Best Surfing Booties of 2024

BEST FOR: SLIM AND LIGHT DESIGN

Surfers of all skill levels who prefer a slim and lightweight design will be overjoyed by the NRS Freestyle Water Shoes. They’ll keep you warm in colder waters as you chase surf through the season or dip your toes into the Pacific!

Most noticeable on these booties is the 3mm neoprene (the material that a wetsuit is made from) which retains water and holds is close to your skin to help keep you warm. Over the ankle design also helps support your ankles while keeping them warm as well. 

The slip on design with heel tab helps keep out sand and debris that would otherwise cause an uncomfortable afternoon in the break.

BEST FOR: KEEPING YOUR FEET WARM

Surfers who brave frigid temperatures in search of the perfect wave may need a little extra warmth beyond their wetsuit. Made from a 3mm neoprene that has heat-reflecting titanium, the NRS Paddle Wetshoes are sure to keep your toes toasty even in the coldest waters. 

The high top design fits over the ankle, allowing you to tuck your wetsuit into these booties for seamless warmth (read: no exposed ankles!). The side zip offers easy entry and exit (especially helpful when wet) with a velcro strap to secure the zipper at the top. 

The Paddle Wetshoes also sport 3mm rubber soles with “high traction” that help protect your feet as you navigate rocky coves and sandy beaches with sharp shells.

BEST FOR: HIGH TRACTION IN A LOW-PROFILE DESIGN

Kick it comfortably in NRS’s Kicker Remix Wetshoe for high traction surf booties with a low-profile design. Need I continue?

The super grippy, textured rubber soles will keep your feet glued to your surfboard and prevent you from slipping in slick coves when making your way out to sea. The Kicker Remix also sports an easy slip-on style with heel tab with a comfortable below the ankle design. The kicker is that there’s also a draw-cord at the heel for maximum foot hold. 

Finally, elastic rubber cross bands give lateral support as you deliver footwork all across your surfboard.

BEST FOR: PREVENTING CHAFING

Let’s be real, one of the most annoying things when wearing surf gear is the potential for chafing. Fortunately, with the Sea to Summit Ultraflex Water Booties, you’ll have one less garment to worry about. 

Thanks to a smartly implemented flatlock stitching pattern, chafing is a non-issue with these below the ankle water booties. They also feature a hook and loop strap system to provide superior support and a cozy fit. 

Lastly, the rubber soles are a thinner construction that provides more sensitivity, allowing you to have a good “feel” for your surfboard. But don’t let the words “thin” and “sensitive” turn you away, these booties are super durable too!

BEST FOR: ALL-NATURAL FEEL

The next best thing to being barefoot on your surfboard? Being basically barefoot by wearing Vibram’s FiveFingers V-Aqua Water Shoes! With it’s super weird (should I say acquired taste?) Five Finger design, all of your toes can wiggle about and grip your board naturally as if you had grip tape on the soles of your feet. 

At just 9.8 oz., the V-Aqua Water Shoes are insanely light and you’ll barely notice you’re even wearing them. The 3.7mm “Megagrip” outsoles give superior traction, especially on a wet board while the 2mm insoles give a slight cushion. Bonus: the insoles can be removed and washed separately to get out that saltwater funk. 

Lastly, the V-Aqua’s feature 2 straps for dialing in the perfect fit: one across the top of the foot and one that wraps around the back of the heel.

BEST FOR: QUICK DRY TIME

One thing that helps prolong the life of your booties and makes your outings much more enjoyable are booties that dry quickly. There’s nothing worse than pulling your feet into a cold, wet, saltwater funky smelling pair of booties the morning after your first surf day. Not only that, but starting day 2 with wet booties can lead to uncomfortable chafing and potential rashes. 

So ditch that old lifestyle in favor of the Merrell Hydro Glove Water Shoes! Not only are they quick drying, they also sport a super grippy Vibram rubber outsole for premium grip. They also feature a strap that helps secure them to your feet and a heel tab to help you slip in seamlessly.

BEST FOR: MAXIMUM WATER DRAINAGE

When you’re ripping waves, stomping on grovelers, and shredding the gnar, you definitely don’t want heavy water-logged shoes to weigh you down. With their built in water draining technology, the Terrex ClimaCool Jawpaw II Water Shoes from Adidas won’t retain excess water and let you dance all over your board.

Sporting ventilated uppers and perforated midsoles, the Jawpaw II’s allow your feet to breathe and dry off rather quickly even while wearing the booties. Add to that a stealth rubber grip outsole for primo grip and you’ve got an all around great pair of water booties.

BEST FOR: BUDGET-CONSCIOUS SURFERS

We get it, you probably spent all your money on a dope new surfboard and need to find a decent pair of booties on a budget. If you’re looking for a pair that won’t break the bank but also tick off all the necessary checkboxes that any quality pair would sport, then we’ve got your feet covered with the Z-Joyee Quick Dry Aqua Socks. 

Made in a unisex size, these booties are ideal for both men and women alike. They also come in a whopping 37 different color and pattern combinations! 

The mesh uppers allow water to drain naturally and quickly from your feet and promote breathability. The Quick Dry Aqua Sock also sport a quick-pull single lace system that helps you dial in the perfect fit every time.

BEST FOR: HEAVY-DUTY USE

If you’re going to be hitting surf sessions morning after morning, then you’re going to need a super durable pair of booties that can stand up to heavy-duty use. The aptly named Blitz Booties by Sea to Summit should be your go-to hard workers for your next surf season. 

Featuring an unusual over the ankle design with a below the ankle strap, the Blitz Booties give the best of both worlds in keeping your ankles warm and supported while also ensuring a snug fit on your feet. 

Add to that a 3mm thick neoprene construction and you’ve got yourself a pair of booties that will keep you warm in even the chilliest of waters.