Summer footwear review: Ten neoprene shoes to protect against shells, stones and the like.

They don’t feature in any injury statistics, but have probably ruined more days of surfing than all serious injuries put together: all the cuts, grazes and bruises you pick up on your feet over the course of your surfing life. For many, surfing barefoot is the best way to go, provided the temperatures allow it. Direct contact with the board is undoubtedly the best option – nothing slips or restricts your movement. But when the beach and the entry point are littered with sharp stones, or when shells, coral or other sharp obstacles lurk underwater, there’s sometimes no getting round wearing surf shoes.

For many, it’s also a matter of habit: anyone who often surfs in shoes feels a bit ‘exposed down below’ without them. That’s why some freestylers, including Niclas Nebelung, often surf in shoes. “I really enjoy surfing in shoes, partly to prevent injuries and partly for the better grip,” he explains. “I used to ride without shoes, but after sessions lasting several hours I’d end up with blisters, and surfing in pain just isn’t any fun.” Another plus point for Niclas: with surf shoes, you can be a bit ‘rougher’ when threading your feet into the straps because your toes are protected – a particular advantage for freestylers when switching to the switch position.

Good shoes provide grip and protection

What makes a good pair of surf shoes for Niclas? “In my experience, they wear out quickly if there isn’t thicker rubber on the toes,” says Niclas. “Also, the sole and the upper material shouldn’t be too thick, otherwise you lose the feel.” For him, 2.5 millimetres of neoprene is just right. “I can only see advantages – although, visually speaking, shoes aren’t that appealing when surfing, but you’ve just got to get over that!”

"I really enjoy surfing in shoes – to prevent injuries and for better grip." (Niclas Nebelung, professional freestyle surfer)

Dennis Müller, who is also a keen shoe-wearer, sees it exactly the same way: “People sometimes laugh at it, but protection is more important!” He sees this time and again at his kids’ camps, when participants can’t get out on the water because of foot injuries. “If they’re good shoes with a slightly thinner sole, I get the same grip and still have a good feel for the board!”

This is how we carried out the test

We tested a total of ten pairs of lightweight summer shoes during our trial on Tobago. We always wore two different pairs of shoes at the same time so that we could feel the differences straight away. In addition, a number of guest testers also tried out various shoes in the shop. The focus was not on thermal insulation, but on how the shoes felt and their comfort, as well as protection against stones and shells. Even on the North Sea, the Baltic Sea or the Mediterranean, you don’t need to worry about cold feet during the summer months. And with a largely minimal upper – or even as low-cut shoes – these models aren’t a total fashion disaster either.

• Review: The warmest surf shoes for winter

Elastic and Velcro strips

The downside of a low-cut design is that sand gets in on the way to the water. Your foot sinks into the sand, and sand trickles into the shoe from above, which then rubs painfully against your foot in the water. For this reason, many test models feature elasticated tops to keep the openings as small as possible. This also prevents unnecessary amounts of water from getting in.

"Surf shoes make life easier at spots with stones and shells – no more carefully balancing, no more painful cuts." (Tobi Frauen, surf editor)

On some models, Velcro straps across the instep are designed to prevent the foot from slipping inside the shoe. For many barefoot enthusiasts, this is a deal-breaker if the shoe gets stuck halfway through the loop, whilst the foot still lacks sufficient support and is uncomfortably squeezed at the front. Whilst some manufacturers rely on tried-and-tested Velcro straps, others are experimenting with a rigid rubber reinforcement. It’s worth noting that the ION shoe, which impressed in the test with the best fit, manages entirely without any straps.

When it comes to the sole, you need to strike a good balance. Thin enough to still provide sufficient feel for the board, but thick enough to protect your foot from shells, stones and other sharp objects. Another important consideration: how far does the sole extend upwards around the toes, to provide protection not only from below but also if you stub your toes on stones whilst walking (ouch!)? Whilst some models offer only minimal protection in this regard, Ascan in particular has extended the rubber well up the instep. This also cushions any rough contact with a fin or foil.

"A good surfing shoe gives you just as much feel as going barefoot." (Dennis Müller, coach)

Split-toe – yes or no?

Split-toe styles are the flip-flops of the surfing shoe world; here, a strap separates the big toe from its four little mates. We’ve put two ‘Splittys’ through their paces in our test. Whether you’d consider these models is primarily a matter of personal taste. Whilst the separation is almost invisible on the Ascan, the XCEL has only a thin membrane. In cold weather, the solitary big toe can get cold more quickly in its dark cavity, though this isn’t an issue in summer. On the other hand, the divider can also provide a bit more support in the shoe if it fits well.

We strongly encourage you to try them on

For our test, we requested size 46 in each case; some manufacturers only offer their models in double sizes, which naturally makes finding a perfect fit more difficult. However, even with the correct shoe size, trying them on is essential. Even a size 46 foot can be narrow or wide, with a prominent big toe (as with the tester’s foot) or toes of equal length. Does the little toe stick out boldly, or does it lie modestly, half-hidden beneath its neighbour? All of this can be crucial for the fit and your personal comfort.

Please note: Following this test, we were able to test two further models from Give Atan and Wetty a go! You can find the test here

Ascan Beach

• Price: 37.90 >> available here
• Neoprene: 2 mm
• Sizes: 35/36 – 47/48

The Ascan shoe is one of the most affordable models in the test, yet it offers almost all the essential features. In the double size 45/46, it fits quite snugly on the foot; however, even the Velcro strap cannot completely prevent the foot from slipping around inside the shoe without being tightened very firmly. The cuff, which has no elastic, fits rather loosely, allowing water and sand to seep into the shoe almost unhindered, which can then become uncomfortable whilst surfing. The relatively thick sole offers good protection, but provides slightly less feel for the board than other models. The heel is just as well reinforced as the toe area, with the reinforcement extending well up the instep. Excellent value for money for occasional use!

Good protection
Fits very loosely at the top
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Ascan Star Splitty

• Price: 45.90
• Neoprene: 3 mm
• Sizes: 35/36 – 47/48

One of the two split-toe shoes in the test is barely recognisable as such; the divider is concealed within the otherwise simple shoe. As a result, the toes are close together, and you only really notice the separation in that your foot hardly slips around inside the shoe. The sole is sturdy and provides good grip, though it offers relatively little feedback from the ground. The rubber on the sole extends well up onto the instep and protects the entire forefoot very well, including against hazards from above, such as the fin. To compensate, the foot strap may need to be adjusted a touch further in case of doubt, as the tread also extends up to the instep. The high upper makes the shoe suitable for year-round use, whilst an elasticated band at the top also prevents water and sand from getting in.

Good protection, even across the instep
Less sensitivity
High-cut boot

GunSails Neo Shoes 2.5 mm

• Price: 39.90
• Neoprene: 2.5 mm
• Sizes: 37–45/46

The GunSails model is the only surf shoe in the test to have the elastic at the cuff angled diagonally forwards, so that it doesn’t get in the way during a water start – that’s definitely a plus! The sole is sturdy and rises quite high in places, both in the toe area and at the sides. Yet it still provides sufficient feel for the board. The shoe has a rather narrow fit and sits quite snugly, particularly at the front – perhaps too snug, depending on the shape of your foot. Because there’s only a slight reinforcement instead of a Velcro strap, your foot slides round a bit in the shoe, both forwards and backwards. The loop at the heel helps when putting the shoes on and taking them off, and the well-sealed cuff keeps water and sand out of the shoe.

Elasticated front panel, a good balance between protection and feel
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slim fit

ION Plasma 2.5 Round Toe

• Price: 54.99
• Neoprene: 2.5 mm
• Sizes: 36 – 47/48

The ION Plasma was the testers’ favourite. Even without the Velcro strap – with just a hint of reinforcement around the ankle – the boot fits the foot perfectly: nice and snug, yet without feeling constricting. The simple sole offers good protection against stones and shells, whilst still providing plenty of feel for the board. The thick rubber extends slightly round the toes, ensuring they’re well protected, at least at the front. The heel is also sensibly reinforced, whilst the stripes on the instep are more of a visual gimmick. The elasticated cuff keeps water and sand out as much as possible, though it is unnecessarily long. The ION is one of the more expensive models in the test, but comes highly recommended for anyone who surfs in shoes all the time.

Very good fit and support, good protection
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NeilPryde Rise Reef Round

• Price: 74.95 euros
• Neoprene: 2 mm
• Sizes: 37–47

Anyone who literally has narrow feet and enjoys surfing should take a look at the NeilPryde shoe. This model is one of the narrowest in the test and, particularly around the little toe, squeezed the tester’s feet uncomfortably. Depending on the shape of your foot, however, this could be a decisive advantage. The numerous reinforcements all round provide good protection, whilst the Velcro fastening and elasticated band work flawlessly and – together with the narrow cut – prevent your foot from slipping inside the shoe. Small openings on the side still allow any water that has got in to drain away easily. On the instep, the Pryde features a mesh-like fabric, which is very comfortable in the straps and provides plenty of feel. The sole also offers sufficient feedback for a good board feel.

Great feel in the straps
Very tight at the front
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Olaian Neoprene Socks 500 (Decathlon)

• Price: 25.99 >> available here
• Neoprene: 2 mm
• Sizes: 35/36 – 45/46

Even though Decathlon calls them ‘socks’, the Olaian model has a proper rubber sole that offers sufficient protection and is also reinforced at the ball of the foot and heel – in other words, exactly where you put your weight when walking. At the same time, you get enough feedback from the board. Instead of a Velcro fastening, the shoe simply has a rubber reinforcement across the instep. Whilst this can’t completely prevent your foot from slipping inside the shoe, it does provide noticeable support. The soft neoprene on the instep feels very comfortable in the loops; in fact, the Decathlon shoe is extremely comfortable overall. There’s plenty of room for your toes at the front; occasionally, a bit of sand collects here, which gets in past the elasticated cuff. What’s more, the Olaian shoe offers the best value for money in the test.

Very comfortable to wear, with reinforced soles at the ball of the foot and heel
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ProLimit Predator RT 3 mm

• Price: 59.99
• Neoprene: 3 mm
• Sizes: 36 – 49/50

With no webbing or elastic, the ProLimit Predator has a rather simple yet very robust design, almost like a safety boot. The necessary support within the shoe is provided by a fairly snug and tight fit, though this cannot entirely prevent the foot from slipping around slightly. This is certainly also down to the fact that the tester’s foot still had quite a lot of room at the front. Water and sand keep getting in at the ankle, which is where the lack of elastic really makes itself felt. On the other hand, a loop at the heel is helpful when putting the shoe on and taking it off. A surprise given its rugged appearance: the sole is rather thin and provides a great feel for the board and the surface. It’s pulled well up at the toe and heel, whilst the lateral reinforcement on the outer sides protects against unpleasant encounters with the foil.

Great feel
Feet tend to slide around a bit in the shoe
Narrow fit

ProLimit Hydrogen RT 3

• Price: 55.00
• Neoprene: 3 mm
• Sizes: 37/38 – 46/47

Unlike its ‘sibling’, the Hydrogen comes fully equipped with Velcro fastenings, an elasticated band and a large loop at the heel. This makes it impressive both in terms of support and ease of slip-on; however, despite the mid-height upper, sand and water do not stay completely out. The long elastic band is positioned at the side to minimise interference during water starts. The shoe fits snugly but comfortably on the foot; whilst it is one of the narrower-cut models, it is by no means restrictive. The Velcro strap allows for a personalised fit. The sole offers a good balance between protection from rocks and sufficient feel for the board; as with the other ProLimit model, it extends high enough up the heel and toe.

Good fit, good sole
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Narrow fit

Soöruz Low Boots Fly

• Price: 34.86
• Neoprene: 2 mm
• Sizes: 40/41 – 45

The Soöruz shoe is rather reminiscent of a sock; it is made largely of neoprene, with the sole only slightly raised around the toes. This naturally makes it easy to put on and ensures excellent comfort at first. The shoe is light and very flexible. However, after taking your first few steps on land or in the water, you realise that the thin sole offers very little protection; sharp stones can dig into your feet with only minimal cushioning, and, despite the elasticated cuff, a bit of sand always finds its way in. The soft sock-like upper provides very little lateral or forward support for the foot, even whilst on the board. When slipping your foot into the straps, the shoe regularly twists on your foot; sometimes the sole even curls up under your toes.

Lightweight and flexible
Poor grip, very thin sole
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XCEL Men’s Infinity Split Toe

• Price: 75.00
• Neoprene: 1 mm
• Sizes: 5–13

The XCEL shoe really stands out visually: the sand-coloured rubber sole sets it apart from the sea of black neoprene footwear, and it features plenty of reinforcements all round. Speaking of standing out: thanks to the Reef Boot’s relatively thin sole, you can feel quite clearly when you step on a shell or a stone – whilst injuries are prevented, the shoe still offers a sensation close to walking barefoot. The separated big toe is quite far from its four smaller neighbours, with the sole forming a sort of web between them. Overall, the XCEL fits the tester’s foot like a glove; slipping the foot in and out of the loops is hassle-free, and the foot slips around very little inside the shoe. A premium model at a premium price, but one that doesn’t offer as much protection as other test candidates.

Good fit
Thin sole
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Two further test pairs from Atan and Wetty have been reordered; our impressions of them will be added here as soon as we’ve had a chance to try them on!