What sounds like a bad joke is actually possible with the Solite boots from the USA. We tried it out - with the six-millimetre-thick Custom Pro winter model.
The upper part of the boot looks like a normal surf shoe, while below the ankle the boot is made of a slightly firmer material that is more reminiscent of a wellington boot. To fit the boot, fill it a good five centimetres high with boiling water and leave to stand for just under ten minutes. Then pour out the hot water, give it a quick cold rinse, put it in the still-warm shoe and walk around in it. Because you should buy the boot half a size too small, it will initially pinch a little, but the now warm and therefore mouldable material quickly adapts to the shape of your foot and stays that way once it has cooled down. Because the rubber-like material in the lower area is not quite as warm, a thin sock is supplied to wear underneath, which you should wear when customising and of course on the water - thanks to this, you can slip into the boot easily and without friction.
The test model with a thickness of six millimetres was cosy and warm in temperatures of eight degrees air and seven degrees water and, above all, tight and comfortable. The lightweight shoe is also equipped with a solid and extremely grippy sole, the seams are flexible and the stretchy shaft tapers at the top to minimise water ingress.
Surf conclusion: At 94.95 euros, the Custom Pro model tested is no bargain. However, you also get a perfectly customisable, warm and comfortable surf shoe with top features. The model is available in thicknesses between two and eight millimetres.
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
