Sea to Summit Ultra Flex Booties Review
Cons: Not versatile, lack in support and protection for rough terrain
Manufacturer: Sea to Summit
Our Verdict
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Sea to Summit Ultra Flex Booties | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Price | $45 List | $89.07 at Amazon | $89.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $52.46 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $74.99 at Amazon |
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Pros | Very sensitive, good traction, secure for swimming | Exceptional comfort, great traction on wet surfaces, sensitive underfoot, drains well | Top-notch traction, flexible, snug fit | Comfortable, sticky rubber, great drainage | Lightweight, durable, somewhat versatile |
Cons | Not versatile, lack in support and protection for rough terrain | Sizing seems to run small, shows slight signs of wear | Lack in durability, not warm | Take a long time to dry, difficult fit when adding layers | Sizing runs large, adjustability is lacking, uncomfortable in bare feet |
Bottom Line | If you plan on staying in your boat all day or anticipate only short scouts, these booties are great | This excellent shoe handily beats out the competition, most notably due to their comfort and versatility | For the avid kayaker, the flexibility and traction in this model is unparalleled | This model offers versatility and top-notch traction at a moderate price | Best suited for running or hike in wet environments |
Rating Categories | Ultra Flex Booties | Chaco Torrent Pro - Women's | Astral Loyak - Women's | NRS Vibe - Women's | Salomon Amphib Bold - Women's |
Comfort (25%) | |||||
Traction (25%) | |||||
Versatility (15%) | |||||
Warmth (15%) | |||||
Durability (10%) | |||||
Sensitivity (10%) | |||||
Specs | Ultra Flex Booties | Chaco Torrent Pro... | Astral Loyak -... | NRS Vibe - Women's | Salomon Amphib... |
Measured Weight (in lbs per pair, size US Women 8) | 0.56 lbs | 1.08 lbs | 0.87 lbs | 1.36 lbs | 0.93 lbs |
Drainage Features | None | Quick drying drainage | Outsole is draining | In-step drainage | Mesh on upper |
Footwear Closure | Velcro strap | Elastic quick laces | Laces | Laces | Single-pull quick laces |
Available Widths | Medium | Medium | Medium | B width (Medium) | Medium |
Upper Materials | 3mm neoprene | Knitted polyester upper | Hydrophobic Canvas | 1000 denier nylon, quick-drying Cordura | Single-layer mesh/synthetic |
Removeable Insole? | No removable insole | No removable insole | Removable insole | No removable insole | Removable insole |
Midsole | Rubber | Women's-specific LUVSEAT EVR midsole | 7mm thick, 45C closed cell EVA foam | EVA foam | EnergyCell |
Outsole | Rubber | Non-marking ChacoGrip Plus rubber compound, self draining Flexi-grip | Flexi-grip, G15 (Astral tech) | Siped, sticky rubber | Contagrip FD rubber |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Ultra Flex is a classic neoprene bootie, featuring 3mm neoprene and a sticky rubber outsole. They weigh just above half a pound for a US women's size 8 and fold down small for packing.
Performance Comparison
Comfort
The Ultra Flex fits around the foot like a sock, kept secure by a velcro strap that wraps around the heel. While other shoes tested were likely to come off in a swim, we were assured these ones weren't going anywhere.
The neoprene keeps your feet warm in cold water. But given its snug fit, anything more than a pair of wool socks was too thick to wear underneath. The Ultra Flex is the closest thing to sticky bare feet you'll find. Thus, walking on rough terrain is uncomfortable and potentially hazardous. On a boat and in the water, though, is where these shoes are comfiest.
Traction
The rubber outsole provides great traction on wet rocks, logs, and navigating a wet raft. This is aided by its flexibility, enabling your foot to follow the natural curvature of the surface.
The Ultra Flex essentially lacks lugs entirely, making them less than ideal for slick soft surfaces like a muddy trail or sandy hike. We found our arches and Achilles straining on these surfaces. That being said, these shoes are purely made to be on the water.
Versatility
The Ultra Flex isn't meant to be used across a wide variety of activities. It functions well as a boating-specific shoe, and is comfortable and warm for full days on the water. It works well as a boating or swimming shoe, but you'd be unlikely to find us wearing it on a hike given its lack of durability and foot protection.
Warmth
The neoprene materials provide excellent insulation when wet. Yet this is only up to the ankle, as adding warm layers was difficult.
We barely fit a dry-suited foot into it; a wool sock was as thick of a material as the stretchy neoprene would accept. For truly frigid days, the Ultra Flex doesn't have enough layering capability. For more mid to higher temperatures, the Ultra Flex fits the bill.
Durability
The neoprene is glued to two pieces of rubber: the outsole and a smooth reinforcer between the two. The velcro strap seems a bit flimsy, but then again you're unlikely to be yarding on the strap as much as you might with other shoes.
The neoprene is relatively thin, so it's subject to punctures or abrasions. For short walks up to the surf wave and takeout and promptly into a kayak, the Ultra Flex is fine. For navigating rougher terrain, the shoes will be worn down much more quickly than heftier shoes.
Sensitivity
The Ultra Flex Bootie is the most sensitive shoe we tested. With no insole and a thin outside, you'll feel every bump and inconsistency. These shoes are ideal for swimming and playboating, given their low profile and neoprene construction, but are almost too sensitive for walking on land, unless you're used to being barefoot entirely.
Value
For the playboater or swimmer, these shoes are a great value. It provides decent warmth and traction for navigating short hikes or portages. They lack in durability, but you won't break the bank just getting another pair if you put a hole in the neoprene.
Conclusion
The Sea to Summit Ultra Flex Bootie thrives as a boating-specific shoe but lacks function in other areas. The 3mm neoprene keeps your feet warm in cold water but is difficult to pair with socks or a drysuit. It's made to be flexible, sensitive, and low-profile, and for this, it excels. While you wouldn't want these shoes if you plan on doing long portages or scouts, it will do the job scaling a boat ramp at the put-in and take-out.
— Monica Nigon