Booties

What footwear is everyone wearing with their wetsuits when out on the big blue? I have neoprene booties that I wear over my freshwater neooprene waders when float tubing but am not sure if that is enough to stay warm, if not dry. My freshwater waders have stocking feet, therefore the extra insulation.

Should be OK as long as they fit tight if not size down.

ken, what about rubber galoshes, overshoes instead of the bags?

http://www.overshoe.com/recreational/products/detail.php?s=TRS

J

Forget the galoshes and bags, just get waterproof neoprene boots like these ... http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2308&deptid=1169.  If you don't like the high cut, there are others on the market.  Diver's booties typically are not waterproof, because they don't need to be (duh! you're under the water!).  Many paddle specific booties are waterproof for the very reason we're trying to "solve" here.

All that said, I personally just use diver's booties because 1) I already have some and 2) I don't tend to get cold feet in all but the coldest conditions and in those conditions I'm going to pull out my waders and stay completely dry.

-Allen

pole^2, there is still a problem with those booties, there is an evaporative cooling effect on
neoprene that comes with a nylon layer on it.

Even if your feet are inside, if you have a wet layer on the outside that absorbs water and holds
it to be evaporated later when the wind blows, you will get cold.

you really do need windbreakers for your feet (and legs) at times.

J

Hi-tops might be better b/c they keep sand out when launching from a beach.  My low tops let piles of sand this weekend lauching from Coral St beach...

I have big legs; so high tops are out for me.

This is going to sound absolutely insane but if you have room in your neo-booties... wool socks.

Works like a charm.

I got a pair of the NRS workboots for spring rafting, where water temperatures can be in the 40's. I have wound up using them whenever I kayak in the ocean. 5 mm neoprene uppers, 7mm insole, built like tanks, warm like nobody's business. Hike in them, yak in them, scramble from rock to rock, do the Elk hike in style, etc.... They will last for years and years and years, so the $70 price tag is not too hard to live with.

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2338&deptid=1169

Regards,
Scott

I've been fortunate enough to get a pair of these to "test"....so far, I really like 'em  Water goes in and out and it has a filter system built on the heel that lets water out but keeps the sand from coming in.

http://www.teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=m&categoryID=338&productID=6729&model=P-2

I use the next model down from the NRS workboot, I think they call it a "work bootie". It has a similar boot-type sole on it as the workboot but the upper is built like a more traditional diver bootie. I would recommend something along those lines if you are going to be doing any portaging to your launch spots. Most dive booties have thin soles with little traction since you dont need that when swimming, and I kept slipping until I got the more rugged soled boots. As far as keeping your feet warm, if its cold enough to chill my feet in them, I likely won't be out paddling  . I've used them for the last few years here in santa cruz though & can't complain.

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=52335
 I have used these for two years and have found them bullet proof. I use them over my 3.5mil Neo waders and have used them on hikes too and from duckblinds and ocean launches and everything in between. They are sized BIG. I barely fit in to 16s reg shoe so I ordered a 15 (Thanks Bill?)and they still fit over my waders w/ a neo sock on. $40

Thanks for the suggestions.  I have skinny feet that tend to get cold in my booties that are like a heavier surfing bootie. The soles are getting thin, so maybe I ought to go for something  with some serious rubber and knobs.  I've worn my neoprene waders and the felt soled boots, but they are just too heavy soaked with water to walk very far on sand. I like the idea of having some flex in the ankles that the one NRS light workboot type has.
   Lately I have been using some wool blend heavy dress socks (heavy for dress shoes, not like for hiking boots), then neoprene socks, then the heavy booties.  Having that wool next to the skin seems to help a lot, even when it gets wet (right away on launch).
If you had really dry boots, you might get a problem with soaking them from the inside - for skiing I put antipersperint on my feet in case it gets warm.
 
But it also helps that I got some Kokatat waterproof/breathable wind pants. I wear my farmer john, then fleece pants then the wind pants.  I velcro the cuffs tight and have a thick bungee for a belt so that if I fall in  and get out quick I don't have to haul 20 lbs of water back into the yak and paddle it back to shore.  Makes it harder to take a nature break tho.
   W.C. Fields: that's who had a punchline about 5 ways to stay warm in a ditch.

Has anyone tried out these "boots" by Chota?

http://www.chotaoutdoorgear.com/CyberMerchant/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=31



I came across them at an event this weekend.  I have a pair on order and will let you know what I think about them.  It looks like with the fleece lining in the booties and the breathable uppers, they will keep your feet dry and address the evaporative effect that jmairey brings up.  A bit on the pricey side though.

-Allen

    I wonder: 1. What they wiegh. 2. How bulky they are (size 13)- it's nice to be able to swing my feet over to side saddle and back & not knock everything out of the yak or have the momentum carry me out! 
I'm interested in reading your report.

    There seems to be a wide range of individual reaction to 52 deg water, wind and inactive legs and mostly inactive upper body- the other day my feet were in 3 layers of wool and rubber and yet cold, and another guy out there was in a shorty wetsuit and bare feet and said he was warm enough.  And yet I can surf in thin booties for as long as my arms last and don't notice having cold feet.