There are plenty of factors to consider when figuring out which traction pad is best for you, so we have done the hard work for you and tested the top-selling pads available.
Our research shows that there’s not one single traction pad that meets all our needs and preferences, so we’ve examined everything from pad thickness to padding firmness and analysed each pad on an individual basis.
In the end, our team decided that two products are the best in their category — the Dakine Hybrid Dualz Pad and the Dakine Phantom Pad as the best traction pads available in 2019.
We hope you’ll find our reviews helpful.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Ho Stevie! Premium Surfboard Traction Pad | Best Overall |  |
| PUNT SURF Surfboard Traction Pad | Budget Pick |  |
| RSPro Hexatraction Waxless Surfboard Deck Grip | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Ho Stevie! Premium Surfboard Traction Pad
Most surfers own expensive surfboards, so why would you risk damaging it by standing on the edge with your bare feet? The thing is that most surfboards have a smooth surface and your feet will slip easily outwards when you stand on an edge or the nose of the surfboard. This traction pad will ensure that you stand securely to enjoy a thrilling ride. Most clients might not like the thought of covering their surfboards with some sort of material but if you take one thing from this article, this is what you should know about traction pads.
These pads will make sure that you enjoy riding your surfboard without slipping off due to the high-quality material and no-slip surface.
2. BPS 8-Piece 'Anti-Slip' Pad
Pros:
- Great traction and improved padded comfort
- Provides a tight grip to the board
- No more slipping!
- It doesn’t take much time to get the pads installed
- This product may fit some boards better
- Good value for the price
Cons:
- Not ideal for the smaller boards
- If you’re looking to replace a lost pad, this set isn’t for that
The BPS is one of the best traction pads you can find on the market. The combination of grooved surface and 3M adhesive makes this pad unique. They’re just not for the SUPs, but you can also use them for other boards. The grooves will prevent your feet from sliding and will also prevent the board from slipping.
3. Abahub 12 Piece Surf SUP Deck Traction Pad Premium EVA
Pros:
- Good fit – the pad is wide enough to prevent slipping and the pad stays in place securely
- Simple – the pads come with a sticker that you peel off and then stick to the board
- Easy to stick – you just peel off the adhesive cover and stick them on
- Not too thick and do not get in the way of your feet
Cons:
- The pads have a funky smell that can be off putting
- The adhesive could be more sticky, as the pads have come off the board when I pick the board
- They are not very durable and one fell off when I sheltered the board against the side of my car
Taking a paddle out is more relaxing now that I’ve got these traction pads to make sure the board doesn’t slip on the roof rack.
My brother has a SUP and that has a very big deck, and I have a longboard. I really like the black pads, because they’re the most subtle, and since I have a longboard the black pads don’t stand out very much. The pads do look cheap, but I think they’re worth it.
4. PUNT SURF Surfboard Traction Pad
Pros:
- Includes high-quality 3M adhesive that allows for both easy application and removal of the traction pad.
- Sticks seamlessly to boards during surfing.
- Adheres to a range of different types of boards.
- Supports a user’s weight.
Cons:
- Adhesive may be susceptible to removal.
5. RSPro Hexatraction Waxless Surfboard Deck Grip
Pros:
- Waxless grip
- Superior traction
- Will not go dry
- Doesn’t wear down your surfboard
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- The setup is really easy and takes only a few minutes
- Recommended for all surfboard sizes
Cons:
- You need to use a heat gun
- Doesn’t stick to every surfboard
- Some people prefer using wax
- If you don’t give it enough time to set, it won’t stick
The RSPro Hexatraction waxless surfboard deck grip is a patented grip system created by surfers for surfers. This innovative, patent-pending grip uses a unique chemical bonding process to create a long lasting, waxless grip system that won’t go dry in your surfboard.
This product comes with a lifetime warranty for the original owner and is designed to extend the life of your surfboard and increase your ability to do tricks and cutbacks.
6. Dakine Surf Andy Irons Pro Pad
Pros:
- Infused fiberglass & resin reinforcement
- Rocker and concave for added traction
- Grip rails to keep down your pad
- Excellent traction
- Backed by six year limited warranty
- Fairly smooth ride
- Well-built and sturdy
- Functional
Cons:
- Doesn’t grip well on wet surfaces
- Pad is too hard and too inflexible to use properly
- You’ll have to modify your fins to get the most traction
- Very expensive compared to similar products
The Dakine Surf Andy Irons Pro Pad is an excellent option for surfers who want a high-performance pad without spending a ton of money. This product comes with a layered fiberglass and resin construction. You also get a grip rail design for extra security.
This pad attaches securely to your foot thanks to Dakine’s patented Grip-Tech rails. It also has a contoured heel pad, making it easy for you to attach your foot securely. The fiberglass-reinforced foam pad also has a slight concave design that gives you a nice rocker for added traction on your board.
7. DAKINE John John Florence Pro Surf Traction Pad
Pros:
- Won’t come off or slide under your foot
- Wide, strong grip, even when wet
- Doesn’t curl or break
- Large surface area
The traction pad measures a full 9” x 31” and supports the wearer’s ankle and most of their foot. It is made of a stretchy, rubberized material that can stretch a little to fit larger foot sizes. It is still best to wear these in a mid-size boot or shoe.
It’s always a good idea to rinse them and let them dry before storing, as salt from ocean water can damage them.
8. Surf Squared Surfboard Traction Pad
Pros:
- Large surface area
- Soft yet firm texture
- Does not leave water marks on your board
The Dakine Surf Squared is a great traction pad that works well for any type of board. It has a high-density polyester top (16 by 20 inches), which leaves surfaces clean. The pad won’t turn into a slip and slide during a wax session.
This pad provides great traction, which helps you maintain your board. It has a velcro design at the corners, which allows you to position it as you please on your board. It will enable you to get a great grip.
9. Dakine Surf Andy Irons Pro Pad
Pros:
- Infused fiberglass & resin reinforcement
- Rocker and concave for added traction
- Grip rails to keep down your pad
- Excellent traction
- Backed by six year limited warranty
- Fairly smooth ride
- Well-built and sturdy
- Functional
Cons:
- Doesn’t grip well on wet surfaces
- Pad is too hard and too inflexible to use properly
- You’ll have to modify your fins to get the most traction
- Very expensive compared to similar products
The Dakine Surf Andy Irons Pro Pad is an excellent option for surfers who want a high-performance pad without spending a ton of money. This product comes with a layered fiberglass and resin construction. You also get a grip rail design for extra security.
This pad attaches securely to your foot thanks to Dakine’s patented Grip-Tech rails. It also has a contoured heel pad, making it easy for you to attach your foot securely. The fiberglass-reinforced foam pad also has a slight concave design that gives you a nice rocker for added traction on your board.
10. DAKINE John John Florence Pro Surf Traction Pad
Pros:
- Won’t come off or slide under your foot
- Wide, strong grip, even when wet
- Doesn’t curl or break
- Large surface area
The traction pad measures a full 9” x 31” and supports the wearer’s ankle and most of their foot. It is made of a stretchy, rubberized material that can stretch a little to fit larger foot sizes. It is still best to wear these in a mid-size boot or shoe.
It’s always a good idea to rinse them and let them dry before storing, as salt from ocean water can damage them.
11. Astrodeck 124 OG Archy Traction
Pros:
- Multi-purpose custom traction pad
- Soft foam top provides comfort and grip
- Black stitching adds to the board's appeal
Cons:
- Some people don't like the fat pad
- Cut through rather easily
We all know that feeling–the s