toe or a round toe.
The round toe option is more common, cheaper, and warmer, but the split toe allows for better grip.
Price and quality should also be considered, as it’s important to buy something that will last for years but is also within budget.
What Do Wetsuit Boots Do While Surfing?
Booties keep your feet warm while you are surfing, snorkeling, or performing other watersports.
They are also known as “surf booties” and are essential when riding a surfboard in cold weather.
