Warmer: Neo Booties or Wrestling Shoes

[2-Stroke Guru]

Hey guys,
I just rode in 40 degree water yesterday in socks and skate shoes. Needless to say I'm never doing that again. Through research I've concluded that wrestling shoes are the better choice for freestyle. BUT, I want to stay warm this winter and I want to know what is the WARMER of the two. If the wrestling shoes+neo socks are just as warm, I guess Ill go with them.

 

[Mark44]

Wet feet are cold feet you need a dry suit if you want warmth.

Mark44

 

[chriselmore_1]

i wear neoprene socks and all star chuck taylors and my feet keep plenty warm. i like chucks cuz there isnt padding to soak up water. just a layer of canvas. makes it easier to swim my ski in when it takes a chit.... witch has bean happening alot lately... i just add more padding to the holds instead. the chucks are also pretty flat on the foot so i feel like i can jam my feet in farther.

 

[Midlake Crisis]

I agree with Chriselmore - the neo socks work really well.
I wear them with wrestling shoes and they make a huge difference in comfort.

 

[ADDict]

Go with neo boots in the winter.. I use 5mm dive boots and they are the shiz. Perfectly warm in 35 degree water. The best option by far, and very reasonable, you can usually get them at a local dive shop for about $50. Well worth it IMO.

 

[Matt_E]

I wear neoprene socks with wrestling shoes in water as low as 33 degrees.
No problems here, warm feet.

 

[ADDict]

I've never used neo socks, but I'll bet you they aren't as warm as boots. The thicker the neoprene, the warmer you'll be. I doubt the socks go up to 5mm.. And they are very thin, enough to where you don't notice them swimming, etc. If neo socks worked that great, divers would use them instead of boots. BTW, some boots have way thicker soles than others, try to find some with thin soles like the O'Neill's. Good luck!

 

[Matt_E]

I'm just telling you what I am using in pretty chilly water without getting cold. :biggrin:

These are about 4-5mm

 

[chriselmore_1]

my neo socks are 3mm and were only 10$ at my local dive shop. fit nice and snug in my chucks too. some of those boots can get pretty expensive and wear alot quicker than shoes+neo socks

 

[ADDict]

my neo socks are 3mm and were only 10$ at my local dive shop. fit nice and snug in my chucks too. some of those boots can get pretty expensive and wear alot quicker than shoes+neo socks

Thats good then, 3mm should keep you pretty warm. As far as wear, I've had my dive boots for 2 winter seasons and they are fine. An they get used for every single winter ride, in water anywhere from 35-45. For that price I'll have to find a pair.

 

[ADDict]

I'm just telling you what I am using in pretty chilly water without getting cold. :biggrin:

These are about 4-5mm

Haha, I had opened multiple tabs from the new posts window, and replied like 10 minutes later. I didn't even see your post about the socks. I'll have to get a pair!

 

[tipafew]

I used to ride with 5mm neo boots in cold weather. They were pretty warm but didn't have the traction and I had a few scary moments where my feet came out of my holds on rolls. I went back to just neo socks and my wrestling shoes. Not quite as warm, but a lot safer and better traction.
On my square nose I had a pisser in the tray in addition to my hand warmers. That was nice!