Heel protetors for drysuit

[gyork]

My size 12 feet don't leave much room near the bulkhead of "School Bus". Alas, I must paddle without boots, but have been using neoprene sock-like apparel over my booted drysuit. The neoprene socks are showing signs of wear at the heel, despite the patch of carpet padding between socks and hull. Does anyone (Dr. Scholl?) have ideas or product in mind that would protect my heels from abrasion? I sure don't want to wear a hole in my drysuit boot. My DIY alternative is a corner of a plastic gallon milk container, secured by rubber band.

Gary

[Suz]

My size 12 feet don't leave much room near the bulkhead of "School Bus". Alas, I must paddle without boots, but have been using neoprene sock-like apparel over my booted drysuit. The neoprene socks are showing signs of wear at the heel, despite the patch of carpet padding between socks and hull. Does anyone (Dr. Scholl?) have ideas or product in mind that would protect my heels from abrasion? I sure don't want to wear a hole in my drysuit boot. My DIY alternative is a corner of a plastic gallon milk container, secured by rubber band.

Gary

In my surf boat I use: http://www.kokatat.com/product_detail.asp?code=NSB they are the lightest shoe Kokatat makes and aimed at the low profile market such as surfing and white water and SOF boats.

The other alternative is the neoprene socks like you are wearing but are going through. Just accept that they need to be sacrificed.

Suz

[brambor]

Hi Gary,

I was going to suggest trying pita pockets (toasted) but maybe this is a better suggestion:

http://www.sandsocks.net/

In my surf boat I use: http://www.kokatat.com/product_detail.asp?code=NSB they are the lightest shoe Kokatat makes and aimed at the low profile market such as surfing and white water and SOF boats.

The other alternative is the neoprene socks like you are wearing but are going through. Just accept that they need to be sacrificed.

Suz

[jdkilroy]

I have the same difficulties with most every boat.

I use the NRS "Sasquatch" boot which offers great protection of the foot while walking about on hard things but has a very thin heel pad. Order a size larger than you are.

I pretty well wore a pair out on the Vancouver Island paddle but I was doing a lot of heavy boat dragging up and down beaches for the better part of a month so I'd say they hold up pretty well.

Jon

[Michael_Crouse]

Any thin bootie with a wrap around rubber heel should work. I have some Chotas that are thin and flexible but have a durable wrap around heel. I used a pair of booties without the rubber heel once, they lasted a month before the neoprene was worn through.

You might also want to try padding under your heels with something like this

http://kayakoutfitting.com/index.php?main_...;products_id=17

[bob budd]

The heel protector sounds like a pretty good idea. Our WW boats, that I use for some surfing and an occasional trip when the waves don't cooperate, don't have the room for my water shoes. I tie the shoes inside the boat (should I need to walk, to drag, etc. back to the car) and wear a (poly-whatever) sock over the drysuit, thus protecting the dry suit. "Sock is cheap".