7 Best Surf Boots For 2024

Keep your feet warm and comfy while slashing your turns and busting airs off the lip. Having the proper surf booties for your needs will improve your participation in the greatest extreme sport ever invented. We look forward to providing you with the latest knowledge and insight to help you choose the best surf booty to excel in your sessions. Surf booties are built to keep your feet warm and protected while participating in cold water activities such as surfing, bodyboarding, and snorkeling.

Best Surf Boots Reviewed

We’ve gone through the numbers and released our best wetsuit surf boots for 2024. Every type of surfer can be satisfied between the seven boots mentioned below. Whether you are looking for quality, comfort, warmth, durability, or affordability, Cleanline Surf has your feet covered. Our surf bootie inventory is better than ever with the introduction of a handful of new options, which I'll highlight below.

Best Bang for your Buck: O’Neill Heat Boots - $59.95+

Best for Durability: Hotline Reflex Boots - $90.95+

Best New Tech: Xcel Drylock Boots- $99.95

Best Fast Drying: Rip Curl Flashbomb Boots - $79.95+

Best Eco-Friendly: Patagonia Yulex Regulator Boots - $109.00+

Best Custom Fit: Solite Custom Pro Model Line - $104.95+

Best Affordable and Classic: Rip Curl Dawn Patrol - $69.95+

Industry Insights and Updates

We continually update our reviews to keep the content relevant as the wetsuit industry continues to evolve. 

• Cleanline just started selling the brand Xcel, offering High-End wetsuits, boots, gloves, and hoods. The Xcel Drylock boots are featured in this blog  - Unrestricted 3D Design.
• Patagonia just dropped there line of Yulex Regulator Boots - Eco-friendly natural rubber that is built to last.
• All other boots in this blog feature the latest tech to date and some of the best options on the market.

O’Neill Heat Boots - $59.95+

"Best bang for your buck"

Our Take: The O’Neill Heat has been our best-selling wetsuit bootie over the past five years and continues to be a favorite among customers and employees alike. These boots are made with O’Neill’s Fluidflex Firewall neoprene for maximum flex, warmth, and comfort. The Heat comes equipped with seams that are both glued and blind-stitched externally and fully taped internally, leaving little to no room for water to enter.

Furthermore, these boots have an upper and lower Velcro strap and a pull tab on the heel for maximum secureness and ease of entry. In terms of thickness, the sole sits right in the middle (not too thin and not too thick) with multi-directional grooves for a decent board feel.

This bootie is Cleanline’s owner/founder’s favorite boot of all time. In fact, Josh loves these surf boots so much he entrusted them to make up the bulk of our rental fleet at the shop. If you are looking for the best affordable all-around bootie that incorporates a little bit of everything, then this is the option for you.

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Hotline Reflex Boots - $90.95+

"The most durable bootie"

Our Take: The Hotline Reflex booties are a local favorite here in the Pacific Northwest. The split-toe model has an internal split-toe design, meaning the big toe is not externally detached from the rest of the boot. As a result, you won’t have to worry about your leash getting caught between your toes.

The thick, reinforced rubber soles are perfect for walking along the rocky coastlines of the PNW or hiking out to your favorite secret spot. The boots come equipped with both an upper and lower Velcro strap for minimum water entry and extra secureness. Please note that the size six option doesn’t have the upper Velcro strap.

Durability and comfort are what make the Hotline Reflex a popular choice for cold-water surfers. If “board feel” is a major factor for you, or you are used to surfing without booties, then the Reflex might not be your top choice because of the sturdy sole.

Read our full review here: Hotline Reflex Boots Review. 

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Xcel Drylock Boots- $99.95

“Popular New Tech”

Our Take: The Xcel Drylock boots are new to the Cleanline inventory as of 2024 and we’re stoked to offer their wetsuits, booties, gloves, and hoods to our customers. As you may know, their boots are highly sought-after due to their warmth, durability, and performance characteristics.

With the 3-dimensional engineering, water-tight Drylock Cuff, and ergonomic straps, the team at Cleanline is frothing on these boots. The boots are lightweight and have a great board feel due to the minimalistic bottom rubber. With a board feel similar to the Rip Curl Flashbombs and durability compared to the Hotline Reflex boots, these Xcel Drylock boots give you the best of both worlds. I haven’t personally used a pair of these boots, but some of my co-workers are loving them.

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Rip Curl Flashbomb Boots - $79.95+

"The quick-drying bootie" 

In addition, there is anti-microbial technology embedded in the fabric that kills odor-causing bacteria. The newest 2024 model has an even thinner sole of 0.6mm, the thinnest sole out of any bootie on this list resulting in maximum board feel. You’ll also notice the red textured grip print for the ultimate seal with your wetsuit leg to prevent flushing.

Finally, the boot is taped on all major stress points to ensure no water seeps through and shortens your session. These are the perfect booties for someone transitioning to cold water surfing from a warmer climate where they are not used to wearing boots.

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Patagonia Yulex Regulator Boots - $109.00+

“The most eco-friendly bootie”

All external seams are triple glued and blind-stitched, while 100% of the internal seams are taped, ensuring no excess water penetrates the exterior. The Yulex Regulator booties have a unique asymmetrical grip pattern, improving dexterity and board control. Having that solid grip means less wax, less often.

These wetsuit boots come equipped with Patagonia’s lifetime Iron-Clad guarantee. If the boot malfunctions, Patagonia will repair or replace it at no cost to you, well past the regular warranty timeline of most other companies. If you’re looking for booties with superior craftsmanship that will keep your feet warm hours into your session, these Patagonia boots are for you.

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Patagonia R2 Yulex Regulator 2mm Hidden Split Toe Boots - $109.00
Patagonia R3 Yulex Regulator 3mm Hidden Split Toe Boots - $119.00
Patagonia R4 Yulex Regulator 5mm Round Toe Boots - $119.00
Patagonia R5 Yulex Regulator 7mm Round Toe Boots - $129.00

Solite Custom Pro Boots - $104.95+

“Best Custom Fit”

Read our full review here: Solite Custom Surf Boots Review.

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Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Boots - $69.95+

“The Classic” 

Offered in split and round toe and two thicknesses, you’ll want to ensure you purchase the best model to meet your needs. With E3 Freeflex neoprene and Rip Curl’s Exclusive .8mm sole, the boots offer a realistic board feel without compromising durability.

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Surf Booties FAQ

What’s the Difference Between Round Toe and Split Toe Booties?

Split-toe boots have a divider (whether internally or externally) that separates your big toe from the rest of your toes. Surfers in favor of the Split Toe design claim that it helps to give them a better board feel and better prevents the toes from moving around in the boot.

Round-toe boots are essentially just neoprene shoes with no divider keeping all your toes together. Some surfers find these boots to be more comfortable because they like all of their toes together. The round-toe model tends to run warmer for cold water surfers and allows the user to wear thermal socks for extra warmth in frigid temperatures.

There are arguments on both sides that would support one particular style over the other. However, it comes down to personal preference. Whichever style feels more comfortable to the individual is the bootie that that individual should choose.

How Do You Size Surf Booties?

95% of boots are offered in men’s sizes and are only available in full sizes, not half sizes. Ideally, your booties should fit snugly like a sock. So, if you typically wear a street shoe size 10.5, I recommend buying a size 10 surf bootie. They may be tight initially, but you can expect them to stretch a bit after a few uses. A good rule of thumb is that if your toes touch the end of the bootie when you first try them on, they will fit well after a few uses. If your toes are curled, then go for the next size up.

Ladies, check whether the model is labeled as women's or men's (unisex) sizing. Women’s brands like Roxy will typically specify that it’s a women’s specific size. If not labeled as a female-fitting model, reduce your usual street shoe size by one size. For example, an 8.5 women’s street shoe is a size 7 in unisex boots.

What Thickness of Surf Bootie Do I Need?

Surf booties are made in multiple different thicknesses to accommodate surfers from the warm beaches of the tropic to the cold beaches of the Arctic. When deciding which thickness to go with, ask yourself: Where will I be surfing? What will the water temperature be?

Final Thoughts

Cold water surfing season is here, and Cleanline has you covered! With our collection of the 7 Best Surf Boots for 2024 — spanning a wide range from the sleek Flashbomb to performance powerhouse Custom Pros — you’ll find something that fits your preferences and budget. Depending on how often you surf, the Dawn Patrol is a great entry-level boot. If you’re a consistent day-to-day surfer, I’d recommend spending the extra money and investing in something similar to the Hotline Reflex or the Solite Custom Pro. Shop on our website today for unbeatable styles designed with warmth, durability, or performance in mind - plus many more options beyond these top picks.

If you want to complete your surf kit with a hood and gloves, check out our Surf Glove Guide and Surf Hood Guide to find the right fit.

Surf booties vary in cut from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you do not know your size, call us at 1-888-546-6176 or email us at support@cleanlinesurf.com, and we’ll help you choose the best surf bootie. As always, see you in the water!

- Shop our full collection of nearly 100 Men's wetsuit boots and Women's wetsuit boots -

James

James grew up as a snowboarder in the Wasatch Mountain range, with an admiration of the sea. After catching his first wave and soaking up the sea breeze, he gained an eternal love for surfing. Nowadays, he lives to ride sideways and is stoked to share his passions with others while writing blogs and working on the Customer Service team. If you don’t see him at the surf break, he’ll be pumping a bowl or ripping down a mountain.