Flat Sole & Tread Versions

These‍‌‍‍‌ boots, which are quite clever in their own little way, came to my attention due to a short Instagram review by Lynne Hawthorne from @Lynne_SUP_Fitness. Thank you, Jo, from Pokeboo.uk, for the generosity in sending me the two different versions, flat sole and treaded, so that I could experiment. I have been testing them extensively, and they, in fact, have made me a little bit of a ‍‌‍‍‌believer.

Being‍‌‍‍‌ paddleboarders, we can all relate to the hardship of choosing the proper footwear when taking colder paddles. Neoprene boots are good in some ways, for instance, when you are in the water and moving. Nevertheless, they are not very comfortable when you are standing on the shore, slowly launching or trying to keep warm before getting wet. They only insulate when wet, which is inconvenient.  Waterproof socks may seem like a good idea, but they are not always as waterproof as they claim, especially when the weather gets worse or the ground becomes ‍‌‍‍‌dirty.

Pokeboo's‍‌‍‍‌ Packable Boots are just the thing to help you out. Manufactured from a flexible,  ‘Natural’ rubber, they are light in weight, strong, waterproof and can be easily cleaned, thus, they are the perfect choice for any kind of outdoor activities. Each of the two versions can be folded and placed in a small drawstring storage bag that is convenient for a drybag, backpack, or car boot storage. The flat sole version is capable of being compressed to a very small size, whereas the treaded version is slightly bigger to let in the extra grip and support although it is still a small size. Additionally, the company also offers different colours of the product, thus, you can either match your kit or pick a colour that makes you happy. Above all, they are very simple to put on, unlike the stiff, traditional wellies, you do not have to pull or wrestle with ‍‌‍‍‌them.

The‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ ones with a smooth sole are the best ones to be put on after a paddle, a wild swim, or when your feet are asking for a rest from wet trainers. In fact, wearing them gives you a barefoot feeling as the material they are made of is soft and they are pliable. In case you are a lover of that natural bond and liberty of movement, then these will fit you like a glove. Especially, since they are great for such soft surfaces as grassy fields, the shore of a lake, or even a quick walk with your dog in the park. They haven’t been designed for rough adventures but are ‍‌‍‍‌ideal for campsite mornings, car park transitions, or post-adventure pub ‍‌‍‍‌stops.

The‍‌‍‍‌ treaded version provides more traction. Although remaining packable and lightweight, they have enough grip to be able to walk on muddy towpaths and slippery slipways. 

The extra grip underfoot gave me confidence, and the tread helped prevent the uncomfortable feeling of stepping on something sharp or uneven, so I found them perfect for walking into the river. Without giving it a second thought, I've worn them straight from the water to the car and they have been great. The additional sole structure offers just enough support without any compromise in the flexibility. Most importantly, neither version of the boots took away the board skills. In other words, if you were to change the position of your foot or shift your weight, they would still be comfortable and you wouldn't notice them, which is exactly what you want when your balance is ‍‌‍‍‌important.

It's really a good match when you wear any of these boots with a good pair of thermal or waterproof socks that really help keep your feet warm. The combination of these which I found to be the winner in keeping your feet warm, dry, and ready to go, even in the harshest weather.

One of the main features that I love about these boots, apart from how they perform, is their low-fuss nature. There are no flashy logos which cover 25%+ of the boot, no over-engineering, just simple design that hits the mark. These are the kind of boots that you don't remember packing, but when you come across them are glad that you did.

"From board to boot bag in seconds—these have a real purpose for paddle life."

If you do any paddleboarding, enjoy wild swimming, or like to be ready for whatever the British weather may bring, then these are something you may need to consider.