What kind of Booties to get?

[katman]

Hey guys i need to buy some booties to go with my new wetsuit. What brand do you guys use or recommend? Thanks any info will be appreciated. Also what about a hood too? Thanks again!

[hammer]

Check out coldwater accessories below, don't forget the gloves? Free shipping, no sales tax, AMP 5MM round toe boots paired with hot socks, Access 3/2MM hood w/bib and either the lobster claw 5MM mitts or mesh skin 3MM gloves will keep you smiling in the cold.

http://motorcitykiteboarding.com/kitebo ... ccessories

[ironben]

my vote go for excel and Oneal.
My excel 7 mill works great for really cold water (freezing water) , rubber is soft and you get OK feel for your board.
Oneal for warmer days with the split toe.
i like the vested hood or one going over wet suit to minimize flushing.

[4w7s]

I wore O'Neill Freak boots (split toe/high tops) for many many years and while comfortable I felt they always wore out and fell apart way too fast.

I tried Rip Curl and they hurt my feet too much, chafed my toes where the toes is split.

I've been extremely happy with the Hyperflex boots. I have 3mm and 5mm Amp series split toe high tops and am very impressed by how long they are lasting - and I use them a lot, easily over 100 sessions/year - going strong after 2 1/2 years

I personally like the split toe style as I feel they give me better sensation and balance. Some people might not like the split toe, but I feel my foot sloshes around too much without the split toe.

I am not particularly resistant to cold and I've always been fine with the 5mm in cold water. But there is probably a warmth advantage if you can wear a sock under a full boot in the really cold water. I figure if it is that cold it's going to be hard to keep my hands warm anyway...and I don't get that much enjoyment whe mmy hands (or feet) are miserably (and maybe dangerously) cold.

Some drysuits come with full latext socks so you would need a full boot with that.

[katman]

thanks for the info guys. Should i go with 5mm boots to start out with or what do you recommend? I know i will eventually need two pairs of booties. And should i go with the split toe or not.
Thanks!

[hammer]

It's a personal decision, I prefer round toe 5MM boots because I wear polyolefin hot socks under, the socks help with getting into and out of the boots and add warmth like a thicker MM boot!