Scuba Boots -
How to Choose the Right Pair!

Choosing the right pair of scuba boots to suit your needs is the next step after narrowing down your choices of flippers. It is important to make sure that the boot and flipper feel good on your feet when worn together. Scuba boots are grouped by three main characteristics – their thickness, sole type, and their cut. So, in order to pick the correct pair, you need to ask the right questions to ensure that you choose correctly for all three qualities.

First, consider where you will be using them. In other words, do you plan to mostly dive in warm or cold water? The majority of scuba diving boots range in thickness from 2mm to 7mm. If you will be diving mostly in warm weather, you can really use any thickness you prefer. However, the thicker the boot – the heavier it will be (and the longer it usually takes to dry out!). Therefore, most people who plan on diving in warmer conditions will use a boot that is in the 2mm to 5mm range.

However, if you are planning on diving in waters that are consistently colder than 70 degrees, you will want to use the thicker boots, 5mm and up. Additionally, as a general rule, your boots and wetsuit should be the same thickness.

If you are planning on changing your dive locations (and temperatures) often, you may want to invest in a pair of neoprene socks, which you can wear under your boots. They offer warmth of a 1-2mm boot, but without the buoyancy. They are made in a one-size fits all style, so beware if you have larger than the average shoe size.

As far as sole type, your choice should be based on how you plan to enter the water for your dive (or snorkel). If you will be diving from shore, you should choose a boot with a heavy duty sole – which is also referred to as a “monster sole” or “hardsole.” The thicker, tougher bottoms will allow you to walk over rocky surfaces without hurting your feet. Likewise, if you plan on entering the water from a boat, you can choose a thinner sole.

Sizing your boots can be tricky because scuba boots do not come in half sizes, or in wide or narrow styles. The sizing chart is the same as your basic tennis shoe, so, if you are a half size, rounding up will more than likely be better than rounding down. Additionally, all scuba boots are sized for men. Therefore, women need to add one whole size to their shoe size to get the proper fit.

When trying on your scuba boots, you want your toes to reach the end of the boot without having to curl them under. If you have to bend your toes a bit at the end to get them to fit, choose the next bigger size. It is always better to have a boot that is a little too big over one that is a little too small. Your final choice will be the cut of the boot. You can either go with the high-top or the low-top. Usually, if you are going to be diving in warmer water, the low-tops will be the way to go. They will be lighter and provide you with maximum mobility. However, if you are going to be in colder temperatures, it is a good idea to go with the high tops. The higher cut will allow for maximum warmth and dryness.

There are many different makes and models of scuba boots out there, and, as with most scuba gear, you really do get what you pay for. Many new technologies, including Insta-dry, Firewall, Merino Lining, Futureflex, and Pyrostretch, have now revolutionized many of the basic designs in order to make scuba boots that are even better than the originals. However, just as with the scuba flippers, you need to choose the boot that works with your foot and your pocketbook!

Return from Scuba Boots to Scuba Flippers Home