Neoprene Boots & Shoes

NEOPRENE SHOES AND BOOTS - WHAT SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Water temperatures

At WestWind, we sell a large selection of neoprene shoes and boots. Among other things, it makes sense in relation to the Danish water temperatures.

In the summer months when the water is warm, you can often get away with surfing or water sports without using neoprene shoes. However, it must be said that a thin neoprene shoe can be a fantastic investment. In the event that, for example, you surf over a rocky reef or other seabed that can cause wounds and tears, a little extra protection on the feet is well spent! The C-Skins Legend 3mm Reef Boot can become your best summer friend if your water sports activity takes place over sharp or hard seabeds.

During the winter months, a neoprene boot is invaluable and necessary. Water temperatures in the North Sea can drop to around 3 degrees, while inland Danish waters can completely freeze. This makes Denmark an extremely cold surf destination. In fact, one of the world's coldest! Therefore, you should invest in a pair of thick neoprene boots if you are going to surf in the Danish winter months. The thickness will always be stated in millimeters, and a winter surf boot will typically be anything between 6-7mm in thickness. An example of a particularly solid winter neoprene boot is the C-Skins Wired 7mm round toe boot, which can be purchased here at Westwind.

Spring and autumn also typically equal neoprene boots. The spring water temperatures will typically be influenced by the cold winter temperatures and therefore anything between a 3mm - 5mm surf boot may be preferable. Autumn, on the other hand, can offer "cooler" water temperatures. This is because the water has been slowly heated over the summer, and the water also slowly cools down over the autumn. Towards the end of autumn, however, a 5mm boot would be preferable.

Remember when it comes to water temperatures and neoprene thickness there is typically no definitive answer to the perfect combination. This is typically a matter of individual needs, personal preferences and experience.

Fit & Size

Like all other footwear, sizes will vary slightly from brand to brand. When it comes to neoprene footwear, it is fortunately a material that is very flexible. Therefore, it will also be easier to find a neoprene boot that sits extremely comfortably. A rule of thumb, however, is that the boot must never squeeze your toes when you try it on. There should preferably be a bit of distance from the tips of the toes out to the edge. Otherwise, you will find that your feet cool down faster. On the contrary, there should ideally not be so much space in the boot that a lot of water can accumulate in there. A surf boot that is too loose will also cause your feet to slide around inside the boot. Therefore, aim for a tight fit that at the same time must not squeeze the toes. A velcro buckle strap across the boot can provide the final touch to achieve the perfect fit.

Round toe & split toe neoprene shoes and boots

Surf shoes and boots are either round toe or split toe. Round toe refers to whether one's toes sit together inside the boot. While split toe refers to whether or not the big toe is separated from the remaining toes. A split toe can also be hidden. This simply means that the separation cannot be visually seen from the outside, but the separation will only be felt inside the boot. A round toe usually offers more warmth as your toes are not separated and they can thus warm each other. While a split toe will be a bit cooler. However, the split toe boot will typically sit a bit better on the foot and give more of a board feel. Remember to pay attention to the terms round toe and split toe when looking at new neoprene shoes or boots. At Westwind we have a large selection of both round toe and split toe boots, so the choice is yours!

Purchase of neoprene footwear at WestWind

We know that finding the perfect choice can be difficult. That is why the staff at WestWind are always ready to guide you based on their years of experience in the surf & water sports field. We recommend always checking the stock status of the product you are looking at, and turning up at one of our stores that has the product in stock. So when you're out by the water anyway, swing by one of the shops. Get a chat with the staff, as well as guidance and answers to any questions you might have about the desired product. Please also contact us at webshop@westwind.dk if questions should arise during your online shopping on this page.