We tested these surf shoes:
"I don't go on the water in winter, somehow I can't surf properly in shoes." We've actually heard this statement more than once. It probably comes from people who haven't had a modern surf boot on their feet for a long time, because the days when you broke out in a sweat when putting on your boots on land and then stood on the water shivering in the icy slush are long gone.
Winter shoes now utilise the same features that have raised the quality of wetsuits to a new level in recent years: Full-surface plush linings caress the feet right down to the toes, liquid-sealed seams consistently keep cold water out and ultra-flexible materials guarantee that even boots with a thickness of six to seven millimetres can be put on and taken off effortlessly. And because more and more windsurfers have recognised this, windsurfing is becoming increasingly popular in winter.
More about winter surfing:
Surf shoes: Get into the comfort zone!
Below we present a few models for the cold season - these are not all the models on the market, we will gradually expand this collection and try out more neoprene shoes. We already tested some of the winter surf shoes shown here two years ago, but the models are still largely unchanged in the manufacturers' ranges. We have recently added to the others - and are regularly expanding the list!
The general motto for boots is "the thicker, the warmer". Nevertheless, shoes with a neoprene thickness of eight millimetres, as offered by some manufacturers, do not have to be better for windsurfing than slightly thinner models. While it usually can't be thick enough for sports such as SUP or surfing, extremely thick shoes for windsurfing start to feel tight in the straps - especially if you have large feet. Wearing and donning comfort does not necessarily improve with increasing thickness. In our experience, boots with a neoprene thickness of six to seven millimetres can be warm enough for even the coldest days with water temperatures below five degrees.
Keyword "temperature": For the shoes tested, we indicate the lower end of the "comfort range", i.e. the water temperature at which we felt the shoes were still sufficiently warm. However, as each individual's perception of cold is different, the temperature range given is more of a rough guide, but can help to compare the individual models with each other.
Special case "split-toe"
Some models are offered as "split-toe versions", where the big toe is also separated from the other toes on the outside. However, this version is not recommended for cold water because it is noticeably colder. And if you want an upgrade for the coldest days with water temperatures below five degrees, you should also consider additional neoprene socks: With these, you can add another millimetre of neoprene thickness and perhaps save yourself an even thicker shoe for the few very cold days of the year.
How tight do surf shoes need to be?
In addition to the thickness of the neoprene, the quality of the inner lining also determines how warm a shoe is. In marketing terms, the linings are called "Celliant", "Technobutter 3" or "Zodiac" and are designed to increase comfort on the one hand, but also to better retain body heat on the other. Ideally, the lining should extend to the front of the toes, as is the case with Soöruz, Patagonia, XCEL, O'Neill and ProLimit, for example.
The third factor that makes a surf shoe suitable for winter is sealed seams. Because the North Sea and Baltic Sea were almost "warm" at the time of the test two years ago at just under nine degrees, we also took a dip in the ice buoy and realised that the seams of most of the models were actually properly sealed: The seams of most models are actually really tight, with XCEL, Solite, ProLimit, O'Neill, Soöruz and Patagonia virtually no water gets through the seams at all. With ION, water ingress is also minimal. The inexpensive Ascan model seems leak-proof - at least as long as you are standing still in the water. However, if the seams are pulled when moving, the water drips in noticeably colder than with the other models.
The neoprene shoes should definitely be tried on
The Solite Custom Pro, which can be customised to the shape of the foot with hot water, is the absolute exception on the market. All other neoprene shoes come in a standard cut. We therefore strongly recommend an individual fitting, as every foot is different - even with identical sizes. We point out in the product descriptions if the shoe is obviously larger or smaller than average.
Features and details of the surf shoes
Winter surf shoes put to the test
Ascan Star Thermo
- Neoprene thickness: 6 mm
- Größen: 37-38/39/40-41/42/43-44/45-46/47-48
- Price: 44,90 Euro >> available here
This inexpensive shoe from Ascan offers a wide, comfortable entry, but can also be pulled tight using the two Velcro fasteners. The neoprene and sole are extremely soft and comfortable. The six millimetre thick neoprene provides good thermal insulation, but some water gets inside at the seams, which pushes the comfort level up a little.
CONCLUSION: For a reasonable budget, Ascan offers a warm and comfortable boot that keeps you nice and warm in water up to around 5-7 degrees. If that's not enough, you can upgrade to the 7mm Titan model, which has a noticeably thicker sole.
- Positive: entry; price-performance ratio
- Neutral: Not 100% tight
- Negative: -
Decathlon Olaian Yulex 900
- Neoprene thickness: 5 mm
- Sizes: 36-46
- Price: 49,99 Euro >> available here
The Decathlon shoe comes with top features: cosy lining, straps at the heel, Velcro tape and taped seams make a very good impression. The neoprene is laminated at the front and on the instep. The material consists of 85% Yulex, a rubber that comes from FSC or PEFC-certified forests. The big toe is separated inside the boot, the sole is solid but still provides as much feeling for the board as is possible with winter neo boots. Getting in and out is easy, but the Decathlon shoe in size 46 sits a little looser on the (narrow) tester foot than other models. This is also clearly noticeable on the water: the fleece on the inside feels a little soapy when wet and you slip around easily inside the shoe. A little water then seeps through the seams. The thermal insulation is very good, although not quite on a par with the warmest test candidates
CONCLUSION: A comfortable and well-equipped neoprene shoe for winter at a very good price-performance ratio. If you can live with minor compromises in terms of warmth and fit, you can't go wrong with the Olaian shoe. On the other hand, it is a very good choice for surfers with rather wide feet!
- Positive: Equipment, price-performance ratio
- Neutral: slightly wider cut
- Negative: Inner lining becomes slippery when wet
GunSails Neo Boot
- Neoprene thickness: 5/4 mm
- Größen: 37/38-39/40-41/42/43-44/45-46
- Price: 59,90 Euro
A close-fitting, sporty shoe that offers a good compromise between sufficient support and a barefoot feel. Thanks to the glued reinforcement on the instep, the grippy sole and the separate toe area, the GunSails boot does not need a Velcro strap at the bottom for additional support. This makes the simple shoe slip into the foot straps and out again just as easily. At water temperatures of around ten degrees, the well-sealed boot offers sufficient thermal insulation, below which the 5/4 mm with the thin sole slowly reaches its natural limit.
CONCLUSION: The GunSails Neo Boot is an ideal companion for sporty surfers who are looking for an uncomplicated shoe that won't restrict them on the water. If you need a shoe for icy temperatures below 5 degrees, you should take a look at the thicker models in the test.
- Positive: Tight; good hold; unrestricted surfing
- Neutral: Thermal insulation of the sole
- Negative: -
ION Ballistic Split
- Neoprene thickness: 6/5 mm
- Größen: 36/37/38-39/40-41/42/43-44/45-46/47-48
- Price: 129,99 Euro >> available here
The flexible premium model from ION is tight, warm and soft as butter. The relatively wide-cut shaft allows you to slide gently into the thick winter boots. The flat, cross-stretched strap provides the necessary support in the overall soft shoe and is not irritating. Even in icy water temperatures of around 3 degrees, this cosy, fluffy boot will keep your feet warm. Due to the wide cut and the particularly thick rubber coating in the toe area, the foot straps need to be adjusted accordingly.
CONCLUSION: The ION Ballistic Split offers a high level of comfort and thermal insulation.
Demanding surfers and freestylers in particular will have to make slight compromises in terms of mobility and agility in the foot straps with this thick shoe.
- Positive: Warmth; very cosy;
- Neutral: mobility in the foot straps
- Negative: -
ION Plasma Boots
- Neoprene thickness: 6/5 mm
- Größen: 36/37/38-39/40-41/42/43-44/45-46/47-48
- Price: 59,95 Euro >> available here
Comfortable shoe that doesn't need any fancy gimmicks. Good fit on the foot even without Velcro thanks to neoprene bonding on the instep. In size 46, the ION Plasma Boot fitted the tester's foot like a second skin - nothing pinched, nothing flapped. This also remains the case when surfing, the boot provides good board contact. The toe area is doubled, the grippy sole is a good compromise between comfort and good thermal insulation. Also good: soft neoprene on the shaft ensures easy entry.
CONCLUSION: The Plasma Boot combines high wearing comfort with top cold protection even in winter water temperatures of 3-5 degrees - and at a fair price.
- Positive: Warm & comfortable
- Neutral: -
- Negative: -
Patagonia R4 Yulex
- Neoprene thickness: 5 mm
- Sizes: 5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13
- Price: 85,00 Euro
Patagonia consistently favours the use of natural rubber and recycled components. The stated 5mm is definitely an understatement, the R4 is thicker. The entry is rather tight and somewhat stiff, but once inside, your feet are enveloped in soft, cosy plush. The webbing looks high quality and the seams are perfectly sealed.
CONCLUSION: In terms of thermal insulation, the Patagonia is the benchmark, the comfort range only ends at around 2-4 degrees water temperature. If that's not enough, you can upgrade to the R5 with 7mm and should then be prepared for the next ice age.
- Positive: very warm; features & philosophy
- Neutral: Entry a little narrow
- Negative: -
ProLimit Hydrogen Polar
- Neoprene thickness: 6/5 mm
- Größen: 37-38/39/40-41/42/43-44/45/46-47
- Price: 109,99 Euro >> available here
The ProLimit boot stands out with its wonderfully flexible neoprene, and this shoe is particularly easy to put on. The fit is better for wide feet, with narrow kicks there is a lack of lateral support, especially as the shoe has no Velcro on the instep to tighten. Thanks to the cosy plush, flexible sole and soft neoprene, comfort is absolutely top-notch. The seams are also well sealed and allow virtually no water through.
CONCLUSION: Ultra-comfortable, supple and absolutely warm enough for water temperatures up to around 5-7 degrees. For freestyling and wave surfing, you would want a little more lateral support.
- Positive: Wearing comfort & entry
- Neutral: Lateral support
- Negative: -
Solite Custom Pro
- Neoprene thickness: 5 mm
- Größen: 37/38/39/40,5/42/43/44,5/46/47
- Price: 94,95 Euro >> available here
The Solite Custom Pro can be customised with hot water. This works well if you buy the shoe half a size too small; it is advisable to try it on in the shop. The features are top - a solid sole, cosy plush on the inside and absolutely tight seams make the shoe look very high quality. If it gets really cold, you should wear the thermal socks supplied - or choose a boot one size thicker (available up to eight millimetres thick).
CONCLUSION: Extremely comfortable, lightweight and with high-quality features - the Custom Pro is a winner! The comfort range is around 5-7 degrees of water. The "Custom" model with slightly slimmed-down features is available from €79.95.
- Positive: customisable; features; wearing comfort
- Neutral: 100% warm with sock only
- Negative: -
Soöruz Guru Split Toe
- Neoprene thickness: 5 mm
- Sizes: 5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12
- Price: 69,00 Euro
The Soöruz model is particularly impressive thanks to its good features: plush up to the toes and the soft sole ensure outstanding comfort, while the soft finish on the shaft makes it easy to put on. Thanks to the glued-on elastic on the instep and the separated big toe on the inside, the shoe sits snugly on the foot even without a Velcro strap. The seams are perfectly sealed: Water ingress? Not a chance! In comparison, the shoe is slightly larger than stated.
CONCLUSION: Despite "only" 5mm neoprene thickness, the Soöruz achieves surprisingly good thermal insulation, the comfort zone only ends at 4-6 degrees water temperature. Convincing features and comfort.
- Positive: Wearing comfort & features
- Neutral: -
- Negative: -
XCEL Drylock Round Toe
- Neoprene thickness: 7 mm
- Größen: 38/39/40/41-42/43/44-45/46/47
- Price: 95,00 Euro >> available here
Very thick and extremely high-quality winter boot that is slightly smaller. Entry is easy thanks to the stretchy material on the shaft, while the cosy lining on the inside not only ensures a high level of comfort, but also top thermal insulation in combination with seven millimetres of neoprene. Good feature: The neoprene is doubled up in the toe area, which provides additional insulation. Mini drawback: The plastic eyelet for the strap sits high up on the instep, exactly where the strap would normally rest.
CONCLUSION: Soft sole and flexible neoprene for optimum comfort and maximum thermal insulation. The comfort zone only ends at a water temperature of 2-4 degrees.
- Positive: very warm & comfortable, good features
- Neutral: Position of the hook and loop tape
- Negative: -
