Hotline Reflex Boots Review

The all-time team rider and employee favorite, the Hotline Reflex is the most durable boot we sell. Originally designed for the cold and rocky beaches of Santa Cruz, the Reflex translates well to any area that’s tough on gear. Originally an NW and NorCal staple, we’ve seen the Reflex’s popularity grow each year, with surfers in the Northeast and Great Lakes now swearing by them. The Hotline Reflex is the undisputed champ if you surf somewhere rugged and cold and want the ultimate warmth. Read on for our full review of what makes these a favorite.

“For our money, these are the most dependable boots out there. If you're wearing out your boots faster than you'd like, we highly recommend checking these out.”

Hotline Reflex Boots

Construction and Materials

Hotline’s products are built using a modern fit and materials but with a more old-school style approach to manufacturing that makes their gear military-grade durable. In fact, we often rate these as the most durable boots out there. 

The neoprene these boots are made of doesn’t have some crazy marketing name. It's just rubber, but it’s warm, decently flexible, and very durable. The stitching is sealed with a seam weld which is somewhat rare for boots but a welcome feature as it extends the life of the seam. There are also rubber reinforcements over the toes and heel. 

The sole is thicker than your usual boot, which makes walking on tough terrain comfortable and helps extend the lifespan of the boots. The tough sole even wraps around to protect the top of your toes and the base of your heel. Despite the thicker sole, these boots still have a good board feel and don't feel bulky or bloated.

Fit and Cut

In addition to all the features listed above, there are also two velcro cinch straps at the base and top of the boot that you can use to secure a snug fit. While these boots are very durable over time, these straps can weaken and snap off. The only exception to the two-strap mention is that size 6 only has one strap around the top of the ankle.

Fit-wise, these boots wear comfortably, and the split-toe design, in particular, feels great. The boot's cut is wider than average and also runs slightly big, meaning it's important to double-check the size chart before purchasing. For example, most surfers who wear men’s street shoes size 10.5 will go with a size 10 Reflex. On the flipside, a Women’s street shoe size 8 or 8.5 typically fits well in a size 7 bootie.

Thicknesses and Styles

We stock the Reflex in two different thicknesses: 5mm and 7mm, for frigid cold waters all over the country. The 5mm is even offered as a round toe for those who prefer that style. For split-toe enthusiasts, the Reflex uses an internal split-toe design and is one of the best-designed split-toe boots available. The toe post is protected within the boot and comfortably divides your big toe from the other 4. The toe post works as a good pair of sandals and creates a grip on the boot. That way, when you move your feet on the board, the boot follows without delay or “sloppiness.”

Staff Feedback

The Hotline Reflex are my all-time favorite surf boots. They are a bit bulkier but much more durable compared to competitive brands. One feature that stands out is the thick sole under your foot. It gives you extra padding while walking over rocks and reefs. I recommend these boots to anyone who plans to surf consistently and needs a pair of boots that can handle the wear and tear of a rocky shoreline."

- James

Customer Feedback

Super warm booties with great grip--they feel very well made. The ankle strap was too small for me, but I just took it off and haven't noticed a difference. Highly recommend.”

- Siv

The best of the best! Gnarliest outsole, Well-made, and super warm for cold north west water. At some of our surf spots, I have to walk a cobble beach for miles and miles each session. No other booty would stand up to this punishment, but these do.”

- PNWsurfer

Final Thoughts

For our money, these are the most dependable boots out there. If you're wearing out your boots faster than you'd like, we highly recommend checking these out. As we mentioned earlier, the sizes of these are different, so definitely check Hotline's size chart and hit us up if you have any questions. 

If the high price point is holding you back, consider that you’ll most likely be able to wear these boots for multiple seasons vs. going with a cheaper option that will likely blow out before you want them to.

Feel free to call us at 1-888-546-6176, email support@cleanlinesurf.com, or leave a comment below. Enjoy the water!

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Sarah

Originally from the rolling hills of New Hampshire, Sarah now calls Oregon home. She started at Cleanline Surf in 2019 and, since then, has grown into the role of the Customer Service and Blog Manager. When she’s not at work helping dial in customers with surf gear, Sarah is happiest out adventuring. From mellow summer surf sessions to winter splitboard missions to ripping down her favorite mountain bike line, Sarah is always ready to go at the drop of a hat.