Solite bootie review
Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2018 9:00 am
There are a number of positive reviews of these booties for SUP use but nothing for WS or kiting so I thought I'd roll the dice on a pair.
I ordered 1/2 size down from my shoe size (as recommended) which was about right although the big toe pocket was a little small (this is a common complaint for me). I did the heat molding and they definitely changed shape but I think I should have just kept the hot water localized to the toe box since I gained some unneeded room in the heel.
In a challenging Cook St session involving lots of walking the soles so far show zero wear which is favorable compared to other surf booties I've used. You can walk on the crushed gravel path without pain but you definitely feel each rock.
On the water they are the warmest 3mm I've ever used. 5 hours yesterday in 10 degree water without any complaints. The upper seals keep them from flushing extremely well.
My footstrap sizing feels like it could be reset down close to bare feet and I wasn't stuck at any point (a previous frustration). I think the material for the shoe section will also not cause the strap wear I've seen with other booties.
Time will tell on the durability front but if they last 12 months I'll get another pair next year. I'm hoping to also get some Atans for comparison.
-Grant
I ordered 1/2 size down from my shoe size (as recommended) which was about right although the big toe pocket was a little small (this is a common complaint for me). I did the heat molding and they definitely changed shape but I think I should have just kept the hot water localized to the toe box since I gained some unneeded room in the heel.
In a challenging Cook St session involving lots of walking the soles so far show zero wear which is favorable compared to other surf booties I've used. You can walk on the crushed gravel path without pain but you definitely feel each rock.
On the water they are the warmest 3mm I've ever used. 5 hours yesterday in 10 degree water without any complaints. The upper seals keep them from flushing extremely well.
My footstrap sizing feels like it could be reset down close to bare feet and I wasn't stuck at any point (a previous frustration). I think the material for the shoe section will also not cause the strap wear I've seen with other booties.
Time will tell on the durability front but if they last 12 months I'll get another pair next year. I'm hoping to also get some Atans for comparison.
-Grant