Vans’ Tabi Surf Boot Finally Gets on Board

Vans has been riding the tabi-toe shoe wave for a while now, and now the skate shoe purveyor is taking its weird shoe talents to the pier with its Surf Bootie 3 MM.

The best way to describe this boot would be a three-way cross between a tabi boot, a Vans skate shoe, and a surfing bootie.

Renewable Yulex rubber forms the split-toe design, and the micro-sipe patterned outsole ensures on-board grip, while the engineered heel pull tab ensures easy entry and exit. The best thing a surf boot can be, besides a little funky, is easy to get on and off.

Boots in the water might not be the most intuitive footwear choice, but similar to how wetsuits keep the body warm, these snug boots keep a thin layer of water inside that gets warmed by body heat, keeping things temperate in icy water conditions.

Furthermore, the sturdy structure of the boot protects against jagged rocks, shells, reefs, and any other number of oceanic hazards. The split toe design? Well, that's fashion and function, as the isolated big toe enhances on-board stability.

Of course, Vans' iconic Sidestripe insignia lies across the midfoot, rounding out the shoe's stylistic disposition.

While Vans is best known for its skateboard-related offerings, there's nary a board Vans hasn't conquered, and surfboards are no exception.

In addition to the Surf Bootie 3 MM, which is available on the Vans website for $85, Vans also makes some pretty sick snowboard shoes. Super cool interdisciplinary shoes? Vans is on board.

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