INFO ON BOOTIES

Steven Lewis · Post by **Steven Lewis** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 1:08 pm

If your shoe size is 9.5 do you go to a size 10 bootie are go with the size 9 for a tighter fit

Mike Fernandez · Post by **Mike Fernandez** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 1:32 pm

9 or it will bunch up in the fin. It will stretch enough and not be too tight with only 1/2 a foot size.

Steven Lewis · Post by **Steven Lewis** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 1:49 pm

Thank's Mike

surfhorn · Post by **surfhorn** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:52 am

Also check different brands. Each manufacturer has a different template when they cut out booties. Just like we all have different size/shape feet.

skansand · Post by **skansand** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:28 am

some boogies/kneelos i know suggest going a size up to prevent cramps in your feet.....

i have the largest size fin sock/bootie i think anyone makes but its still too snug with my 14" EE feet...

lots of cramps lately so i havnt been using the flippers too much ..

..not that i dont want too..

a certain plastics-genius kneelo i know is talking about possible production of super warm thin fin socks....

the methods being used today in high end wetsuits but hasnt been incorporated into fin socks just yet.....

Mike Fernandez · Post by **Mike Fernandez** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:50 pm

Matt, let me suggest an answer for your bigfooted problem.

Buy some fins that have the fin boot designed so the upper part is above the fin blade. Then cut out the lower (toe end) top part of the foot pocket. Kinda like open toe'd shoes. Should work. Just another genious idea from yours truely.

I noticed you said you have been getting foot cramps "lately." If your not getting them all the time, then it's because you need some Gatorade, and bananas.

Also, where have you been surfing? Bloody Hell, you live in SoCal, you don't need booties, unless for chaff.

KED · Post by **KED** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 1:46 pm

I have a pair of H20 Odyessy neopree booties that I got from ebodyboarding.com that have a fin tether attached to the bootie. Love 'em...

KED · Post by **KED** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 2:18 pm

Check out National River Supply (nrsweb.com). They have size XXL Hydroskinz and other fin socks and booties.

KED · Post by **KED** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 2:25 pm

Scuba diving sites may be worth checking out for bigger sizes.

Mike Fernandez · Post by **Mike Fernandez** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 3:58 pm

KED, I have those also, in a 5mm thickness. They work great.

TC · Post by TC » Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:03 pm

Chadsdad I agree with Mike if you go too big you will be wearing water balloons on your feet. A little snug is good, too sung and you have cramps. Make sure you try your fins on with your boots if you wear fins. If there tight under your fins you will for sure have cramps. Good luck mate. TC

skansand · Post by **skansand** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:04 pm

mike, been there done that....

...cut a slice in end of my vipers that let my foot flex the pocket a bit. made em heaps better and didnt cut down on the power at all...

.they worked for about a month before the fin blade literally snapped off in a seal beach closeout... broke 3 bicep leashes that day too...heavy day!

my feet have only been cramping since i bought my 5mil xxl H20 odyssey fin socks..

every few years H20 Odessy switches xxl production from 3mil to 5mil and vice versa....they no longer carry xxl 3mil socks, for now... and Xl sqeeze my feet too much....

so now im trying to rapidly break down the neoprene without adding tears or holes...

stretching, leaving em in the sun un-rinsed after a surf.., throwing em in the dryer with the other socks..(after rinsing)

their a little better but still not quite there.....

on the other hand, ive been washing my 4/3 oneil mutant after every surf since i bought it right before the last santa cruz contest and its now like 1 mil in high stress points....

kidrock · Post by **kidrock** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:22 pm

skansand wrote:i have the largest size fin sock/bootie i think anyone makes but its still too snug with my 14" EE feet...

14EE?!? Dude, I can't believe you'd need any fins at all

KED · Post by **KED** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 12:10 pm

scansand wrote:

.they worked for about a month before the fin blade literally snapped off in a seal beach closeout... broke 3 bicep leashes that day too...heavy day!

Hmmmm... You were sponging, yes? Never heard of or thought about using a bicep leash for kboarding.... but it's an interesting idea.... would avoid having to deal with a leg leash getting snagged by a fin or flipper.

KED · Post by **KED** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 12:22 pm

chadsdad... If you don't find big enough fin socks/booties, and your fins are still hurting your feet... you might want to give Force Fin Pro's a look... they are available in larger sizes than most fins, have an open toe, and can be padded with a felt insert for added comfort. I wear them for diving - hours at a time - and never get cramps. But then of course I do down a banana and a Gatorade before diving... so who knows... it's all relative.