Xcel Drylock Surf Boots Review

Xcel Dylock boots warming up by the fire.

When it comes to cold-water surfing, having the right gear can make or break your session. Enter the Xcel Drylock surf boots, a pair of high-performance wetsuit boots that we’ve been eager to test ever since Cleanline Surf recently became an official Xcel dealer. I’ve always heard glowing reviews about the Drylock lineup—praised for their comfort, warmth, and snug fit—but nothing beats firsthand experience. 

With a starting price of $95, these boots fall within the standard price range for premium surf boot options, but are they worth the investment? After putting them to the test, I can confidently say they’ve earned their place as a cold-water essential. Let me tell you about the “why” below.


“Choosing the right bootie can be just as crucial as choosing the right wetsuit. If you are in the market for a new pair of boots this winter, I recommend trying the Xcel Drylock boots. They have been a great addition to my wetsuit quiver and have lived up to the hype as being one of the "best of the best” wetsuit surf boots for 2025.”


    Pros

    • Snug and secure during aggressive surfing maneuvers
    • Warm and comfortable fit
    • Great warranty program

    Cons

    • Thinner soles can wear out on rough terrain
    • Can be tough to get on

    Xcel Drylock Boots

    Xcel Drylock boot

    Construction and Materials

    The Xcel Drylock booties are constructed of Channel Flex neoprene. This lightweight, air-pocketed neoprene doesn't hold water like conventional boots and has a great range of motion and flexibility.

    In addition, the boots are lined with a Celliant Black lining. What is Celliant Black? It is a Thermo Dry Celliant, or TDC, which uses a heat-retaining property to keep body heat in and retain that heat for a longer period than conventional neoprene you see in some of the other brands.


    Xcel Drylock Boot construction on the heel.

    Fit and Cut

    What makes these boots stand apart from their predecessors? The 3D molding and the positioning of the foot strap. Once you get these boots on (they are harder than some other brands to get on), they have a vacuum seal type of fit to your foot. The foot strap positioned at an angle above the arch of your foot sucks your foot in place. Kind of like tightening up a pair of laces on your shoes. 

    The sole of the Xcel Drylock boots strikes a balance in thickness—neither too thin nor overly thick. While thinner soles can provide more board feel and thicker ones offer durability, these boots land right in the middle. If you frequently walk long distances to your surf spot and want to extend the life of the soles, I recommend wearing an oversized pair of shoes, such as Crocs, over them. For example, I wear a size 10 in these boots and bought size 12 Crocs to fit comfortably over them. As for fit, I have a narrow to regular-shaped foot—not particularly wide—and these boots fit me perfectly.


    Performance

    The Channel Flex Neoprene is similar to the Technobutter or TBX found in similarly priced O’Neill products. It is super lightweight. But I think it holds up a bit better in elasticity. This means that it doesn't break down as quickly as some of the conventional neoprenes out there.

    Surfing in the Pacific Northwest means braving water temperatures that typically range from 46–55°F, often hovering around 48–52°F. Despite these cooler conditions, I’ve never felt cold wearing the Xcel Drylock 5mm ST boots. For most sessions, even those lasting over two hours, the 5mm provides ample warmth. If you’re planning to stay out for 3+ hours regularly, you might consider upgrading to the 7mm version for extra insulation, but for me, the 5mm has always been sufficient.

    The Drylock lineup offers several options to suit different needs: 3mm ST (split-toe), 5mm ST and RT (round toe), and 7mm RT. A standout feature of Xcel boots is that they’re available in half sizes, such as 10.5—a rarity among wetsuit boot brands, making them a great option for those with in-between sizing.



    Customer Feedback

    "Waters off Central California stay cold year round. My feet get cold easy. These do the trick of keeping my feet warm for up to two hours. I like the new tighter cuff and cross foot strap."

    - Linda


    Final Thoughts

    Choosing the right bootie can be just as crucial as choosing the right wetsuit. If you are in the market for a new pair of boots this winter, I recommend trying the Xcel Drylock boots. They have been a great addition to my wetsuit quiver and have lived up to the hype as being one of the “best of the best” wetsuit surf boots for 2024.

    In summary, the Xcel Drylock surf boots are a top-tier choice for cold-water surfers seeking warmth, durability, and a secure fit. Constructed with innovative Channel Flex neoprene and Celliant Black lining, these boots excel at retaining body heat while providing exceptional flexibility and comfort. Their 3D molding and strategically placed foot strap ensure a snug, vacuum-like fit that stays secure during even the most aggressive maneuvers.

    While the thinner sole enhances board feel, it may require extra care when walking on rough terrain. Available in 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm options with both round and split-toe designs—and even hard-to-find half sizes—these boots cater to a wide range of surfers and conditions. Priced between $94.95 and $104.95, they’re a solid investment for any cold-water enthusiast looking to stay warm without compromising performance. 

    If the Drylock booties are a bit overkill for your needs, don’t pass on the Infiniti or Axis boots. The Infiniti booties are about $20 less and are geared towards warmth and performance. Lastly, the Axis, Xcels’s lower-tier option uses a simple minimalist design. These boots are great for someone who needs an affordable boot with a simple design.


    Dexter

    Growing up both in the Pacific Northwest and Maui, Dexter surfs, skates, snowboards, and is always psyched to grind. Today, you can find him at the Cannon Beach Shop throughout the year. Dexter probably gets more water time than anyone else at the shop and has a very wide variety of knowledge when it comes to wetsuits and surf equipment.