Choosing your sailing booties
Sailing booties protect your feet from the cold and impacts while providing grip on the deck or trampoline. Here are the 5 points to check.
1. Neoprene thickness
Choose the thickness based on water temperature and the season. As a guide: 2 to 3 mm in summer and mid-season, 4 to 5 mm in cold water. Examples: Windesign 3 mm neoprene booties, Rooster EasiFit 4 mm neoprene boots, Vaikobi High Cut 5 mm Boots, Magic Marine Ultimate 2 Boots in 5 mm neoprene.
Windesign 3 mm neoprene booties
2. Cuff height
Low-cut booties leave the ankle free and dry faster, such as the Magic Marine Ultimate Shoes or the WIP LOW CUFF BOOTIES 2.0. A boot covers the ankle, retains heat, and protects against impacts, such as the Ultimate 2 Boots or the Horizon Hiking Boots.
Magic Marine Ultimate Shoes
3. Sole and grip
A thin, flexible sole transmits the feel of the boat, while a thicker sole protects against impacts and deck hardware. The Magic Marine racing booties have a flexible sole suitable for dinghies. The Vaikobi High Cut Boots use a thin, treaded sole. For hiking, the Horizon Hiking Boots combine a rubber upper and sole with a heel stabilizer.
Magic Marine racing booties
4. Foot support
When on the trapeze or in hiking straps, your foot must not move inside the boot. Closure systems vary: laces and an ankle strap on the Horizon Hiking Boots, a hook-and-loop strap on the LOW CUFF BOOTIES 2.0, and a drawcord on the Magic Marine racing booties. Split-toe booties improve grip and lateral support when on the trapeze.
Magic Marine Horizon Hiking Boots
5. Size
The boot should be snug without compressing your toes: a boot that is too large will take on water and reduce the precision of your footwork. If you wear neoprene socks underneath, take this into account when choosing your size. Junior models are available, such as the WIP LOW CUFF BOOTIES 2.0 JUNIOR.
WIP LOW CUFF BOOTIES 2.0 JUNIOR
Find all our models in our booties, boots, and neoprene socks collection.