Warm when wet. Is that even a thing? Sure is, with the right neoprene boots.
Whether paddling, surfing, swimming, or doing any other activity in the water, picking a pair of good, solid neoprene boots to go with your wetsuit will keep your feet warm and safe when in the water.
The Best Neoprene Boots Models
If you have ever worn or seen a wetsuit, you know what neoprene is. That sophisticated material that’s not only practical and effective in saving you from capsizing in the cold water but also very comfortable and versatile.
Apart from being included in your wetsuit, boots are also made of it. You see, in recent years, neoprene has caught the designers’ attention, so now not only water gear is created of neoprene but also hunting boots, fishing, and so on. You can hardly miss shoes made with neoprene these days.
But that only confirms its many good qualities and advantages over other materials for the same gear.
What advantages? You may ask.
Well, although we’ll talk about this below in-depth, here’s a quick run-through, here are the many qualities of neoprene.
- Neoprene is a heat, chemical, oil, and ozone-resistant material that is thick and creates the perfect temperature regulation based on your body heat. This makes it great both for chilly and warm weather.
- Additionally, neoprene is resilient under a wide range of temperatures, and it does not stretch out with proper use. Over time it memorizes your body shape, so it’s very cushiony and comfortable, but when put on and taken off properly, it won’t stretch or get damaged in the seams.
I mean, do I need to go on? I bet you’re sold!
How to choose the right neoprene boots for yourself?
Some neoprene or wetsuit boots, as they are also known, are made for men only and women only, and some are unisex, meaning they fit for both genders, and the size is the only difference.
When reading conversion charts, if it says ‘runs small,’ this means the neoprene shoes tend to be slightly smaller than most other countries sizing with the same label size.
On the other hand, when the conversion chart says ‘runs large,’ it means that the neoprene boots might be slightly larger than most other countries’ sizing with the same label size.
Temperature Guidelines
Wetsuit boots come in many different thicknesses and materials primarily tailored to the water temperature you will be in. So, if paddling in cold waters, you should go with thicker neoprene boots, and in contrast, when in warm waters in the summertime, you would go with something thinner with airflow to keep feet from overheating.
More information about this topic:
To be precise, here are two general guidelines on temperature:
When paddling, swimming or kayaking, or doing anything else in the water with a temperature from 16°C to 24°C or more (60°F to 75°F), then get neoprene boots with thickness from 1 to 3mm.
And if the water temperature is from 10°C or less to 18°C ( 50°F to 62°F), then get neoprene shoes with thickness from 5 to 7mm.
So, generally speaking, in cold temperatures, choose neoprene boots that will have more than 4mm thickness of the material and are cut above the ankle for extra water protection. These neoprene boots will be made purely of thick neoprene with some stitching and may have some added mesh on top for design or added protection, but neoprene will be the star of the show.
On the other hand, warm water wetsuit boots (or neoprene boots, which is the same term) will be made of much thinner neoprene that is still designed to keep your body temperature stable. Still, it will allow for more airflow and will probably have mesh as part of the construction or even be a rubber sandal style that will expose more skin and keep it nice and cool.
But whatever your neoprene boots are made from, one thing is sure! Never wear cotton, even for socks or any other piece of clothing on you when paddling or doing any other activity in water because it takes too long to dry and it draws heat away from your body into the water. And neoprene does the opposite.
It is a carbon-based organic chemical-filled nitrogen gas bubble inside. It is made of repeating building blocks called monomers, which trap heat more efficiently than any other material, even rubbers.
So, no matter the model, the design, color, or whatnot, the single most important consideration when buying wetsuit boots should be the temperature of the water you’ll be paddling in.
If in doubt, or you simply want neoprene boots you can use year-round, then get a pair that’s warmer, with thicker neoprene because it’s easier to cool down than to warm up when in chilly waters.
The Terrain
When paddling, you’ll be in the water, but what’s the terrain like outside the water? Is it all pebbles and sand, or is it a rocky beach? Will you be hiking a little or descending through mud paths before reaching the water? Or maybe stomping through marshes?
This is very important, especially if you’ll be using your neoprene boots regularly, and you will be hopping in and out of your kayak or paddle board often.
So, logically, if the terrain is rough or you’ll be switching through different ones, then you will absolutely need wetsuit boots with a thick sole. Tread sole for smooth surfaces and a tall, closed-shoe if you’re walking through sand or pebbles to prevent blisters.
Shoe Height
The design of all neoprene boots is typically in the following three variations, low-cut, ankle, and knee height.
- Low-cut neoprene shoes are an excellent pick for warm weather. With them, you have plenty of comfort and stability without being overly heating or restraining in warm weather and water. They do offer minimal protection while hopping in and out of the water, but if you are in smooth terrain, then that won’t matter.
Mesh and thin neoprene will be the two most common materials that will provide you with the optimal skin temperature given the circumstances. Wearing these shoes, you can efficiently cool your feet off with a quick dunk into the water. - Ankle-high neoprene boots will be warmer and will offer a bit more support when compared to the low-cut shoes. These come with thicker soles and thicker neoprene because they are designed for colder temperatures, but you can still find different cuts, thicknesses, and designs.
- Knee-high wetsuit boots are the safest and thickest neoprene boots out there, offering the most thickness, stability, and protection, not only from cold water but also all types of terrain. Surfers who practice year-round or paddlers who explore different rivers, lakes, and landscapes tend to gravitate towards knee-high wetsuit boots because of the warmth and protection they offer.
When choosing a pair of these, you should pick one that’s very snug on the calf to prevent water pooling inside the boot. This can be dangerous and restrict movement if the kayak capsizes or the kayaking falls into the water.
The Fit
I’ve mentioned a bit about your knee-high neoprene boots being snug, but what about the rest?
Well, in general, all neoprene shoes, regardless of the cut or the design, should fit snugger than the shoes you wear every day. The saying it fits like a glove or a sock should be taken literally here; however, how much is too much?
Well, if they fit too loose, then you will have water pooling inside, and new water will continuously flow into your boots, washing away the heated water that keeps your temperature regular. Plus, you will get blisters, and that’s not fun, to say the least. On the other hand, if your neoprene boots are too tight, then you might get foot cramping after a couple of hours of paddling or kayaking.
Also, if kayaking with oversized boots, then they might not be compatible with the inside of your hull if you have a kayak with small footholds.
How to know?
You should be able to flex your foot and your toes comfortably but not have any remaining empty or loose material around. Remember that neoprene memorizes your body shapes and expands a little with regular wear and tear, so your wetsuit boots will become more flexible in water over time.
Neoprene boots vs. booties and socks
While there are three different protection wear for feet when in the water, boots are the most versatile and practical for diverse terrain and water conditions.
With that said, let’s take a quick look at each one:
NEOPRENE BOOTIES
Dive booties cover the feet and vary in their thickness, just like the boots and socks. They are usually between 1mm and 5mm thick and are a hybrid between dive socks and dive boots because they provide less protection than boots but a bit more than socks. Although quite comfortable to wear and easy to travel with, their downside is that you may, with long periods of wear, end up with blisters on your feet.
They have a softer neoprene upper-half than boots (similar to socks) but more rigid bottom soles (harder than socks but still not as rigid as boots). This makes them immensely flexible and very useful when diving because you can wear them with open-heel fins. This way, booties protect your feet from chafing and from sharp coral and rocks.
NEOPRENE SOCKS
Socks vary in thickness from 1mm to 5mm thick and are usually all neoprene without any other added materials like booties or boots may have. For this, they are probably the most comfortable ones to wear, but with their soft neoprene soles, although they will warm your feet, they won’t provide much protection from rough terrain and rocks.
The most popular brands for neoprene boots
CRESSI, Since 1946
Two brothers with a shared passion for water sports founded Cressi in 1939. They began by crafting masks and fins for free-divers and scuba divers.
Today, significantly more innovated than then, Cressi has various products in various divisions, specifically designed for water enthusiasts. With their high-quality products and commitment to innovation, they deliver their products worldwide, being recognized as top-notch in their niche.
Neo Sport, Since 1960
As part of the Henderson Sport Group, Neo Sport products come from a company founded in the 1960s. Since the beginning, Henderson Sport Group has specialized in diving gear, and up to date, they innovate in the field, becoming among the top companies for water sports equipment.
Mares, Since 1949
In 1949, Ludovico Mares designed and manufactured his first masks and spearguns with one dream in mind: To share his unbridled passion for the sea and diving with the rest of the world. The company may have started as one small factory in Rapallo, Italy. Today, almost 70 years later, it is at the forefront of innovative dive technologies, representing only the best in dive products.
And, as Mares says, “Come and discover the Mares world, all you need to do is… add water.”
Seac, Since 1971
Founded in 1971, Seac Sub develops, designs, and manufactures everything for diving, freediving, snorkeling, swimming, and spearfishing. With such a wide range of high-quality products, it’s easily understandable why this company is among the best globally in water sports gear.
The top 5 neoprene boots on the market
Neo Sport Premium Neoprene Men & Women Wetsuit Boots
The Neo Sport neoprene boots come with a puncture-resistant sole, and you can choose between 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm thickness for warm, chilly, and cold water sports.
They are unisex, so they come in sizes from 4 to 16 to fit a wide range of feet in both genders.
If you need a pair of multipurpose boots for kayaking, paddling, diving, and walking through rough terrains, beaches, lakeshores, and even muddy adventures, the Neo Sport is your best bet. With their puncture-resistance sole, they can take you through any terrain without you feeling a thing.
Of course, with their neoprene design, these boots are waterproof. In fact, they come with a water entry barrier that prevents water from flowing into the boot through the heavy-duty zipper.
These boots are made with a durable glued and sewn construction on top and a puncture-resistant sole on the bottom that’s also rugged-traction for the best protection.
Additionally, they have titanium lining for extra insulation.
Thanks to their flexible design, the boots, although snug-fitting, provide you with plenty of room inside to layer up with wetsuit socks for added warmth and protection.
These boots also have two straps in two places that make them super-snug for added comfort and security, making your feet sturdy and warm all the while.
FMP, a verified customer, says:
“Great product for the price. I’ve worn this kayaking and walked a few miles in them now, and they hold up pretty well in rough terrain. I got into a few tricky situations kayaking last time and had to swim, these shoes provide solid protection against the rocky mountain rivers I have used them in. The one negative thing I have to say about this product is the zipper system. I can see how a little bit of wear and tear might break the strap and the zipper would then be useless (especially if you don’t take care of your gear).
Update: I’ve had these for over a year now and no problems have come up. Amount of times worn over the past year = about 10-15 river trips.”
SEAC Pro HD 6mm Neoprene Wetsuit Boots with Side Zipper
The SEAC Pro HD neoprene wetsuit boots come in a 6mm thickness with a side zipper that makes them super comfortable and suitable for chilly weather and cold waters below 20 degrees C.
They have an added inner layer under the zipper to offer extra water resistance and protect the feet from getting overly wet.
Apart from being very protective and warm, these wetsuit boots in their hard sole have solid arch support with heel air bubbles that helps reduce stress when walking on rough terrains.
The sizes go from XXS and XXL so that every foot can find its matching SEAC neoprene wetsuit boot.
They are incredibly comfortable for every terrain and have an excellent zipper design on top of robust scuba boot features. Plus, you get a pull and lock feature on the zipper. This solves the problem with the zipper slipping down in the middle of your adventure.
Stamp, a verified customer, says:
“I really like these booties. These were the most robust ones that I could find. I was particularly interested in getting a pair that have a tough sole, as we’ve got oysters around here that they may have to contend with.
These are certainly up for the challenge. I was worried that they’d either be too small or too large, considering the sizing that they come in (small, medium, or large). I normally wear a size eight shoe, so I ordered a small. They fit very well.
They’re slightly large in the toe area, which works out well because if booties are even slightly on the small size, my feet tend to cramp when finning. I will order them again when the time comes.”
Cressi Tall Neoprene Boots
Designed in Italy, these boots are the optimal choice for snorkeling, scuba diving, canyoning, sailing, boating, surfing, and every other water sports adventure you might want to try.
These wetsuit boots come in 5mm and 7mm thickness, so they are up to the task of keeping your feet warm on any occasion. With their hard rubber sole, they are easy to walk on rocks, so if you are canyoning or merely walking down a mud path to get to a beach, these boots will be up to the task.
Additionally, the rear end of the heel fits perfectly with open heel fins, thanks to the unique design for those who scuba dive. They prevent slipping of the fins strap so you will be carefree throughout your trip. You also get a double, long-lasting rubber, which gives you peace of mind when it comes to the usual wear and tear.
On the upper side, these neoprene boots have soft, double-lined neoprene material with a sturdy zipper that goes from the sole to the ankle and ensures a perfect fit and an easy slip on and off.
Also, their innovative design of a thin flap seal under the zip prevents any water from seeping through so that you can maintain the same warm temperature in your feet throughout your water activity. These wetsuit boots also have an effective barrier against any water that may slip through the opening of the zipper, and substantial non-slip molding covers the entire sole.
What testifies for their quality, even more, is the 2-year limited warranty that not a lot of neoprene boots can boast with.
Loren, a verified customer, says:
“I had read some low star reviews for these, so I wanted to write my own because I almost got put off by some of the reviews, and I would have really missed out on some super nice dive boots. Ok so here’s the scoop…. I scuba dive for work and fun A LOT in San Diego. Cold water.. its winter right now. Got the 7mm. They did not disappoint.. My feet were probably the warmest body part lol
In the past I had been buying cheap 10/15 dollar pairs on Craigslist and not really giving boots much thought. But I saw the price on these and for not being that far off of the second hand stuff I was used to buying before, this was majorly worth a little extra money.
So, the low star reviews I had read on this boot were that there were holes in the boot making water get in?? First thing i looked for on my pair…. Not there.. Maybe there are holes on the thinner 5mm model? But ya… no holes on the 7mm.. Second bad reviews I read were because the zipper around the ankle wasn’t large enough to fit someone’s ankles…
I consider myself to have large feet and calves so I was worried about this… And yet.. they zipped up fine. The way they are made the zipper does not go to the very top on the boot; it sits in slightly underneath a little. Considering you should be putting your wetsuit leggings OVER the boot I really don’t see how this could be a turn off for divers… Or maybe some of y’all have some fat ankles?
However it goes…. These are awesome Scuba Boots and for the price I am more than satisfied and I am sure I will be buying these again and suggesting them to my students. The soles are sturdy, the fitting was correct, I did the back lip to support the fin, and its got some nice rubber texture protection over the toes.
Also I noticed the zipper lining has a piece of material at the bottom so you do not disconnect zipper. Super fancy 😉 Anyways. Get these they are cool, you’ll be nice and warm!”
Mares 2mm Neoprene Warm Water Non-Slip Rubber Sole Boot
Another Italian super-quality brand of water ware and gear is Mares. Their ankle-high set of 2mm neoprene boots comes with a rubber grip soft sole and makes them perfect for warmer weather conditions.
So, if you are someone who only paddles or kayaks when the water is above 20 degrees C, then these boots will be perfect for you.
Although not through some rough terrain, you can still count on these wetsuit boots for added protection when walking, thanks to their textured outsole for grip that prevents slipping.
Overall, they are very lightweight and easy to pack.
A verified amazon customer says:
“So glad I had these on my trip to French Polynesia! I have snorkeled and gone scuba diving many times. I always wore boots diving because my feet get cold. That’s not really an issue in French Polynesia since the water is so warm.
However, I’m glad I had them – many places the shore was rocky and had little broken pieces of coral in the sand. As we snorkeled from the beach frequently these boots really saved my feet. I entered the water with my booties, carried my fins, and put the fins on in the water.
You don’t really need them if snorkeling from a boat, but I still wore them then! I didn’t want to accidentally cut myself if I brushed up against some coral. Be sure to test with you fins! I am very happy with the purchase!”
Cressi Neoprene Adult Anti-Slip Sole Boots – for Water Sports
These neoprene boots from Cressi come with a 3mm ultra-durable neoprene. Although a thinner surface, they have an anti-slip sole and are still suitable for snorkeling, scuba diving, free diving, swimming, rafting, and everything else you might want to try from watersports, but are intended for warmer weather conditions.
So, if you don’t go paddling year-round, but just in summer, these boots will give you much better control than the other thicker ones.
With their super elastic neoprene, they won’t succumb to the wear and tear of everyday usage so easily. You are also safe to walk on slippery and wet or smooth surfaces thanks to their long-lasting anti-slip rubber.
By buying these neoprene boots, again, you get a 2-year limited warranty as with every other Cressi product.
Brandon, a verified customer, says:
“If you are planning on buying the Cressi Pro Light Open Heel Diving Fin you need to buy these. No and’s if’s or but’s. The inside of the fin has a small lip at the toe portion and WILL pinch the living crap out of you.
If you are a water person like me you already know what I am talking about. The boots fit exactly as expected. They are very comfortable and with non-skin irritant material. It feels like wearing a comfortable sock, and fits like one too. Great price on the product the local scuba shop wants me to pay more. I would refer these to beginning swimmers and experienced.”
Neoprene boots buyer’s guide
When you know what features to look for, like thickness, type, sole, zipper, material, and so on, you will have no trouble finding a pair of neoprene boots specifically designed for water activities.
Knowing when you will be using them, the terrain and in what type of activity will help you in determining precisely what you need. This is very important because I don’t want you to spend a lot of money buying and then not using your neoprene boots only to buy again in search of the perfect pair. It’s essential to get it right from the first buy, which is my intention with this buyer’s guide I have prepared for you.
Before we start with the different aspects of the wetsuit shoes, what you should know is that good paddling wetsuit boots will give you a lot of grip support and security while in water. They need to be made of fast-drying, highly breathable material also designed to keep your feet comfortable and dry throughout the entire activity.
Not only that, choosing the right pair of neoprene boots won’t only warm your feet up and keep your body temp regular but will also provide you with security and safety. Because low-quality neoprene shoes simply won’t last and may even tear or unzip while you are in the water, jeopardizing your stability and safety in the water. So, it’s not the only comfort you will be thinking about but also safety and well-being while in water.
The Right Fit
All neoprene shoes and boots are designed to feel snug and tightly fit. They should fit like a glove, but given that they are made of neoprene, which is elastic yet a bit constraining material, you shouldn’t have your wetsuit boots so tight that they restrict your movement or leave your toes feeling cramped.
There should be no gaps or space between your toes or in any part of your shoe. Otherwise, water will come in and wash away the heat that your shoes are supposed to maintain. If too big, when in water, you will just feel as if you are wearing wet shoes and not wetsuit boots.
If kayaking, you should also keep in mind the space you have in the kayak’s foot section and if it’s enough for the neoprene boots you pick.
The Material
As we already discussed, neoprene is the best material when it comes to designing wetsuit boots or shoes. With such shoes, you have all the qualities of a pair that can handle wet conditions and make you feel comfortable in them.
You may find that the neoprene boots you choose to have other materials incorporated in them by the manufacturer, and that is fine. That’s usually done to increase stability, comfort, or fitting. So long as the neoprene is the majority of the shoe, all other materials like mesh or polyester are fine and can only improve durability and overall performance.
Lycra can also be found in these types of shoes, and although it is a stretchy, flexible material that makes the shoe fit your skin like a glove and dries quickly, it is nowhere near durable as neoprene is. Although, if you are using your shoes 3-4 times a year only in summer, these types of Lycra shoes tend to be cheaper, so you may consider them as an option.
Strap or No Straps
Besides all the benefits neoprene boots have, if I had to think of one bad, it would be sweat they might cause sometimes depending on the thickness. This might not be a problem for everyone, but you may feel it, and there’s nothing you can do about it except clean your boots well after.
Straps are the additional thing that, besides neoprene, causes your feet to sweat because they add an additional layer, plus some boots have two or more straps added. Now, before you wonder why are straps there if they only cause excessive sweating, then let me tell you that they add support and security to your shoe. With straps, you don’t have to worry about your boot coming off in the middle of diving or paddling or if you fall off your kayak. They make the shoes fit better, so experienced paddlers and kayakers will tell you that they are an added bonus. So, it’s up to you to decide whether you’ll trade the feeling of sweat for security.
The Soles
If the soles of your neoprene boots are made of durable, thick rubber material, then you will have an added stability and traction, whether in water or outside.
Your neoprene shoes with solid soles will protect your feet when you’re walking around in the water in case of sea animals, rocks, or slippery terrain.
Whatever type of sole you pick, make sure your neoprene shoes don’t come with an open-toe design even when buying for summer use only. This type of model leaves your toes exposed to debris, cold water, or even rocks that might cut your skin.
On the other hand, you may come across shoes that have holes in the bottom of the soles. These are excellent for kayaking or paddling in warmer months because they are designed to help the water in the interior drain out while you are outside of the water.
The Weight
Usually, neoprene boots, no matter how thick they are or what type of soles they have, they will be pretty lightweight, and while wearing them, you won’t feel them as you do with regular shoes.
They fit your feet snugly, and you can walk in them for much longer before having your feet feel tired. Neoprene boots or shoes are also very easy to pack and take with you when traveling.
Sometimes booties and neoprene boots can be a tad bit constraining, depending on the materials they’re made of. As a solution, you can try aqua shoes. They have a weightless, barefoot feeling, and you won’t even know they are there.
However, they will protect your skin from cuts and bruises that can easily occur from rocks, sticks, and other floating debris as you paddle through the water. Water shoes protect your feet from damage by acting as a buffer between them and the elements.
The Height
As I mentioned previously, the height of the neoprene shoes goes from knee-high, low-cut, and ankle-height, depending on your needs. So, for instance, if you need extra protection from cold and rough terrain, or if you’re at sea at handling strong waves in your kayak, obviously, you will pick knee-high neoprene boots that are thicker and have sturdier soles. However, in summer, these shoes will cause your legs and feet to sweat excessively, and you won’t feel as comfortable being restrained like that.
The low-cut shoes are fantastic for the summer months because they provide protection, yet they allow maximum comfort and breathability to your feet.
Lastly, the ankle-high boots provide you with more protection than the low-cut shoes, yet they are moderate in protecting when compared to the knee-high boots. They are somehow the golden medium providing optimal breathability and warmth. Plus, compared to the low-cuts, they have sturdier soles so that you can be surely protected from the elements and the environment in any weather condition.
The Terrain Type
When I first started researching neoprene boots and water sports gear in general about a decade ago, I was confused why everyone was talking about the terrain as a factor in choosing your shoes when you’re actually using them in water only.
And then, when I made the first purchase, I came to realize that, oh yes, the terrain is definitely essential. You walk in your neoprene shoes to the water, you walk inside the water, and sometimes you hike in them to get to a body of water. So picking the right wetsuit boots for the terrain you’ll be using them on is, you guessed it, super important!
If you are often changing places where you paddle, then I would suggest getting neoprene boots with sturdy soles that are able to protect your feet from sharp rocks and difficult terrain. You never know what type of surface you might come across on your paddling adventures. So better be safe than sorry.
On the other hand, if you are wearing yours when soft sand glides beneath your feet, then getting breathable and thinner shoes will be your best choice.
The Weather Factor
Although last, this factor is the most important one when it comes to choosing the right neoprene boots. You surely noticed how every time I mention the thickness of boots or their cut, I say depending on the weather conditions. This is right because those conditions greatly influence the water temperature and your ability to withstand it, so getting the right neoprene shoes that will keep you warm in colder weather is crucial.
Also, getting lighter boots in the summer months is essential so that your paddling is comfortable and smooth and you won’t be excessively sweating.
So, depending on the period in which you’ll be using your neoprene shoes, pick the ones that match the thickness and the sole rigidness with the weather temperature.
Frequently asked questions – Buying Neoprene Boots
1. How Do I Wash My Neoprene Boots?
Neoprene, although fantastic, can make your feet sweat, especially in warmer weather. So, your wetsuit boots will start accumulating debris, smell, dirt, and become quite unpleasant.
However, you can’t just wash them in a washing machine and dry them as if they are clothing pieces. That will ruin the neoprene prematurely and will cause the seams to break.
So, for washing, it’s always important to wash and rinse your shoes in freshwater—no need for soaps or detergents. Simple, fresh water and your hands to clean the debris out are all you need.
It is important to wash after each use, just like with wetsuits, but especially important to clean the salt away if you have been using them in the sea or the ocean.
2. How Do I Dry My Neoprene Boots?
As you can see, the washing is pretty straightforward and quick. The drying, however, is the tricky part that needs to be done right. Otherwise, it can damage your neoprene boots or shoes and make matters even worse.
Namely, when not dried correctly, wet neoprene shoes breed bacteria and unpleasant smells. This also takes a toll on longevity, quality, and performance.
As I said, you are hand washing them, so obviously, you are air drying them too. The drying can only damage them further. Additionally, keep your boots out of direct sunlight! When in use, it is ok, but when drying, they should be in the shadow because UV rays tend to degrade neoprene and cause a premature breakdown in the seams.
One mistake that I made too is leaving my boots in my bathroom or garage to dry. Although these two places are the most suitable for dripping wet shoes, the fine drying should not be done here because these types of room are humid and susceptible to outside elements like the quick change of temperatures between day and night, which is not suitable for drying or storage of wetsuit boots or wetsuits in general.
When you have just washed your boots, they will drip with water, and this might be a problem just to leave them in your room to dry, so initially, until they stop dripping, you can leave them in your bathroom. But that is only for a short period of 30 minutes to an hour. Then you have to move them to a room with less humidity and stable air temperatures.
To speed up the entire process, you can wring out the water from the boots with a towel and gently force out as much water as you can out of them. Start the drying of your neoprene boots as dry as you can get them initially.
A few practical tips in quick steps:
- Once you wring out extra water from your neoprene boots with a dry towel, your shoes will be left slightly damp to the touch.
- At that point, take them to a dry and warm area to dry completely.
- If you have two brooms, place each boot upside down on the handle to dry, or if they have zippers, you can hang your boots by the zipper opening from a peg hook.
- You can also stuff your slightly damp neoprene shoes with newspaper or with a small dry towel that will soak up the moisture even faster and speed up the entire process.
However, don’t put newspaper in wet boots because you’ll end up with dissolved newspaper inside.
3. How to Remove the Stink from My Neoprene Boots?
We covered the proper cleaning and drying of your neoprene boots, but what if your shoes already got the stink? How do you deodorize them and clean the bad smell out?
Well, firstly, the problem with stink is that it appears through the slow drying of your boots. People tend not to want to wait long enough, so they end up storing their boots not thoroughly cleaned out and not dried out, so they develop an unpleasant smell.
However, if your shoes already developed that bad stink and it’s too late to fix it with a thorough cleaning and drying, then soak your neoprene boots in Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator (previously labeled McNett Mirazyme) or Sink the Stink Gear Deodorizer (we are not associated with either of the products, it’s just my opinion on how to eliminate the odor). There are also other similar products on the market, so take your pick.
Just make sure that the product you choose doesn’t just mask odors, but it eliminates the bacteria that causes the bad smell in the first place.
These types of products can also be used for wetsuits and all other gear, from base layers to gloves to life jackets.
Neoprene boots Summary
If you want the optimal experience in water year-round, you have to come equipped. Neoprene boots are one of those things people may understate or simply not pay too much attention to when choosing, which is a mistake.
Lucky for you, I have done all the research, so you don’t have to, and came up with the five best neoprene boots you can’t go wrong with.
Plus, you have all the tips on choosing the right wetsuit boots for you and how to take care of them to ensure longevity and optimal performance.
So, all in all, I think you are all set to venture out on your grand paddling adventure.
Of course, if you have any questions or you would like to share your experience with neoprene boots, feel free to comment down below. You never know who you might help with your experience.
And, in the meantime, I’d love to connect with you on my Facebook and Instagram accounts for more cool tips and recommendations on water sports gear and wetsuits.
Review written by: Tom
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