Sock on dry suits - fabric vs latex?

Advice
#1

All the dry suits (2 Kokatat ones and 1 Palm one) I have used so far have had fabric socks. I see many (Immersion Research, some NRS ones, etc.) now come with latex socks. What are the pros and cons of latex vs fabric socks?

I am assuming the latex ones aren’t skin-tight fit, like latex gaskets are?

Thanks.

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#2

I have had both. I prefer the fabric socks.

The advantage of the latex socks is that you can replace them yourself.

The disadvantage is that that you have to replace them…

Also, it feels easier to put on footwear with fabric socks.

If you buy a suit with latex socks, pay attention to the shape. They come in both 2D and 3D shape. The 2D socks fold completely flat, and that shape doesn’t fit a foot very well.

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#3

I think the latex are more waterproof and warmer. They can be a bit tougher to slip into a neoprene booty. Neither style is particularly tailored to my feet. The latex are more prone to rip in the event of a swim- seen it happen in a ww environment when someone was just wearing sandals. I got no problem with either style provided you wear water shoes- but even my new cheapo semi dry suits (with neoprene cuffs on the neck and wrists) now have latex socks making me think it is also a cheaper way.

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#4

Latex is cheaper and less durable. That’s the trade-off. If there’s any difference in warmth, you can make up for it with a slightly thicker sock in the (thinner) fabric booties.

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#5

I bought my kotatat suit used and it had latex ankle seals which i replaced with latex socks, I guess you call them socks? . They have been on my suit for 5 years now. Last year they sprung a leak I was able to repair with latex patch I made out of latex wrist gasket material. So mine are lasting pretty long. I have NRS boots which cover up the latex completely to keep the latex protected. So mine are lasting. Which is better I don’t know. . You can always have cloth socks put on at a later date.

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#6

I’ve had both - I was always concerned that the fabric bootie would lose its waterproofing with wear, and eventually it did. I prefer latex. I didn’t even know you could still get fabric booties.

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