boots
- Last updated: August 10, 2018
There are lots of diving products on the market so we decided to make a thorough research of the most popular ones. And after 32 hours of detailed testing of 17 different boots for scuba diving, we’re completely sure that Mares Equator 2mm Dive Boots is on the top, getting the higher rank on the list.
Let’s dive into the review to get why this equipment is so remarkable.
Mares dive boots have a favorable cost to value ratio; it towers above other similar models when it comes to affordability. For those looking to round the state of their scuba gear, these boots might be the best choice to do so without cutting the budget.
- They are tight and shaped like shoes; comfortable inside but thick outside.
- Very lightweight design that is easy to clean.
Made with 2mm nylon II neoprene; the materials ensure comfort in both warm and cold water.
Planning a scuba trip? Make sure you start with the right foot, or rather, the right boot!
Whether you’re on the ground or underwater, choosing the right fitting boots is a vital process. Scuba diving is a great experience where you’d like to get lovely memories only. So you don’t want your toes and heels feel discomfort at that time.
Go on reading to check out the best diving boots and choose some for you and your family.
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Top 5 Diving Boots Comparison
| Rank | Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Editor's Choice | Mares Equator 2mm Dive Boots
| Check Price |
| 2 |  | Cressi Minorca 3mm Dive Boots
| Check Price |
| 3 |  | O'Neill Reactor 2 2mm Reef Booties
| Check Price |
| 4 | Great for Surfing  | Promate 3mm Scuba Dive Boots
| Check Price |
| 5 | Best for Cooler Water  | Seac 6mm Hard Sole Dive Boots
| Check Price |
Best Diving Boots Detailed Reviews
When you think of scuba gear, diving boots are probably not the first thing that comes to mind, and we can’t blame you. Scuba diving boots usually get the short straw when it comes to coverage, so finding the right one can be difficult. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of high-quality boots from industry-leading brands such as Mares and Cressi.
Overview
Mares provides several neoprene diving boots to cater to different users; the Equator diving boots strive to be the affordable solution that will satisfy both the expert and the beginner with its reliability and comfort.
Key Features
- Stylish black color and sleek soles.
- The soles are made of vulcanized rubber to grant modest protection against corals, rough stone surfaces, and sea urchins.
- Heels are protected with a thick layer of rubber and nylon.
PROS:
- Cheapest of the list
- Durable materials
- Great for a long scuba trip
CONS:
- Only the soles can withstand harsh terrain
- Sizing might be an issue
Bottom Line
Unless you intend to wade through very cold waters, Mares 2mm neoprene scuba diving boots should serve you well. The materials are durable, the built is sturdy, and the price is affordable – all in all, an excellent offer.
Overview
Cressi comes with a full-fledged set of diving boots to practice a myriad of water-related activities. It might be a bit of an overkill for the complete beginner, but those who need that extra layer of protection will love it.
Key Features
- Made with 3mm neoprene; perfect for all but extreme waters or conditions.
- Boots have zipper closures for ease of wearing.
- Tall boot design; comfortable inside and protective outside.
- Designed to be worn along open heel strap fins.
PROS:
- Durable materials
- Easy to clean
- Resistant, offers great protection
CONS:
- Heavy; not exactly cumbersome, but still something to consider
- Can be somewhat tiresome to swim with
Bottom Line
The tall boot design along the 3mm neoprene build makes the Minorca a formidable set of diving boots to swim and dive with comfort, all without sacrificing durability and protection. The price tag is reasonable and, if you’re aiming for some serious swimming or diving, you should give it a look!
Overview
O’Neill diving boots might look like nothing more than cool shoes, but don’t let that fool you! Looking good is just a fraction of the perks of these dive boots.
It comes off as pricey, and there is no denying that; however, these dive boot are versatile thanks to their design. If you’re exclusively looking to dive and swim with these, they’re good enough, but if you need to tread on muck or other unstable surfaces, you can count on these.
Key Features
- They’re low-cut “booties”; limited coverage but comfortable and easy to swim with.
- “Round toe” design for comfort.
- Made with 2mm neoprene; fairly good in most waters.
- Durable rubber soles and heel cap; stitches are flat and high-grade; built to last several seasons.
PROS:
- Very lightweight
- Easy to put on
- They don't hold the sand.
CONS:
- Limited coverage
- A tad pricey
Bottom Line
These booties are durable; perhaps the price tag is a problem, but if you consider the fact that these will outlast similar products by several seasons, it becomes a non-issue.
For those looking for a laidback design to undertake more than just swimming or diving, O’Neill dive boots have you covered!
Overview
Heavy-duty boots for heavy-duty swimmers; that was Promate’s reasoning when they made their scuba diving boots.
Higher price point, but reasonable in our opinion. The dive boots are durable and the design ensures it won’t tear away. Rubber soles are thick and provide great traction, although these lack heel or round toe rubber caps.
Granted, a beginner or casual user might not get the most out of a pair of these, but the prospective swimmer most likely will.
Key Features
- Another tall boot design; made to be comfortable inside with a rugged exterior.
- Sleek design; stitches are barely noticeable.
- Made with 3mm neoprene; very resistant to temperatures without generating discomfort in warmer waters.
- Convenient zipper and zipper guard.
PROS:
- Tall boot design made to cover
- Thick soles and superior grip
- Extremely durable
CONS:
- A bit heavy to wear
- Tiresome to swim with if you don’t have fins
Bottom Line
These boots are designed to suit the more adventurous swimmers and divers, and hence you should consider this if you choose to get yourself a set. We don’t believe in a single “best” product, as we know that each person is different and requires something different.
Overview
SEAC premium diving boots are on a different league than the ones we covered; these can be regarded as deep sea diving boots, and that should be a hint of their build and design!
No sugarcoating it; these diving boots are expensive. The price is justified, however, as these aren’t your common 2mm or 3mm boots. These are more appropriate for advanced divers that go below the usual depth, which calls for different gear.
Key Features
- Tall boot design that provides comfort and warm, even in the cold.
- Made with 6mm neoprene; it can stretch up to 2.5 times more than standard neoprene while keeping the same degree of insulation.
- Doubled glued rubber caps and molded heel air bubble to reduce stress.
- The zipper can be secured to ensure it remains tightly closed during a dive.
PROS:
- Well-insulated
- High-grade materials
- Fully protected design
CONS:
- Quite expensive
- Heavy to wear
Bottom Line
The discerning diver might need something more specialized, and SEAC is here to deliver relatively affordable diving boots that can beat the depths just as well as the surface.
They look cool, they feel soft, and they can last several seasons of heavy usage. Definitely one thing worth considering, as the investment wouldn’t go to waste any time soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually, getting them in the same size as your shoes should do the trick; sometimes, however, this might not be the case.
Be sure to double-check before your purchase. Most people like getting them at least one size smaller than their shoes, as the boots are better off when the fit is tight.
Typically, female customers order at least one size smaller if the boots are sized for men, and then one size smaller to have a tighter fit.
Depends. Some boots are heavy, and while you can swim with them, it is far more tiring than swimming barefooted.
In general lines, the lighter they are, the easier you can swim.
We’d say yes most of the time; the thicker the sole, the better you are in terms of safety.
Generally, 2mm soles are decent enough to withstand brittle sea urchins or reef; the real problem is the lack of rubber coverage to the sides, which might be pierced.
3mm and above should be safer, but don’t forget to look out for pointy things in the water!
How We Review the Scuba Diving Boots
People are thoughtful of their masks or fins, more than they are with boots, at least. Seldom is a thought given to the foot wear, but that is not how we do things over here.
Design
Here we took a look at the style and the shape.
The style refers to the stitches, color, and good looks. It might not be the most practical thing to measure, but we gravitated towards footwear that looks attractive.
The shape refers to the practical aspect; do you need low-cut booties to wade through the beach shore just as well as the water or tall boot designs to go deeper into the water? We wanted to give everybody a choice.
Functionality
Here we took a look at the materials and protection.
Our choices gravitated towards dive boots with strong materials; we expect high-grade products that last, not something that breaks down after a few leisure weekends.
In equal measure, the degree of protection is important to us; nothing beats the enjoyment of a leisure day in the water more than an injury that warrants a hospital. We’d rather keep us, and you, insulated from the cold and the sea urchins.
Value
Here we took a look at the price versus value.
Most folks think a higher price tag is equal to higher quality; usually the case, but not necessarily.
Is there something worse than cheap products that go to waste in days? Yes, overpriced products.
We want products whose price is outmatched by their performance, and we want the same for you—We will never recommend you products that cost you an arm and a leg when you can get the same performance out of a cheaper one.
Conclusion
The work of our footwear, not just scuba diving boots, is often underappreciated. Imagine how dangerous and painful would it be to tread on corals or sharp gravel without something to pad our feet?
A reliable pair of dive boots put a nice layer of rubber between you and all those little sharp things that might hurt you; they’re also excellent anchors for your fins.
Hopefully, we’ve grounded your conception of diving boots, and we hope Mares Equator 2mm Dive Boots will fit your scuba diving requirements. You can use this newfound foothold to get a nice set of boots, enjoy the waters, and avoid the sea urchins!