Hydro Booties - Thermal Extra Warm

Orca Hydro Booties are the warmest swim booties in Orca's open water range: 3 mm neoprene outside, a soft Thermal X lining inside, and a split toe that keeps them from sliding around on your foot.

Who it's for

Swimmers who keep going when the water turns cold. A winter lap of the bay at dawn, an alpine lake in the Snowy Mountains, a Tasmanian ocean swim in May. Your feet are the first thing to go numb, and numb feet are what end a swim early. These booties keep them working, and they save the soles of your feet on the walk across cold sand, gravel or a boat ramp.

Buoyancy and flexibility

The separated big toe is the clever part. It locks the bootie to your foot, so it stays where you put it through every kick and water is not pumped in and out. You forget you are wearing them, which is what you want from anything on your feet in the water.

The neoprene is 3 mm thick. The Thermal X lining traps heat against your skin and is soft enough to wear for a long session without rubbing.

Getting the size right

Sizing is unisex and follows your shoe size:

• XXS: EU 37, UK 4.5
• XS: EU 38.5, UK 5.5
• S: EU 40, UK 6.5
• M: EU 41, UK 7.5
• L: EU 42.5, UK 8.5
• XL: EU 44, UK 9.5
• XXL: EU 45, UK 10.5
• XXXL: EU 46, UK 11.5
• XXXXL: EU 47, UK 12.5

You want them close, like a thick sock, with your toes reaching the end and no spare neoprene at the heel. A loose bootie fills with water and drags. Pull the cuff up your ankle first, then roll your wetsuit leg down over the top so the join is covered.

Water temperature range

Reach for the Hydro Booties when the water is cold enough that your feet ache: winter and the shoulder seasons in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the alpine lakes. They pair with a full wetsuit, and with neoprene gloves and a cap when the water is at its coldest.