But I digress. There's a lot more to it than that. What you ask? Solite 2.0 of course. Did you think we were the kind of guys to sit around and rest on our thermoform laurels? NOOO!
We took on everything that ever bugged anyone and made it better, way better! The first thing is comfort: the internal split toe divider is smaller and more comfortable for a wider variety of foot shapes, all while still giving you the benefit of the split. Your feet are locked in your toes can grip the front of the boot and dig into the wax on the bottom turn like a cougar in heat.
Another improvement is your boots on way easier without sacrificing that super seal around your ankles that keeps whatever flushes through your suit going right past your boots. Genius they said!
But for me the best advancement is the new 3-point strap. It's amazing! It pulls the arch of the boot right into the arch of your foot and pulls the heel of the boot tight against your heel so it feels like part of your foot. Solites have always felt like part of your foot but this is a whole new level! And if you are doing airs, landing late drops or even just working on your first shaky floaters, having this amazing new ankle support is a whole new level of performance and security.
Tyler Hollmer-Cross
We just saw some amazing shots of Tyler Hollmer Cross at Shipstern bluff in Tasmania. Paddling and towing, pulling into mutant caves dropping over steps in the face almost as tall as him. It's some of the most technical surfing I've ever seen anyone do. Not to mention the cold water and jagged rocks just a few feet away. It's got to be one of the gnarliest waves on the planet.
Tyler is literally putting life on the line to get some crazy barrels. Towing it, paddling it, using foot straps or not, he’s wearing Solite! Same thing with Peter Mel getting a career wave at Mavericks last year. The type of wave where are you can sit and wait in the freezing cold water forever and when you make your move there’s no room for error. Both these guys are operating on slabs that could kill them. Hunks of water the size and weight of a building are literally missing their heads by inches. I get so stoked when I see this and I know that they choose Solite because they love the natural barefoot board feel, warmth, and protection they get. Getting good feedback from these guys means we are on the cutting edge of performance exactly where we strive to be. It’s super validating when your product is chosen by heavy water slab gods like these. And that translates to better performance for all of us mortals. Because whether it’s 2 feet or 50, none of us wants to waste a good wave tripping over wetsuit boots.
Peter Mel
]]>Think about it. It's true of boards, it's even true of wetsuits to some degree. But it's definitely true of wetsuit boots. They are literally the connection between you and your board. Some people are very picky, they will tell you they can't surf in booties. Some will tell you that they can't surf without booties. Some hate them some love them. That's why we at Solite spend so much time working on our unique materials, fit and construction. Our goal was always a game changing boot that could improve everyone's surfing performance. And Solites do! Whether you are dropping in the bowl at Mavericks, or a beginner trying to get to your feet somewhere in Virginia Beach, you benefit from a lighter, better-fitting boot. Especially one that feels more like barefoot on your board. Like a membrane around your foot that moves like part of your foot. On top of that being 50% lighter helps everyone get to their feet faster and that's huge whether you are 7 or 70.
The big bonus is that they're so durable. They outlast regular boots by 2-3 X.
Partially because of the revolutionary thermoform material and partially because there are no seams to leak in the lower half of the boot. Solites provide superior performance that outlasts other boots. As an added bonus, if your feet are still growing you can stretch them again by heat molding them to keep that custom fit going one extra season.
Maybe that's why so many people are switching to Solite Boots. This was a breakout year and we have been amazed by our success. When famous surfers sponsored by other wetsuit companies started secretly wearing our boots we knew we were on to something. We don't pay anyone to use our product. They do it because they believe. From air kids in So Cal to the ice slab chargers in Northern Canada the word is out. These are the best boots you can buy. Period!
The bad news is they're selling out fast. So if you want to be sure to get your size get them now. You can get them custom fitted by an expert retailer at any one of our custom hotbed centers around the US, Europe, and Canada. Like Peter Mell at Freeline in Santa Cruz pictured here. Not only does he sell them, he uses them almost daily. If you're not near one of our retailers go to www.soliteboots.com where there are easy to follow do-it-yourself sizing and molding instructions and live chat if you need help.
]]>
After multiple weeks of sheltering in place all of us are naturally getting restless. Our actions in the name of flattening the curve have been effective and we are starting to see light at the end of the isolation tunnel. At this point everyone is getting impatient with the differing approaches to regulating ocean recreation. Many wonder why some surf spots are open while theirs are closed. While these inconsistencies are frustrating, complaining about them while people are dying and healthcare workers and public servants put their lives on the line is not cool or appropriate.
In my humble opinion, the most productive thing that the surf community can do at this point is to make sure that we are responsible stewards of our playground and we set a good example for others in our community when surfing is permitted. That means social distancing and being kind and respectful to our fellow citizens and community officials. Most of us have viewed video of overcrowded beaches where social distancing is not respected. This type of behavior threatens to undo the flattening of the curve we have achieved by sheltering in place for many weeks. If that happens, officials will have no choice but to reinstate shelter in place orders for public safety. We hear a lot about herd immunity but what about herd mentality? It feels like it’s at a tipping point. It’s up to us to make sure it goes the right way for the good of our communities and our sport.
There are multiple petitions being circulated now to reopen beaches that are still closed. You can find many of them here. https://www.change.org/search?q=surfing This is a positive exercise of your rights as an American. But, let’s be sure we bring our “A Game” to the table when beaches are open. Let’s be Givers and not just Takers… How can we help our communities? Our caregivers and first responders, our fellow ocean lovers. Let’s support the businesses and our communities that need our help to survive and thrive beyond this pandemic. Those of us who can spend some money, please support the businesses that support you and your community. Don’t forget your surf shops! They are the keepers of the flame of our sport and our lifestyle. Help America Heal!
Tyler Callaway
Solite Co-Founder.
]]>Catalyst Surf in San Clemente, CA
Natures Shapes in Sayville, NY
Sunrise Surf and Skate in Cherry Hill, NJ
Glide Surf Company in Asbury Park, NJ
Thanks for your support!
]]>Solite Boots' sole is molded from an anti-microbial thermo-foam that dries quickly and therefore makes it difficult for bacteria to form inside the boot. Many surfers love the feel of foot directly against this foam as it gives the most direct, barefoot-like response from foot to board. However, for those who miss the cushiness or extra warmth provided by lining materials, we developed the Heat Booster Split Toe Sock. The benefits of this sock are substantial:
Heat Booster socks come FREE with all 3mm and 6mm Custom Pro boots and are also sold separately for $9.95. They are available in two sizes, Small (US 6-9) and Large (US 10-13). Order them here: Heat Booster Socks.
]]>