Bootie crossroads

Try water based lubricant as sold in the larger squeeze tubes in a CVS. Plus it's perfect for SITS

 

I wear a pair of thin Smartwool snowboard socks under my winter boots. Been doing it for many years.

1. boot slips on and off like butter, saving wear and tear on your boot from all the pulling and stretching.
2. wool retains its insulating properties even when wet.
3. lets you wear the tightest boot possible to keep your foot from slipping around inside a bigger sized boot... more solid footing.
4. you don't have too put any kind of goop or powder in your boot that you have to clean out later.
5. extra warmth lets you get away with 5mm boots instead of 7mm even in North Jersey.
6. knee-high sock gets your foot through the leg of your wetsuit fast and easy, which comes in handy when you're changing into your suit in the parking lot in February.
7. makes it easier on the feet when changing out of your wetsuit in February.
8. they're machine washable.

You can get factory seconds online for a considerable discount here:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/sm...7Zz-zt6qwCFchM4AodcUIRdA&codes-processed=true

 

Dude, if you need copious amounts of that stuff, then she's not really that into it and you're doing it wrong.

To the subject at hand: Smartwool or something similar is a great idea, however I'm not too sure how well they will work with split-toes because you will have to make a crease in the sock between your big toe and whatever you call that other one right next to it. Might take a little practice to get it comfortable without binding your toes.
One thing I do is turn the bootie almost inside-out so you can get your toes in then peel it back over your feet. You know, kind of like one of those things you should use for the aforementioned SITS if you aren't ready to produce little Gnar's.

 

GRUUUUVIIII!!! we missed you!!!!

yup- shampoo always did the trick for me....

 

baby powder

As long as your boots are dry, this is the best thing available; trust me. I learned of this trick while competing in triathlon. See in triathlon, you’re not just racing swim-bike-run, but also, your transitions. An old local surfer said to me at a triathlon years ago, “can I borrow your baby powder?” I said, “WTF?” He laughed as he then new that I didn’t know. So, he showed me the “trick” and I was hooked. He then said, “What do you use in your winter booties for surfing.” I just laughed and drove straight to CVS. I keep some at home, in my car, in my shed, in my tool box, etc. It always seems to work in places that I wouldn’t expect.
This year I upgraded to a medicated version to keep the stink out of my booties. It works even better. I use the CVS medicated version. I squirt in 3 little blasts, shake, and then dump the extra out. Boots slips on and helps keep the funk down (I still wash my gear with hot water after every session). You can also use baby powder inside your wetsuit to help sneak into; though I do not.

 

http://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/page/WW/boots-gloves-hoods/777-XB00N

hot socks man, they make life a lot easier, and keep your feet nice and warm. Best thing from hyperflex i have ever gotten.

 

I have the same boots, last years model, picked em up Friday and also had trouble getting them on. I found a pretty easy trick to getting this put in particular on easily. get your foot in there as far as you can without ripping it. Grab the loop that is farthest down on the bottom near the heel and pull it up and the boot should slip right on.

I thought they were tight too (tighter than other size 9 boots I own) hopefully they will stretch out a lil.

 

Dent the sock between your big toe and the next one right before you put your boot on, and you don't even notice it, especially under a tight boot.

Those hyperflex socks look killer... but the price stings a little.

As far as any kind of lube goes, I hate my foot sliding around inside my boot, so that would not be my personal choice.

 

bought the 7mm rip curl. Ripped as I am putting them on for the first time. Tightest pair of boots I've ever tried to put on

 

Dude, don't worry about me, I slay the bi**hes, however it has more to do with making things extra slippery and washes away without any oily residue after rinsed in water. In the boots it won't break done the material and can be rinsed out after the sesh.

 

Gruvi where have you been? Seriously. You have some explaining to do. You show up, cause an uproar, long time forum members leave the forum (leethestud) and then go into hiding only to reappear 3 months later?

What do you have to say for yourself?

 

Gruvi, I thought you said you were married.

But that was a good point about using a little lube since it is, in fact water soluble. Only problem I see there is I don't see too many people wanting to wash their booties out after putting them on to avoid them being slippery inside while surfing. This would almost have to involve flushing them with the same cold seawater you are wearing them to avoid in the first place.

 

hot socks are the way to go . It make boots on and off alot eaiser and quicker. Plus is make a toasty pair of boots even warmer

 

I use baby powder too to make em easier to get on and keep the stink at bay - but the suggestion to pour out the extra is KEY. here's a cautionary tale:

Last winter I was suiting up in the car on a frigid day, heat on full blast. Took out my boot and a huge puff of baby powder flies out, then gets dispersed from the heat blasting out of the dashboard. Huge white cloud fills the car, I have to bail coughing my head off. Entire interior of car covered in white powder for like two weeks after. Ridiculous scene.

 

Use the loop on the heel to pull them over (as someone mentioned), works for me and I have same pair, and I don't have a problem. Tho I'm gonna try the socks now to try and snug the fit, do they not make 1/2 sizes?

 

Hey Wally,it's been back to work since mid October. I can't get away til next June unless I can get a week off this winter to hit up Costa. Good to see ya again tho!

 

dude gruvi come on man you seriously dissappeared. not good.

 

Well I guess I haven't had any surfing time in and no new advice needed since last I was here. I guess once my surf season begins for me again I'll be more into active posting and stuff

 

what in the hell is a 'surf season'?