Prolimit Surf Shoes Unisex Mercury Split Toe 5/5MM GBS XGRIP are built for cold sessions in fall and winter where you want warmth without losing precision. The 5.5mm neoprene shaft keeps wind chill out and warms up quickly as soon as you move; at the same time, the split-toe allows your big toe to stand apart for more stability, anti-twist and more direct board feel during approaches, water starts and short runs on beach or jetty. The XGRIP sole delivers firm traction on wet deck, slippery pebbles and pontoons, but remains flexible enough to precisely feel pressure on footpads, rails and strapping positions. Glued and blind-stitched (GBS) seams limit water entry; the low collar slides neatly under your wetsuit leg for a draft-free seal. Inside, the material feels soft and warm and dries smoothly between sessions, while reinforcements on heel and instep counteract wear if you often launch from rough banks or set off firmly in chop.
On Dutch lakes, ponds and along the coast, you'll especially notice how controlled and calm the Mercury stays when the wind turns or picks up. The split-toe keeps the boot centered under your foot, so it doesn't spin away during hard edge pressure or quick direction changes; this saves energy in lower legs and gives confidence at higher speed or foiling over short chop. The shank rolls smoothly with your ankle, allowing you to "read" the foil or board without lag, while the sole provides enough lateral support to charge powerfully toward the lip. Donning is hassle-free with the elastic insert and pull loop; once on, the fit remains stable with no pressure points. After boating, rinse off salt and sand, pat out the water and hang them to dry-the materials remain form-fitting and elastic, session after session. So you get winter-ready insulation with the instant feel you need to keep sailing tight even in inclement weather.