vibram fivefingers for kite booties?

[etxxz]

i work on industrial rd just south of britain ave.. so ~ 2mi away :mrgreen:

BUT, i'm leaning more towards the Xcel booties. BehindThePeak pointed out two important things about the VFFs:

1) Wax getting into the razor soles: can't imagine how nasty that's gonna get over time with dust dirt and gravel. Will also wreak havoc on your surfboard/wax. Get all black and stuff.
2) Sand traps: already experienced this, check.

Sharp rocks probably going to be the same for booties. They would surely cut through the Xcels, though the booties will likely last a hell of a lot longer since they are purpose built. Price is definetly a big plus. Im gonna stop by the store at lunch anyways!

I'll try to find some really tight fitting botties and see how those also go in and out of straps. I do feel like the VFFs would feel better surfing. Idk, i've never had to surf on booties, friking cold CA waters [-(

[nexus]

I've use my VFF's for all kinds of things and tried them kiting a few times. The sand trap thing is a big downside in my opinion. It only takes a tiny amount of sand grinding around in your boot to rub you raw. I love the grip and feel of the VFF's in the water and greatly prefer the way they feel on the board compared to a regular surf booty.

Another downside is that if you ever find yourself scrambling out across the mud at 3rd you can pretty much kiss those expensive VFF's goodbye. I havent lost mine but I can imagine it happening pretty easily.

I've been using some old fin socks from freediving more recently as they are super thin neoprene and give good dexterity and feeling. The downside is that any walking on land will eat holes in them pretty quickly. Looks like I'm going back to regular surf bootys.

[lieutenantglorp]

IMO a perfect solution in between barefoot and booties does not exist yet. At least there are some mediocre solutions. Vibram fivefingers is one although they seem closer to the bootie end of the spectrum. Another one I have been using for the last couple of months is Vooties:

VTRB-2.jpg (54KiB)Viewed 8305 times

They are similar to wearing socks, but tougher material. Great board feel. Only problem being durability. There is no rubber on the bottom. I recently applied some aqua seal to help reduce material and seam wear and to give them a little more grip (a little slippery when new). They are pretty good, but you need to wear sandals everywhere when you are not kiting so they will last longer. Also have to be very careful when walking in the water as it still hurts when stepping on rocks (at least you are less likely to get cuts).

http://www.victorykd.com/product-p/vtrb.htm

A product showing the most promise IMO is the Rodwy Kitesock made from kevlar cloth:

kitesockeseitevornecmyklogogelb.jpg (44.85KiB)Viewed 8305 times

They were only in production for a short time and are currently out of production. Hopefully they develop them further and/ or somebody comes out with something better. I am surprised surf companies have not come out with anything like this by now.

[kitet]

This is what I use:

http://www.bigwinds.com/kite/category/28/product/1770

O'Neill Mutant 3mm Split Toe boot

Pros: fit, super low profile, thin sole (you can really feel the board if you are riding strapless), no boot strap (so it's very easy to get in and out of the board straps)
Cons: it's still a boot, they don't last very long (1-2 seasons) because the sole is so thin

At the end of the day, there are lots of possible options but they all involve some sort of compromise between protection/durability and "better feel".

[NCKite_Ryder]

Barefoot at the beach, booties in the bay.

Unless its winter.... brrrr

[SFPete]

I usually go barefoot in the bay too, but cut up the feet pretty good on Tues at 3rd when the wind shut off like a switch. Waded back to the upper launch over piles of shells and other sharp stuff. Saw it shut off like that yesterday too. So next time out I'll wear them for protection and to keep the existing cuts covered up.

[Yoda]

Deep Thought Shooter Bootie w/ Kevlar soles may be worth a try. I'm still happy with my Surges though.

[kitewing]

I've been using these for the last 2 weeks or so after switching from regular rubber booties: http://www.rei.com/product/798240/vibra ... shoes-mens

This particular set is designed for water sports and has the thinnest rubber (2mm I think) so I figured this would be the closest thing to going barefoot

I found them a little weird to get used to at first (I feel that there's less sensation in my 4th baby toes?) but like them as much as booties, and also like not having my feet bleed so I think it was a good purchase

[nexus]

Mystic Venom and the Okespor Kite High look interesting. Not many reviews that I can find.

[lieutenantglorp]

I found some more thin booties good for the bay (for me, a little too cold for the ocean). They have internal split toe which I prefer and the bottom is really thin. Billabong 2mm reef boot

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For the ocean I like the Hotline 3mm internal split toe booties. Not real thin on the bottom but at least my feet are warm.

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