Keeping Feet Warm

For colder conditions I have Hydroskin tops and bottoms. Not sure what to do about my feet. Anybody use neoprene booties? Are they too big to fit in the foot straps?

Wool socks?
Not sure what is best.

5 or 7 mm booties are usually sufficient, even to down below freezing. Most foot straps can be adjusted so they fit, though it may be a bit tight.

I have a pair of 5 mm booties, but I usually use my 3 mm water shoes, and when it gets cold, I add wool socks. But then again, I seem to be more cold tolerant than most of the paddlers I know.

Two things: make sure the booties fit snugly, and your feetsies will stay warm. For those colder days, wear some neoprene socks under the next bigger size booties.

I use neoprene booties made for surfing. They are close fitting and flexible. Most booties made for diving are quite bulky and the soles are not flexible enough for easy steering.

drjay. Whatever solution you go for, make sure that you can pull your feet out of the foot strap. You don't want to capsize with a foot trapped in the foot strap.

I use neoprene booties in a cold lake in which I have to step into the water. I bring a thermos with warm water and pour some in the top of the booties before and after the paddle session.

If you get free diving wetsuit socks like these wildblue.co.nz/shop/Boots+Gloves++Hoods/.../Vertex+S50+3mm.html

They are like toasty socks with a little rubberised grip protection on the bottom.

I have use boots, socks but I didn't like the feel (mostly because they slip) so since I use Pogies in my hands I took an old pair of neoprene boots and cut the bottom so I have my bare feet in the footboard and they are protected from cold wind.

I've been using Atan 'Hot Mistral' for winter surfing and paddling for many years. Great barefoot feeling and very warm! Found a little review...