7 Best Surf Boots For 2024

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 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.

Surf Boots Reviewed

• O’Neill Heat Boots - $59.95+
• Hotline Reflex Boots - $90.95+
• O’Neill Epic Boots - $49.95
• Rip Curl Flashbomb Boots - $79.95+
• Patagonia Yulex Boots - $109.00+
• Solite Custom Pro Model Line - $104.95+
• Rip Curl Dawn Patrol - $69.95+

O’Neill Heat Boots - $59.95+

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.

Highlights and Features

• Lightweight feel
• Used in Cleanline’s rental fleet
• True to size fit
• 3mm available up to size 15

Shop By Model

Hotline Reflex Boots - $90.95+

"The most durable bootie"

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.

Highlights and Features

• Durable construction
• Warm neoprene
• Two velcro straps
• Fits wide

Shop By Model

Hotline Reflex 5mm Round Toe Boots - $90.95
Hotline Reflex 5mm Split Toe Boots - $90.95
Hotline Reflex 7mm Split Toe Boots - $106.95

O’Neill Epic Boots - $46.95+

“Practical Design”

The O’Neill Epic surf bootie is essentially the high-end O’Neill Heat bootie with a simplistic design that gets the job done without breaking the bank. The Epic is a non-strap surf bootie with GBS (Glued and Blindstitched) seams and Fluidflex interior/ exterior fabric.

As an entry-level surf bootie, the O’Neill Epic would be perfect for someone looking for a cost-friendly, simple design. If you plan to surf consistently, it would be best to consider more high-end models with additional durability properties. However, the O'Neill Epic is a great option if you plan to surf occasionally or simply want your feet warm while hanging out in cold water.

Highlights and Features

• Large heel pull
• Durable outsole
• Incredibly flexible
• Fits true to size

Shop By Model

O’Neill Epic 3mm Round Toe Boots - $46.95
O’Neill Epic 5mm Round Toe Boots - $49.95

Rip Curl Flashbomb Boots - $49.95

"The quick-drying bootie"

If performance and “board feel” are essential, look no further than the Rip Curl Flash Bomb. These wetsuit booties are made from the same E5 neoprene and taping that is used in Rip Curl’s high-end wetsuits. You can expect maximum flex and comfort accompanied by minimum dry time due to the polypropylene Flash lining on the inside.

In addition, there is anti-microbial technology embedded in the fabric that kills odor-causing bacteria. The newest 2022 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 cuts your session short. These are the perfect booties for someone transitioning to cold water surfing from a warmer climate where they are not used to wearing boots.

Highlights and Features

• Great board feel
• Anti-odor treatment
• Fast Drying
• Warm Flashlining
• True to size fit

Shop By Model

Rip Curl Flashbomb 3mm Hidden Split Toe Boots - $99.95
Rip Curl Flashbomb 5mm Round Toe Boots - $109.95
Rip Curl Flashbomb 5mm Hidden Split Toe Boots - $109.95
Rip Curl Flashbomb 7mm Round Toe Boots - $79.95

Patagonia Yulex Boots - $109.00+

“The most eco-friendly bootie”

As with all things Patagonia, these booties are the epitome of quality manufacturing. Patagonia took zero shortcuts in producing these cozy, cold water boots. The Yulex booties come lined with a mixture of 95% partially recycled polyester and 5% spandex making these boots warm, comfortable, and surprisingly flexible.

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 booties have a unique Y-strap closure system that conforms to the user’s foot and guarantees a snug fit.

These wetsuit boots come equipped with Patagonia’s lifetime Iron-Clad guarantee. If the boot malfunctions, Patagonia will repair or replace them 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.

Highlights and Features

• Most sustainable option
• Neoprene free rubber
• Durable construction
• Fits narrow

Shop By Model

Patagonia R3 Yulex 3mm Split Toe Boot - $109.00
Patagonia R4 Yulex 5mm Round Toe Boot - $109.00
Patagonia R5 Yulex 7mm Round Toe Boot - $119.00

Solite Custom Pro Boots - $104.95+

“The new favorite bootie”

In surfing, the specialization of a specific product is not common. Many brands offer multiple products, and you rarely see them focus on the specialization of a specific one. Solite does just that by immersing itself in the innovation of solely surf boots and surf gloves.

With a wide variety of surf booties to choose from, Solite stands apart by offering the first-ever surf boots that can be custom-fitted through heat molding. That's right! You can custom-fit the bootie for a more comfortable, high-performing fit.

The Solite Custom Pro includes a unique thermal rebound plush quick-drying internal lining, Tatex flex spine, and a 3-point strap with a floating D-ring. Each of these features will help you take your cold water surfing to the next level. Check them out on our website and read the 2023 Solite Custom Surf Boots Review for more information!

Highlights and Features

• Moldable internal liner
• Great board feel
• 3 Point Strap
• Fits true to size

Shop By Model

Custom Pro 2.0 3mm Hidden Split Toe Boots - $104.95
Custom Pro 2.0 5mm Split Toe Boots - $89.95

Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Boots - $69.95+

“The Classic”

The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol is a trusted bootie at a low cost. If you’re looking for a bargain, Rip Curl has you covered with the Dawn Patrol booties. With a simple design that includes key features, these simple surf booties will keep your feet plenty warm and comfortable during your session.

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

Highlights and Features

• Comfortable Superlight neoprene
• Minimalist design
• No velcro straps

Shop By Model

Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 3mm Round Toe Boots - $69.95
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 3mm Split Toe Boots - $69.95
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 5mm Round Toe Boots - $75.95

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 and like that all their toes are 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 Epic 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 O’Neill Heat. 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..