O'NEILLMen's Freaksneak 3 mm Hi-Top Boot

One of the main reasons I bought these boots is that a "lace-up closure" was advertised in the description, and I thought I found my first pair of surfing/diving boots that didn't have a zipper to get clogged with sand and become immovable. Unfortunately, the laces here don't close anything, and are stitched to the outside of these $20 booties as a total afterthought--since they don't actually close anything, therefore they don't count as a "closure," and O'Neill is lying to customers about this product. The laces are 100% cosmetic and serve absolutely no practical function except for tripping on while you walk out on your longboard to noseride. Rather than being real tools for serious watermen, these "freak sneaks" are just props for kids trying to look cool by wearing their surf shoes to school. Moreover, they seem to run large, rather than being true to size, and baggy neoprene is pretty good at keeping you cold, rather than warm. I used to think O'Neill made some of the best neoprene products in the world, but I guess in 2014 they're just as susceptible to greed and avarice as any other corporation. On what planet does a $20 boot with $1 of extra plastic crap on it that does nothing constitute a $60 boot? After pulling these things off and on 100 times over wet feet ('cause they have NO functioning closure at all) I guarantee you that the 3mm neoprene will be shredded. These things are practically engineered to be thrown away the week you purchase them.

Nice idea, good styling. Few minor issues First one being, I took them out in some fairly large surf at around 6ft, whenever I bailed I noticed the laces nearly came out and they're only there for show. So I removed them.Second - they could be more substantial, I didn't think they'd be as flimsy as they are. I've got some dive boots that aren't designed to be tough but are tougher than these.All that being said, forgetting the practically of the boots - they do look "freakin" good! They're an ice breaker on the shore.

Fit is true to size. They are easy to put on. The shoestrings are a bit of a hassle, but worth the trade off by looking stylish and not seeming out of place on shore. The soles are grippy yet smooth. The only thing preventing a five star rating is they could use a little more stiffness in the sole for stepping on rocks. Otherwise happy with purchase.

Great wetsuit boots that are just a bit different to the norm. Perhaps better suited for SUP more than anything else as there is not much feel through the foot as other more anatomic boots.

These are great boots, fit true to size and are really comfortable.