With so many options available, it can be hard to find the best diving shoes for your needs and uses. Not only are there many different features of each pair, but there are so many different brands and models available. It might not seem like diving shoes are a big deal or necessity, but once you’ve been walking and diving in various areas, you’ll see that your feet can become extremely cold and torn up. It’s important to keep your feet as dry and protected as possible.
With that said, we’ve put together a guide talking about some of the best diving shoes available, as well as a buying guide and some frequently asked questions. By the time you get done reading, you should be able to have the information you need to find the shoes that meet your needs.
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Best for Wider Toed People | ScubaPro Unisex
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Best Basic Choice  | Mares Classic
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Best for Extra Leg Protection  | Mares Trilastic
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Great for Harsh Obstacles  | Cressi Isla
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Best Choice for Extra Traction  | Tusa Imprex
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Best Lightweight Choice  | Akona Standard
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Good choice for most people  | Mares Flexa
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Best Choice for Snorkeling  | XS Scuba Thug
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Best Choice for Extra Warmth  | Henderson Aqua Lock
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Great for Snorkeling  | Phantom Aquatics
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1. ScubaPro Unisex – Best for Wider Toed People
In addition to having a retainer to help the fin stay in place, this product also has a few features that help keep your feet protected and dry. For starters, it has a zipper that is reinforced with an extra piece of fabric. This ensures that the zipper will stay tight and not allow any water to get to your feet. Another great feature is the extra velcro area it has to go over the zipper, which makes it so the zipper stays put the entire time you’re in the water.
To help with comfort and extra traction, the sole on this diving shoe is thick at 5 mm. Add that to the fact that it has a wide toe area and you should see that it is made with comfort in mind. Overall, it’s a great product that is definitely recommended for most people.
- It has extra fabric in the zipper area.
- It has velcro to give extra security.
- It has a thick sole for extra traction.
- It’s a little on the heavy side.
- The sole starts separating fairly quickly.
2. Mares Classic – Best Basic Choice
These boots are made with a super stretchy material that has a dual purpose. Not only do they give a high level of comfort, but it’s very easy to get them off and on, especially when they are wet. They are also made to increase the amount of warmth and protection, so you shouldn’t have to worry about any water leaking in.
The bottom is 3 mm thick, which means it still has a decent amount of flexibility, while also making it so you won’t feel any sharp objects stabbing or poking the bottom of your foot. Finally, it has a small notch in the back to help your fins stay put after you secure them on. If you’re looking for a diving shoe that does the job without costing too much money, then this is a great recommendation for you.
- They are quite flexible.
- They are made with a super stretchy material.
- They have a notch to help secure the fins.
- The zippers can get stuck from salt or mineral build up.
- They run on the small side.
3. Mares Trilastic – Best for Extra Leg Protection
Unlike most diving shoes, these look more like actual sneakers. They are made with a stretchy material that makes them very easy to get on and off, especially when wet. The sole is 5 mm thick with a ridged design to help give you the best traction possible. You’ll also see that they are high topped, which means you’ll have extra protection higher up on the leg.
They also have strong seams that help ensure no water gets through and the extra padding on the inside helps your feet fit comfortably without getting too sore or achy. Add in the fact that it has a 2 year warranty, and this product is one of the ones we definitely recommend.
- They have a stretchy material to easily take off and put on.
- The soles are ridged to help with traction.
- It has a 2 year warranty.
- It’s a little on the thick side, so it has less flexibility.
- They tend to run a little larger than other products.
4. Cressi Isla – Great for Harsh Obstacles
Surprisingly, this product has 2 different sizes on the same shoe: 5 mm and 7 mm. Not only will they do a fantastic job at keeping you warm and dry, but they’ll help you navigate over many different kinds of harsh obstacles under the water. It also has a strap holder on the back of the shoe that will help keep your fins secure for the entire time you’re underwater. Keep in mind, you want to secure them all the way or they won’t stay in place.
One other nice feature is that the shoe by Cressi is made from a stretchy material. This means you shouldn’t have many problems getting the boot on or off, even if they are soaking wet. All in all, we recommend this shoe and think it has some great features.
- It has 2 different thicknesses.
- They are made from stretchy material.
- They have a strap for fins.
- If the strap isn’t secure, the fin won’t stay put.
- They tend to run small.
5. Tusa Imprex – Best Choice for Extra Traction
If you’re looking for something that has a decent amount of traction, then the Tusa Imprex is a great choice. At 5 mm, it has enough thickness to give you that traction, while also keeping your feet dry and warm. In addition, the bottom is molded to try and help increase the amount of comfort you experience while wearing them. They are made in a way that lets you walk easily on various types of materials without having to feel any sharp pieces stabbing or poking your feet.
Being made with a strong material and being only 3 pounds, these shoes are a great choice. They are highly recommended and should be able to meet any needs you have while you’re using them.
- They have great traction.
- They are molded for comfort.
- They are only 3 pounds.
- The sole can become loose after a few dives.
- They don’t have any indent to help fins fit more snug.
6. Akona Standard – Best Lightweight Choice
Not only are the Akona Standard diving shoes extremely lightweight, but they are made with materials that give you the highest amount of dryness and warmness as possible. The seems have been glued and stitched together to give a little extra protection and barrier to keep water from getting inside.
The grip on the bottom of the shoe is made in a way that allows you better traction and minimizes the chances of falls or slips. It’s also contoured to fit snugly and comfortably without cutting off circulation or making you feel like you’re wearing a shoe that’s too small. If you’re looking for something that’s lightweight, yet has a decent amount of traction, then this is a great choice.
- They are very lightweight.
- The soles are made to reduce falls and slips.
- They are glued and stitched.
- They are only secured with a zipper.
- They are only 3 mm thick.
7. Mares Flexa
These diving boots are made in a way that actually resemble real boots, instead of ones that are only made for diving. They also have a drainage system that helps ensure they don’t suction to your feet or the ground. This is essential when you’re in the water because you can easily slip or fall if you can’t get your feet moving. They also have added protection to the heel and toe area to help give you a little bit of extra comfort.
In addition to the above features, they are made with a zipper that’s built to be non-corrosive and last a long time. This is especially helpful if you’re using them in areas with a lot of salt or mineral build up. Overall, these are a great product that we do recommend to most people.
- They have a drainage system to minimize suctioning.
- They have added protection in the toe and heel areas.
- They have a non-corrosive zipper.
- They’re a little on the heavier side.
- They run on the bigger side.
8. XS Scuba Thug – Best Choice for Snorkeling
For those looking for a pair of diving boots that’s perfect for snorkeling, they may have found the answer with the XS Scuba Thug shoes. Not only are they made with heavy duty materials, but they are molded to increase the comfort and protection you get from them. In addition, they are made to withstand colder temperatures, which is crucial when you’re snorkeling in deeper water.
They are both glued and stitched to help make them as strong and durable as possible, as well as giving a higher chance of keeping water out. While they are 8 mm thick, they are only 3 pounds. This is different from other brands because most of them are heavier if they are thicker. Honestly, we recommend this product for snorkeling and any other type of water activity that will require you to be in water that has colder temperatures.
- They are made with heavy duty materials.
- They are molded to help with comfort and protection.
- They are great for colder temperatures.
- The extra thickness means less flexibility.
- They break down easily with harsher underwater obstacles.
9. Henderson Aqua Lock – Best Choice for Extra Warmth
Unlike many of the other options on this list, the Henderson Aqua Lock diving shoes actually have micro fleece on the inside, which helps improve the amount of warmth you get. With this being the case, it’s a great choice for those that will be using them in very cold temperatures. Besides that, the fleece is made to sit comfortably against your skin and minimize the chances of blisters or chafing.
The boots also have Aquasilk laminate materials used with them to have a low profile, while also giving extra protection. Add the fact that it has a 1 year warranty and you’ll be able to see why we recommend these to anyone who needs a little extra warmth!
- They have micro fleece for extra warmth.
- They use Aquasilk laminate.
- They have a 1 year warranty.
- If any water gets in, the fleece will get wet and heavy.
- They are hard to put on if you don’t have dry feet.
10. Phantom Aquatics – Great for Snorkeling
Not only is the sole only 3 mm thick, but it’s made with a lot of waves and grooves to help improve the amount of traction you can get. This is great for those that are using them for areas that have a lot of underwater obstacles or slippery rocks. They are also sewn in a way that increases their strength and helps reduce the chances of water getting in.
They come in a few different sizes and can be slipped on without too much trouble. The shoes are also very lightweight, which means they won’t be as weighed down once they get wet. To be a lower price than other options, these are a decent quality and they help ensure you don’t fall or slip while you’re enjoying the water.
- They are lightweight.
- They can be easily put on.
- They have a good amount of traction.
- They run a lot larger than other options.
- The soles are too thick for certain activities like surfing.
Buying Guide
Now that we’ve taken a look at some of the best and most popular diving shoes out there, we need to talk about what you should look for before you make a purchase. The importance of these things will vary depending on what you’re looking for, but it’s important to take them into consideration either way. With so many options, you should look at these features and compare them to the shoes you’re considering. From there, you should be able to narrow down your options and ultimately make the best decision for you and your needs.
Material
First up is the material. Not only do you want to find something that’s comfortable on the foot, but you also want to make sure it gives enough protection from the temperatures and various obstacles you might encounter. You also want to decide if you want something that goes with full foot fins or adjustable fins. Diving boots are for a fin that’s adjustable, while diving shoes are for a fin that’s full footed. These are both different materials, so make sure you get the one that’s going to fit with your fins. Regardless of what you need, the most important thing is to look for something that will keep your feet protected, dry and warm. The most commonly used Neoprene.
Thickness
Next, you’ll want to decide what thickness you need. The thicker the shoes, the warmer they’ll be. Remember, though, the thicker they are, the less flexibility you’ll have. If you aren’t planning on going snorkeling, it’s important to find shoes that have the right kind of sole for what you need. For example, spearfishing shoes will need a thicker sole than ones being used for just walking in shallow water. Spearfishing can be dangerous, so having extra protection is a must.They tend to range from 1mm to 7mm thick and the thicker ones are stronger and more protective than the thinner options.
Use
You’ll also want to take how you plan on using them into consideration. Some activities are going to require you to have thicker shoes, while others are going to require you to have thinner ones. For example, if you’re in areas that are colder or has a lot of sharp rocks on the bottom, you’ll want something thicker and more protective than you would if you were just walking in shallow water with minimal obstacles. The best way to figure out what you need is to consider where you’re going and figure out what you should expect.
Temperature
Just like use, temperature is an important consideration as well. You can get away with using something thinner if you’re in warmer water, but colder water will require something that keeps your feet warm. In terms of thickness, the different millimeters are good for different temperatures. These are: between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius should have a thickness between 5 and 6.5mm, between 16 and 24 degrees Celsius should have between 2 and 5mm and anything over 25 degrees Celsius should have 2 to 3mm.
Style
It’s not as important as the others, but some people want to find the best styles they can. You want to make sure you choose something you’re happy with and you don’t mind using for a long time. With so many styles and color options, you shouldn’t have much problem. Gone are the days of just black and you can even find some that has some pretty awesome designs.
Comfort
Since you’ll probably be wearing them for an extended period of time, it’s important to be as comfortable as possible. This is especially true if you’ll be doing a lot of walking or if they’ll be inside fins. The last thing you want is to have sore feet or blisters at the end of the day. In order to minimize the chances of this, make sure the shoes fit well and are snug to your feet without rubbing or cutting off circulation.
Price
Finally, you’ll want to consider the price of the shoes or boots. These are a quite the investment, so you want to make sure you buy something in your budget. Even if you don’t necessarily have a budget, you want to make sure you’re making a smart purchase. Some shoes are quite expensive without having the quality to back it up. With this being the case, it’s important to find out as much information as you can and figure out which options are the best in terms of quality and value.
FAQ
With everything, there’s going to be some questions that are the most frequently asked by customers and people looking to buy a pair of diving shoes. Keep in mind, these are only a few of the questions and there might be others that aren’t as commonly asked. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, make sure you look up additional information or reach out to someone who has more expertise. It’s very important to understand as much as you can before you make a final decision.
What are scuba diving shoes called?
Besides being known as diving shoes, they are also called: booties, dive boots or wetsuit boots. The exact name is going to largely depend on where you’re at, but most places will know what you’re talking about if you use any of these terms.
Where to buy scuba diving shoes?
There’s actually quite a few places that have these in stock. Some of the places are: online retailers, sporting stores, specialty shops and mass merchandisers. The only way you’ll know for sure is to visit the store or check their online inventory to see if they have any and what’s available.
How to choose diving booties?
When figuring out which diving booties to choose, there are a few things you want to consider. Some of these things are: the material, type of sole, price, comfort, use, style, specific temperature and thickness. The best way to figure out which ones are for you is to either go into a store and try them on or get recommendations from professionals. It might take a few tries, but you should be able to find the best ones.
Why do I need diving shoes?
In addition to not having to wear normal shoes that will get soaking wet in the water, diving shoes have a few other advantages. These include: keeping your feet protected, better traction and keeping your feet warm at various temperatures. All of these things work together to make them the best option for use in different types of water.
How do I care for my diving shoes?
Thankfully, care for diving boots are extremely easy. All you do is give them a thorough rinse and cleaning with clean water after every use. Once you do that, flip them upside down and let them dry in the shade. To store them, wash them in the washing machine, then let them dry before before you keep them stored in a cool and well-ventilated area.
What thickness do I need?
It’s going to depend on where you’re planning on using the shoes, but usually you’re feet will be warmer with thicker shoes. Keep in mind, though, thicker shoes offer less flexibility and could end up being less comfortable. Try to think about the temperature and types of obstacles you might run into to help you figure out which thickness is the best choice.
Now that you’ve seen some of the most popular diving shoes available and how to choose the best pair, you should be able to find the ones that are perfect for your needs and uses. It might take a little while to find the best ones, but having a little extra information can help you wade through all of the options. If you’re still having issues finding the best pair for you, try reaching out to a professional that can help you find what you’re looking for. Remember, the most important thing is to be as dry and protected as possible, so make these features some of the ones at the top of your list.
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