Dive boots are an underrated piece of scuba equipment. They have a lot of influence on how comfortable and safe you are underwater. A diving shoe prevents cuts from pieces of sharp rock and makes walking through the entry point of a shore dive much more comfortable and will help you with your buoyancy control.
Not only will scuba boots help you avoid marine life injuries, but they will also keep your feet warm and cozy.
Although dive booties are not the most essential piece of scuba diving equipment, they do make the entire experience more enjoyable and not at an extortionate price. You will find that it is not only Scuba divers that wear wetsuit boots and gloves for warmth and protection but also snorkelers, surfers, and in fact anyone involved in water sports.
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10 Best Dive Boots for Diving
There are many different kinds of divers shoe and as with any scuba equipment, the fit is extremely important. Fortunately, there is a slight stretch in the material so finding the right size that doesn’t cause any chafing is, in some ways, easier than finding a good pair of regular shoes.
Check out our recommendations for the best dive boots available this year and read up on the elements that make for the perfect fit of a wet suit boot in our quick buying guide.
1. Top Pick: Mares with 2mm Anti-Slip Rubber Sole
| Sole Type | Soft |
| Cut | Low |
| Thickness | 2 mm |
| Available Sizes | 4 – 14 (Men’s), 5 – 15 (Women’s) |
These simple slip-on unisex diving boots are from Mares, one of the most popular scuba gear brands. This pair has hundreds of rave reviews online so you can trust that this is yet another top quality product from Mares. The rubberized heel makes them perfect for wearing with fins but is just as comfortable when walking during a shore dive.
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The bottom is reasonably thick and offers plenty of foot protection from painful sea urchins while still being very lightweight. One thing to note is that it has a slightly looser fitting so many customers recommend buying one size smaller than your regular size.
2. Best Non-Slip for Fins: Cressi Ibiza 3mm
| Sole Type | Soft |
| Cut | Low |
| Thickness | 3 mm |
| Available Sizes | 5 – 14 (Men’s), 5 – 14+ (Women’s) |
These 3mm Cressie diving boots have a wonderfully versatile style that works just as well for scuba diving as it does for snorkeling, sailing, other water sports, and travel.
However, one of its ingenious features is the small ridge shape at the back that prevents fin straps from sliding down. These scuba booties are made with super elastic Neoprene for the best comfort and durability.
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Unlike some of the other product styles, there is a consistent non-slip pattern on the sole so you can expect the ultimate grip on slippery rock surfaces. It is also made with strong neoprene materials that are still super elastic for an amazing comfortable snug-fitting.
This diving boot option has a larger fitting and good elasticity so reviewers recommend buying one size smaller than your regular shoe. These hard soles booties are great value for money and perfect if you have a shore entry over rocks.
3. Best for Cool Waters: Mares 5mm High Cut Boots
| Sole Type | Soft |
| Cut | High |
| Thickness | 4 mm |
| Available Sizes | 4 – 15 (Men’s), 5 – 14+ (Women’s) |
Just like with your scuba diving suit, you will want thicker diving boots when going on an underwater adventure in cooler waters. These Mares hard sole booties are perfect for that – it is a high cut style with a double neoprene lining materials measuring 5 mm thick.
Besides the thicker neoprene layers, it also has features that include a thicker reinforced heel which adds protection to greater risk areas of wear and tear.
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For your ankle, the material is super elastic giving you support, protect your foot from the cold and all-round comfort for your feet. This model has an ankle zipper on the outer side so that putting them on is just as easy as with a low cut style.
A rear notch on the back to stop fin straps from sliding down and quad seams for extra durability. These top rated scuba shoes are pure comfort and one of the best sellers and great for the price.
4. Best Hard Sole Dive Boots: SEAC Pro HD
| Sole Type | Hard |
| Cut | High |
| Thickness | 6 mm |
| Available Sizes | XX-Small – XX-Larger (Unisex) |
This hard sole model is perfect for the professional diver frequenting cooler water temperatures between 50° – 60° Fahrenheit.
The super thick hard soles give good protection from any sharp underground rocks while the 6mm thick neoprene acts as a great barrier for the cold to keep your feet comfy and warm.
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The watertight zip on the inner side has a hook-and-loop closure so you don’t risk the zipper sliding down during the dive. It is also a wise choice for those logging in lots of diving hours since it has excellent arch and ankle support with an air bubble at the heel to reduce stress.
Although boots have a sturdy design, it still gives flexibility and comfort in an open-heel fin. Also, double-check the sizes chart since it doesn’t follow regular US sizing. Definitely one of the sturdier scuba boots products on our list.
5. Warmest Dive Boots: Cressi Isla
| Sole Type | Hard |
| Cut | High |
| Thickness | 5 – 7 mm |
| Available Sizes | 5 – 13 (Men’s), 6 – 14 (Women’s) |
Designed for all watersports, not just diving in cold water, these scuba booties do an excellent job of keeping your feet warm in temperatures under 62 degrees Fahrenheit. You have the choice between 5 mm and 7 mm thick neoprene with equal elasticity at both thicknesses.
Both the toe and heel are reinforced to protect not just the foot but your toes and heels specifically, made from soft, double-lined neoprene and have a practical ankle zip. Cressi designed these boots with extreme sports in mind, such as canyoning, because it has a thick sole, which is anti-slip, it will protect your feet and have the comfort for your feet even if you are on sharp rocks.
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This pair is ideal for both snorkeling (snorkelling socks) and diving, especially in cold water places. The inner ankle zipper on this pair has a flap that prevents water seepage while also preventing the zipper from sliding down. It also features a boss on the back that keeps fin straps in place.
Cressi does state that the boots run small (smaller than most other countries sizing with the same label size), so consider buying one size up. This scuba boots model offers the perfect balance, to protect from cold water and the flexibility for scuba divers in all weather and water conditions. This option is a great value price for all the great features definitely worth adding to your scuba gear.
6. Most Durable: ScubaPro Delta
| Sole Type | Soft |
| Cut | High / Low |
| Thickness | 3 – 5 mm |
| Available Sizes | 4 – 11 (Unisex) |
ScubaPro is one of the most trusted scuba diving gear brands because its owner is a PADI certified Master Diver himself. In other words, you can trust these have been designed with fitting, comfort, and durability in mind.
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The Delta comes in two models; 3 mm low cut dive shoes and 5 mm high cut dive boots. Both have built-in arch support, a fin strip holder and an anti-slip tread with non-marking soles. The high cut version has a long ankle zipper with added velcro to prevent slipping.
7. Best Fit for Women: Aqualung Ellie Ergo Boot
| Sole Type | Soft |
| Cut | High |
| Thickness | 5 mm |
| Available Sizes | 5 – 10 (Women’s) |
The Aqualung Ellie boot is one of the best investments a female scuba diver can make. It has a lifetime warranty for sole delamination and a 1-year limited warranty – not to mention its excellent snug fitting.
These high cut dive boots purposefully don’t have a zipper for maximum water resistance which naturally keeps your feet warmer for longer.
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However, getting into them is no issue since the neoprene above the ankle is very elastic which also makes it a snug and comfortable fit for women’s calves.
Also, it has the anatomically correct Ergo footbed and outsole plus an extra layer of protection on the instep, outsole, and toe for maximum durability.
8. Best Fit for Men: Aqualung Echozip Ergo Boot
| Sole Type | Soft |
| Cut | High |
| Thickness | 6.5 mm |
| Available Sizes | 5 – 13 (Men’s) |
Many dive gear manufacturers create unisex pieces so when a manufacturer specifies the sex on a product, you know that there are a lot of style details specifically to be snug fitting for scuba diving. That is the case with these men’s Echozip Ergo dive boots.
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The Ergo footbed shape is anatomically correct with an asymmetric toe and instep. The option is extra durable thanks to the heel cap, non-corrosive ankle zipper, and rubberized outsoles.
9. Best for Travel: Phantom Aquatics 3 MM
| Sole Type | Soft |
| Cut | Low |
| Thickness | 3 mm |
| Available Sizes | 5 – 12 (Men’s & Women’s) |
Packing all your personal dive scuba gear adds a lot of bulk to your luggage so the occasional recreational scuba diver would do well to choose an easily packed model that is super lightweight.
A great contender is this cool model by Phantom Aquatics made of 3 mm thick nylon neoprene, stitched seams for strength and durability and with soles that are suitable for all kinds of water sports, not just diving.
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The non-slip soles are thick with excellent grip on rocks and slippery surfaces, with a flat surface in the instep arch for more freedom of movement.
The outsoles reach up at the back which is useful for keeping the fin strap in place. These dive shoes run very large and reviewers recommend getting 2 sizes smaller than your regular size.
10. Most Durable: O’Neill Men’s Tropical Booties
| Sole Type | Soft |
| Cut | Low |
| Thickness | 3 mm |
| Available Sizes | 6 – 13 (Men’s) |
Some wear and tear is normal for any neoprene scuba diving equipment but these dive boots will last you longer than the average pair. Besides the stretchy 3mm neoprene there is an extra layer of protection from the toes to the upper arch and along the back of the heel.
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The design ends a little higher than a low cut but not as high as the average high cut booties. However, it stays in place nicely due to the thicker rim just above the ankle and slips on easily, especially when pulling it up with the small flap. Note that this model runs small. Consider buying a pair that is 1 – 2 sizes bigger than your regular shoe size.
Here’s a recap of our top Products:
- Hard rubber sole
- Special design
- Practical zip
- Built-in sole
- Rigidly molded
- Heel air bubble
- Hook-and-loop closure
- Fully protective
- 2mm nylon II
- Protective tall heel
- Blind stitched seams
- Vulcanized sole
Dive Boots Buying Guide
Buying scuba diving boots is quite different from buying regular shoes. They are sports equipment so there are specific design elements that are very important for functionality, safety and fit.
These are the top tips you need to know when buying new scuba diving booties.
Thickness
Just like wetsuits, diving boots have different neoprene thicknesses, usually ranging from 2mm to 7mm. The same general rules about choosing the right thickness for a diving suit also apply to the booties.
In other words, match the dive boots thickness to the thickness of your dive suit. 2 – 5 mm is sufficient for warm water dives above 62° Fahrenheit while a minimum of 5 mm is recommended for cold water dives with temperatures below 62° Fahrenheit.
Type of Sole
There are 2 sole types; a hard sole and a soft sole. As their name suggests, a hard sole is stiffer while a soft sole (socks shoes and socks boots) is more flexible. Most models can be used in an open heel fin but there is some personal preference to it.
Cold water divers might prefer hard soles for the extra insulation and added buoyancy of the weight. Shore divers and those scuba diving in sharp rocky formations might also prefer the harder soles.
Thinner soles are preferred for boat diving because they are easier to slip on and off. They are more lightweight and so great for scuba diving vacations.
Boot Cut
There are two main design types; one with a low cut and one with a high cut. This cut is not there for the aesthetics, it serves as a way to preserve body heat.
That is why most thinner warm water booties have a low cut while thicker cold water booties generally reach higher up the calf. High cut dive boots fold over the leg bottoms of a diving wetsuit which further prevents water from seeping in.
For ease of stepping in and out, high cut boots usually have a zipper. Make sure that it is watertight and has a zipper lock to prevent water from sneaking in.
Fit & Sizing
Your boots should feel snug, just like diving wetsuits. However, you still want enough stretch so that you are more flexible in the water and can get a better grip when stepping on slippery rock formations.
Because of the tighter fit, it is unlikely that your regular shoe size is the same as your scuba diving boots size. Be sure to check the reviews of a product for hints on whether the model runs larger or smaller or better yet, check the brand’s sizing chart whenever available.
Maintenance and Care
You can expect some wear and tear but slow it down by always taking the correct neoprene cleaning and deodorizing steps. Just like diving wetsuits and your other scuba gear, they should be rinsed and soaked in freshwater and dried away from direct sunlight.
Certain manufacturers offer a warranty on the soles and/or other parts. This is always a welcome element of customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions about Diving Boots
Now you should have a good idea of what type of scuba diving boots you need for your type of dives and the different designs that are out there. But before we go we will answer some of the questions we get asked the most here at Ocean Scuba Dive.
What are dive boots?
Scuba dive boots are designed for warmth, comfort, and foot protection for both scuba divers and snorkelers. Also called wetsuit boots or booties, they vary in sole thickness and the upper materials. The thickness depends on the surfaces you might walk, while the materials on the temperature of water you will be diving in.
Do you wear dive boots with fins?
You would normally only wear dive boots with open hee fins, as they are not designed to be used with bare feet and you may get chafing or even blisters if you are not wearing scuba diving shoes.
However, if your choice of fins is a full foot option then diving boots are not really required. The socks boots could be worn for warmth, but it is down to personal preference.
How do I choose dive boots?
How to choose the dive boots that are best for you is variable. You must first consider your diving environment. Are you diving in cold water with rough undersea terrain or are you a shore diver in warmer seas and just need a little protection.
First, consider the thickness of boot, the temperature of water you will be diving will control this. High cut and low cut dive boots, do you want or need the ankle support that the high cut boots offer. Hard or soft soles, again your choice will depend on the type of dives you are doing, soft soles are good for shore diving and use with open heel fins.
