While not as important as your Dive Mask, BCD, or Scuba Regulator, your dive boots’ are easily overlooked as an important piece of scuba gear.
Dive boots are designed to keep your feet warm and protect them from scratches, cuts, and blisters. But, the wrong pair can cause painful rubbing against your heels and toes, making for a terrible dive.
The best dive boots should feel secure, provide reinforcement, and most of all, be comfortable while carrying all your heavy dive equipment. They should also be durable and a last a long time.
In this article, we are going to help you find the best scuba diving boots for your diving needs by providing a comparison table of our top ten picks, as well as a buying guide to help make your choice much easier.
The best dive boots should keep your feet warm while providing reinforcement, stability, and comfort.
What Are The Best Dive Boots?
Not all dive boots are created equal. many are designed for different diving environments and conditions the most important being temperature. Therefore we have grouped our dive boots reviews based on water temperature. If you still don’t know which dive boots are best for you? Check out our buying guide to find out what to look for in the best dive boots.
The temperature of the water generally determines the thickness of the dive boots needed.
Best Dive Boots for 2024 - Comparison Chart
Creating a list of the best dive boots is not easy because the right dive boots for you will be determined by the water temperature, personal preference, and other features. However, we've narrowed your selection to just a few dive boots based on diver feedback and arrange them in the table below. You can use the comparison chart to easily compare features as well as find the best prices.
Image | Knife Name | Key Features | Best Price |
---|---|---|---|
Still Looking For The Right Scuba Fins?
Move through the water with greater effiency and more control with any of our top 10 pick of the best scuba fins on the market today.
Dive Boots Reviews
Below you will find reviews of the best dive boots we’ve come across. The dive boots that are best for you will generally be determined by your personal preference and the type of diving you will be doing.
For instance, diving in colder water will require ticker boots than if you were diving the in tropic. Also, if you’re planning on doing a lot of shore diving then you should opt for dive boots with thicker soles.
Dive boots with thick soles are great for shore dives and will protect your feet from sharp rocks.
Best Warm Water Dive Boots
If you planning on diving in warm water your dive boots don’t have to be very thick, a 3mm thick boots should be more than enough. Since you will be carrying around less dive equipment as well, heavy ankle support is generally not required and a low-cut pair of boots will work just fine.
Mares Equator 2mm Dive Boots
Manufacturer: Mares
These are the perfect little dive boats for diving in tropical waters. I used them for shore and boat diving and a lot of beach entry snorkel with no rocks or sand entering them. They are very comfortable, flexible, and there are no zippers to rub on your wet feet...
Specification:
Thickness | 2mm |
Material | Nylon 2 Neoprene |
Closure | Slip-on |
Fin Keeper | No |
Sole | Thin |
View Product on Recommended Retailers Site:
What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The Mare 2mm thick Equator dive boots are a mid-top dive boot that is both great for diving in warm water or use with other watersports. It features an easy slip-on-off design with a rubber grip sole to prevent slipping. It’s lightweight and flexible construction also make it a great choice for traveling
NeoSport Low-Top Pull-On Boots
Manufacturer: NeoSport
This is the perfect boots for tropical diving. It's easy to put on and off and compact for traveling. Its has an ergonomic shape across the forefoot and narrow at the ankles and heels. The sole also provides good traction on wet decks.
Specification:
Thickness | 3mm, 5mm |
Material | Nylon 2 Neoprene |
Closure | Slip-on |
Fin Keeper | No |
Sole | Thin |
View Product on Recommended Retailers Site:
What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The NeoSport Low-Toop Pull-On Boots are great for warm water dives and also make a great all-around water shoe. Made from nylon 3mm neoprene with added toe and heel reinforcement, they are very durable. There is no bulky zipper, making them more streamlined and help prevent heat loss through water seepage. A great choice if you do most of your diving in warm waters of the tropics.
NeoSport 3MM High-Top Zipper Dive Boots
Manufacturer: NeoSport
I have been diving with this brand and size for many years now. I have tried other boots but always come back to these ones. They fit me exceptionally well and are very comfortable... Great boots!
Specification:
Thickness | 3mm, 5mm, 7mm |
Material | Nylon 2 Neoprene |
Closure | #10 Zipper |
Fin Keeper | No |
Sole | Thin |
View Product on Recommended Retailers Site:
What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The NeoSprot 3mm Hi-Top Dive Boots are constructed from nylon 2 neoprene making them both strong and durable. Its durable puncture-resistant sole provides a sure grip on slippery surfaces. It also features a toe and heel cap for added strength in these high-stress areas. These boots make a great choice for lightweight and durable boots at a price that won’t break the bank.
Best Temperate Water Dive Boots
Diving in temperate water generally requires dive boots around 5mm thick. You should go for a high-top as these provide better ankle support for heavier dive equipment.
Cressi Isla 5mm Dive Boots
Manufacturer: Cressi
These are nice dive boots, solid construction. I find them to be a little bit narrow, so if you have wide feet you will have to consider a different kind. I like how the rubber comes up the front of the boots. That were my previous boots failed so these should wear well.
Specification:
Thickness | 3.5mm, 5mm, 7mm |
Material | Nylon 2 Neoprene |
Closure | Zipper |
Fin Keeper | Yes |
Sole | Thin |
View Product on Recommended Retailers Site:
What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The Cressi Issa Boots are robust and durable neoprene boots that are suitable for all kinds of water sports. However, features such as reinforced toe and heel at high wear areas, fin strap tabs to prevent slipping, and a long zipper to the ankle for easy donning and doffing makes it a great choice for serious divers.
Scubapro Delta Dive Boots
Manufacturer: Scubapro
The best dive boots ever. The Scubapro Delta has a firm sole that feels similar to actual shoes and feels more natural when wearing fins.
Specification:
Thickness | 5mm |
Material | Neoprene |
Closure | Zipper |
Fin Keeper | Yes |
Sole | Thin |
View Product on Recommended Retailers Site:
What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The Scubapro Delta Dive Boots are quite versatile and great for temperate diving. Its 5mm thick nylon 2 neoprene and zipper with internal gusset deeps water exchange to a minimum keeping your feet toasty warm throughout your dive. Its durable construction also ensures that you will have them for many years to come. Overall it’s a great all-around dive boot for the seasoned diver.
Tusa Imprex 5mm Dive Boots
Manufacturer: Tusa
This is the second pair I've bought. I bought my first pair 15 years ago. They fit great, don't cause sore pots, and keeps my fins in place. I did try another pair of boots but they did not work good for me. Thanks to Tusa for keeping them in their line-up.
Specification:
Thickness | 5mm |
Material | Neoprene And Nylon Jersey |
Closure | Zipper |
Fin Keeper | Yes |
Sole | Thick |
View Product on Recommended Retailers Site:
What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The Tusa Imprex Dive Boots are constructed from 5mm Neoprene, making them at home in both cold or warm water. It has a long zipper which makes it easy to get them on and off and a velcro zipper retain will keep your zipper in place throughout the dive. On the heel, this is a neat strap saver that stops your fins strop from working its way off your heels. A great choice if you’re looking for all-around dive boots.
Best Cold Water Dive Boots
If you planning on diving in water temperatures between 10°C / 50°F and 18°C / 64°F, the best dive boots would be thicker than 5mm.
XS Scuba Thug Boots
Manufacturer: XS scuba
These are awesome dive boots. They are very warm and well made. I wear them in rocky areas with may metal detector, these are great for rocky environment. I when through many dive boots and these are the best I've ever owned.
Specification:
Thickness | 8mm |
Material | Neoprene |
Closure | #10-YKK Zippers With Marine Bronze Slider |
Fin Keeper | Yes |
Sole | Thick |
View Product on Recommended Retailers Site:
What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The XS Scuba Thug boots are 8mm thick and designed to be extremely warm dive boots. Its large zipper is equipped with a cold water dam that minimizes cold water seepage. While the velcro tab zipper retainer and nylon zipper stop ensure the zipper stays in place while driving. They are extremely well built as well, the seams are glued and double-blind stitched. It is the perfect cold water diving boots that are designed to be long-lasting.
Seac Pro HD 6mm Diving Boots
Manufacturer: XS scuba
Amazing dive boots to go with. Felt like walking on clouds. I really like my Tusa dive boots, but they don't compare to these ones. I wear a size 10 - 10.5 shoe, bought a size large and they fit like a glove. They are really great!
Specification:
Thickness | 6mm |
Material | Neoprene |
Closure | Zipper |
Fin Keeper | Yes |
Sole | Thick |
View Product on Recommended Retailers Site:
What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The Seac Pro HD 6mm Boots are tough and durable neoprene dive boots designed to let you get the most out of your dives. Its long zipper goes all the way to the ankle which makes donning and doffing easy. The integrated heel notch keeps your fin strap in place, while the hard sole makes entry and exiting on rough terrain comfortably. Making it a great choice if you do a lot of shore diving.
Mares Trilastic 6.5mm Dive Boots
Manufacturer: Mares
I had a really tough time walking on rocky shores with thin sole dive boots. These are flexible and light with a thick sole so I don't feel the shark angles of the rocks. They don't feel chunky either. They go right in the opening of my Hollis F1 fins. excellent boots!
Specification:
Thickness | 5mm, 6.5mm |
Material | Nylon 2 Neoprene |
Closure | Zipper |
Fin Keeper | Yes |
Sole | Thick |
View Product on Recommended Retailers Site:
What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The Mares Trilastic 6.5mm Dive Boot is a beefy built dive boot with a comfortable sneaker-like hard sole. The entire front and heals are reinforced with vulcanized rubber making them very durable and will give you years of reliable service. They are very warm and equipped with zipper dams to prevent water seepage. These are great cold water boots that make entering and exiting the water in any terrane easy.
The general rule of thumb is to wear the same thickness Dive Boots as your wetsuit.
How To Choose The Best Dive Boots For Your Scuba Fins
If you are planning to dive with open-heel dive fins, having the right dive boots will let you dive more efficiently and comfortably. But, before you go ahead and buy just any boots, there are a few things you need to know before making your choice.
Dive Boots Size: Getting a proper fit
Your dive boots should fit snugly, without pinching, similar to your shoes. They are also sized similarly to your shoe size, so when shopping for new boots you should buy based on your current shoe size. If they’re too big, you can have less control over your Scuba Fins and excess water can enter the boots resulting in cold feet. Too small and they can be a painful distraction.
Choosing A Dive Boots: Thickness
The first thing you must do is determine how thick your dive boots must be. They are generally made from the same material as your wetsuits and come in pretty much the same thickness.
Generally, the thickness of your boots is determined by the type of diving you will be doing. For instance, if you are diving in tropical waters, then you will require booties with thinner material, about 3mm should do it. But, if you are diving in cold water, then you will defiantly need a dive boot 5mm and above.
The general rule of thumb is to wear the same thickness dive booties as your wetsuit.
Sole: Thickness and Grip
The type of sole will also be determined by the type of diving you intend to do. If you generally dive from a dive boat, then a thin sole would be sufficient.
However, If you will be doing a lot of shore diving, then you will need to buy dive booties with a thick sole to help you walk over sharp rocks and obstacles that would penetrate thinner soles.
No matter how thick the sole is, a proper grip is important. Grooves and patterns at the bottom of the boots prevent slipping, especially on wet dive boats.
Cut: The Length Of The Boots
The cut of the dive boots is also very important as well. If you’re going to be diving in warm water then a low to mid-top would be sufficient. For cold water diving, you will defiantly need the added protection of a high top. The high top also provides additional ankle support, which is well-needed when walking with all that heavy scuba equipment.
Closure: Sizzpers and Seams
Your scuba boots can be fastened in many ways, the more popular are zippers, velcro straps, or simple slip-on.
Zipper fasteners make putting on your boots very simple but can leak water inside the boots without a zipper well or gasket. This can make them less effective in cold water.
Velcro straps and tabs keep your boots warmer and also allow you to adjust the fit to your liking.
Slip-on boots make putting on and taking off your boots very simple and can provide a comfortable and snug fit. However, they are generally found on low to mid-top boots making them ideal for warm water.
Caring For Your Dive Boots
Your dive boots require very minimal maintenance. It is pretty similar to how you would care for your wetsuit. Simply rinse and soak them in fresh water for a few minutes. Allow them to dry thoroughly, then store them in a clean dry place out of direct sunlight.
Do you have a favorite pair if dive boot? Let us know what you like about them in the comments below
Continue Reading
Do you want more scuba diving gear recommendations? continue reading these articles below:
Dive Computer | Scuba Regulator | Wetsuits | Scuba BCD | Dive Knife | Dive Mask | Scuba Fins