Unless you are diving with extremely tight close-heel fins you will most likely need a pair of dive boots. Dive boots provide you with stability, protection, and comfort before during, and after a dive.
Investing in a good pair of dive boots, also fondly referred to as booties, is a no-brainer. But it’s challenging to know which is the right type and company of dive boots to purchase.
Fortunately, we’re here to help!
I have laid out what I think are the best dive boots and some tips on choosing the right pair for diving and snorkeling so that you can simply pick the ones that best suit your needs and budget.
Table of Contents
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Our Top Pick
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For Rough Terrain
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For High Arches
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Budget Option
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Most Versatile
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$62.95
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$75.00
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$89.00
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$67.95
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$56.95
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At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help give you the best scuba diving experience possible.
We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors to get their hands wet and test our recommendations firsthand.
How We Pick
In order to create our best lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the product landscape for a particular category, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
We then get our hands on all the products by either purchasing them, getting them sent to us by the manufacturer, or coming in contact with it on one of the various diving boats we work on.
Next, we identify 3-5 products per category that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget, luxury, and expert-level products.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the products on our lists by taking them out on dives and seeing how they perform in different environments. We place the products in the hands of students and instructors in order to gather feedback. We collect all of this experience and share it with you.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help give you the best scuba diving experience possible.
We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors to get their hands wet and test our recommendations firsthand.
How We Pick
In order to create our best lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the product landscape for a particular category, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
We then get our hands on all the products by either purchasing them, getting them sent to us by the manufacturer, or coming in contact with it on one of the various diving boats we work on.
Next, we identify 3-5 products per category that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget, luxury, and expert-level products.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the products on our lists by taking them out on dives and seeing how they perform in different environments. We place the products in the hands of students and instructors in order to gather feedback. We collect all of this experience and share it with you.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
Best Dive Boots
Tilos TruFit
- Exceptional thermal protection
- Stable metal zipper
- The asymmetrical design fits perfectly
- Rocker sole, padded heels, and built-in arch supports makes walking a breeze
- Variety of thicknesses and heights available
- The snug fit can take a little getting used to
- Not ideal for wide or flat feet
The Tilos TruFit Dive Boots offer everything you could ever need and or want in dive boots. Every little detail of this dive boot has been designed to offer optimal comfort, protection, stability, and warmth.
The TruFit design is lower volume than most other dive boots. What this means is that it simply keeps out and reduces excess water inside the boot. This in combination with the Thermoflare lining, will help to keep your toes warm!
The slimmer design as opposed to a more common wide boot also makes it much easier to get in and out of your fins.
They might feel a bit tight to start with, but this snug fit is what creates such a comfortable and supportive boot. These boots will mold to your feet like a normal shoe after a few wears so don’t worry about that. I know some people even just wear them around the house to break them in.
These booties have a built-in arch support that keeps your foot in a more natural position as opposed to a flat bottom. This will help you to get more power for your kicks underwater and more comfort on land. A padded heel cup also helps absorb shock when walking.
The soles of these dive boots have been ergonomically designed with a rocker shape. And they are also puncture-resistant. They’re available in 3 different thicknesses, in both short and tall designs, so you can choose the option that best suits you and your diving environment.
Product Specs:
- Material: Neoprene and Rubber
- Thickness: 3mm/5mm/7mm
- Type of Sole: Soft
- Zipper: Yes
- Toe Cap: None
- Cuffs: None
Mares Classic 3mm
- The ideal thickness for warm to moderate climates
- Lightweight design perfect for traveling
- Easy to remove and put on
- Rubber grip sole creates strong traction when walking
- Handy notch to keep your fins in place
- Sits above the ankle for extra protection
- Excellent value for money
- Thin soles are not great for rocky shores
- Not warm enough for colder waters
The Mares 3mm Classic dive boot has been a popular option for years, thanks to its affordability and durable design that fits almost every diver perfectly.
The thickness is ideal for warm water diving and snorkeling and has a good stretch for getting in and out of most fins.
One of the things we love about this dive boot is the rubber notch at the back, which helps to keep your fin strap in place.
The side zippers are also well designed to come above the ankle so they don’t slip down during the dive.
The rubber grip sole offers great traction, it’s a little on the thin side. So these boots aren’t the best choice if you need to navigate more rugged terrain.
Product Specs:
- Material: Neoprene
- Thickness: 3mm
- Type of Sole: Soft
- Zipper: Yes
- Toe Cap: None
- Cuffs: None
Neo-Sport Premium Boot
- Rugged soles offer great stability and protection on all terrains
- Well constructed and built to last
- Excellent thermal protection
- Variety of thicknesses available
- Strong seals prevent sand or cold water from flushing in
- Sizes run a little small so consider ordering a size up
- Rugged tread on the sole may cause damage to soft surfaces such as foam paddleboards
If you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting dive boot, the Neosport Premium dive boots are a great choice.
You’ll love how well-made these boots are.
They are heavily sewn and have double-glued seams with puncture-resistant soles, you know these dive boots are built to last.
Construction-wise these are some of the best dive boots available.
In addition to their solid build, they have a water entry barrier installed behind the zippers. This prevents any cold water from flushing in even if the zips come open.
They also come in 3 different thicknesses, 3mm, 5mm, or 7mm, so you can choose the best option for your diving conditions.
Product Specs:
- Material: Neoprene and rubber
- Thickness Options: 3mm,5mm, and 7mm
- Type Of Sole: Soft
- Zipper: Yes
- Toe Cap: None
- Cuffs: None
TUSA 5mm
- Exceptionally comfortable
- Unbeatable grip and traction on all surfaces, both wet and dry
- Snug fit provides optimal warmth
- Internal support reduces foot strain and fatigue
- Great for high arches
- Solid and durable construction
- Not the cheapest option
- A little heavier than similar styles
The Tusa Imprex 5mm dive boot is another super sturdy and comfortable choice. This dive boot was designed with an injection-molded sole that provides unrivaled grip and stability making these dive boots ideal for difficult shore dive entries or climbing up dive boat ladders in full gear.
The Tusa Imprex 5mm dive boot is another super sturdy and comfortable choice.
This dive boot was designed with an injection-molded sole that provides unrivaled grip and stability making these dive boots ideal for difficult shore dive entries or climbing up dive boat ladders in full gear.
Product Specs:
- Material: Neoprene and nylon jersey
- Thickness Options: 3-5mm
- Type Of Sole: Hard
- Zipper: Yes
- Toe Cap: None
- Cuffs: None
SEAC Pro HD 6mm
- Strong and sturdy soles for more rugged terrain
- Great arch support that reduces strain on the foot and ankle
- Superb warmth in colder waters
- Great value for money
- Rugged construction that can withstand a beating
- Sizing can be difficult to get right
- Bulky & heavy design, not ideal for traveling
These rugged dive boots from Seac are perfect for colder waters and/ or rocky terrain. What will capture your attention first is the thickness of the soles. These offer amazing protection and stability when walking on rough ground.
It has inner arch support and an air bubble within the heel to provide added comfort. This will help to alleviate stress on your feet when carrying your gear.
The 6mm of neoprene will keep your feet warm in cooler water but isn’t too thick to cause overheating if you want to use them for warmer locations.
There’s a handy notch at the back to keep your fins in place and the zippers stay perfectly in place with a hook and loop design.
Product Specs:
- Material: Neoprene and rubber
- Thickness Options: 6mm
- Type Of Sole: Hard
- Zipper: Yes
- Toe Cap: None
- Cuffs: None
Is Wearing Dive Boots Really Necessary?
You don’t always need to wear boots for scuba diving. If you’re wearing closed-heel fins and diving or snorkeling in warm, tropical waters then boots are not necessary.
However, if you wear open-heel dive fins, then you definitely need a pair of dive boots. They also keep your feet warm in colder water and make shore entries much easier and less painful.
Dive boots can also be used for a wide range of other activities including sailing, surfing, and kayaking. So it’s worth investing in a strong and comfy pair of boots.
Here are the 3 main benefits of wearing dive boots:
They Keep You Warm
One of the key functions of a dive boot is to provide warmth. Dive boots are typically made from neoprene and work in the same way as a wetsuit by trapping a layer of warm water close to the body. They come in a range of thicknesses from 1mm up to 7mm for varying water temperatures. They even had dive socks that are usually very thin and used for warmer water diving.
Without dive boots, even in warm waters, you’ll find your feet getting cold quite quickly. nothing ruins a dive quicker than getting cold and soon as it starts, you can’t warm up in the water.
It’s More Comfortable
Without dive boots, open-heel fins will rub your feet and put additional strain on your foot muscles. There’s a high chance you’ll end up with cramps and blisters if you wear them barefoot you could try to add Vaseline or Band-Aids but that is a lot of work when you can just wear dive booties.
Not only do dive boots make open-heel fins more comfortable, but they also make each kick more efficient as they are designed specifically to be worn with boots. So your overall dive or snorkeling session will feel much more effortless if you’re wearing boots.
They Offer Extra Protection
Dive boots protect your feet from hot sand (especially black sand and shore dives), hard rocks, and sharp coral. When you are walking on the shore carrying all of your heavy dive gear, your bare feet will dig into the rocks and shells. With dive boots on, your feet will be protected from accidental cuts, scraps, and bruises. It also lessens your chance of falling as the grip on the bottom will help you walk on the rocks that may have algae or up the dive ladder into the boat.
What exactly should you look for in a good pair of dive boots? Here are a few buying tips to keep in mind:
Neoprene Boots Buying Guide
Choose Something Warm
Dive boots work in a similar way to a wetsuit, by trapping a thin layer of water (warmed by the body) and preventing the colder water from rushing in and taking heat away from the body.
In general the thicker the dive boot, the warmer it is but only if it fits properly and doesn’t leak. Check that the seams of the dive booties are well-stitched and bonded properly to prevent water from coming in. Look for dive boots made from neoprene as this is the best material for retaining heat.
If you get particularly cold feet when diving, choose a dive boot with additional thermal protection. There are several brands, such as Tilos, that have developed their own innovative materials that help keep your feet warm.
How Do They Fit?
A good pair of dive boots should fit snugly but not too tight. If a dive boot is loose, you won’t be able to move efficiently underwater, it might even slip off and it will let in water defeating the purpose of having the boot on in the first place.
However, if the boots are too tight they’re likely to rub, pinch, and/ or even restrict your circulation. Plus you’ll struggle to get them on and off, putting extra strain on the seams and ruining them faster.
Finding a perfect-fitting dive boot is crucial for it to perform well both in and out of the water.
Consider the Conditions
If you’re only diving in warm, tropical waters, then you don’t need to invest in thick, heavy boots. More sock-like boots are easier to travel with and provide a good level of protection from chaffing, blisters, and will keep you warm.
The only exception would be destinations where you have to enter the water over rocky terrain, then you may want to choose a sturdier diver boot as these thinner socks rip and will wear out faster. Similarly, if you have to navigate rocky shores and rough terrain to enter the water, look for boots with reinforced soles. This ensures that your boots are more durable and provide better traction on slippery surfaces.
If you are diving in cold water you’ll want a thicker boot to keep you warm.
Think About The Length
Dive boots usually come in two different lengths, those that sit below your ankles and those that come up above your ankles.
Shorter boots work well in tropical waters for diving and snorkeling, but longer boots offer more warmth, stability, and protection.
But it’s mostly a matter of personal preference, so you can decide which one is the best option for you.
Decide On The Type Of Closure
Dive boots come with different closures zippers, velcro, or just slip-on with no closures. Which option is best will depend on your personal preference.
Zippers are good because they make putting the boots on easier and help create a close fit. Look for a larger sturdy zipper with a velcro tab or other mechanism that will prevent the zip from slipping down and opening up.
Poorly made zips tend to break easily and allow water to flood the boot. Velcro tabs and straps are less likely to break than zippers but don’t create such a strong seal. Some divers find the zips rub their ankles, or don’t want to deal with the hassle of them breaking, so they prefer slip-on boots.
Many female divers also like slip-on boots as they often provide a more snug fit, although they are more difficult to put on and take off.
Decide On A Budget
Lastly, it’s also important to set aside a reasonable budget. Try not to skimp too much or you’ll end up with a pair of dive boots that will get damaged easily or aren’t fit for the conditions and you will have to buy another pair even soon spending more money.
As with the majority of dive gear, the higher the price, the stronger construction, and the better features you’ll get.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are scuba diving boots used for?
Scuba diving boots are used to keep you warm, comfortable, and protected from the elements.
Scuba diving boots are usually designed for use with open-heeled dive fins. If you are using closed-heel dive fins then you will not need to use dive boots unless there is an ample supply of room. Check out our guide to the best scuba diving fins for more info.
Do you wear socks with dive boots?
For extra comfort and warmth, you can wear neoprene socks with dive boots or if you are using a closed fin.
Dive boots sometimes don’t fit as snugly as regular shoes, so wearing dive socks can prevent any rubbing or chaff on your feet.
How do I stop my dive boots from filling up with water?
This happens because water runs down your wetsuit. To prevent this try wearing your wetsuit over your dive boots, or using a strap at the top of the boot.
Which are the best dive boots?
The Tilos TruFit is our top choice. The ergonomic design makes these boots easy to wear both in and out of the water. The features of these boots mean you’ll experience minimal muscle strain so you won’t get tired when finning.
Aside from superior comfort, they also offer exceptional thermal protection and the thick soles also ensure that your feet are well protected from injuries.
Conclusion
As you can see, a good pair of dive boots can make a big difference to your comfort both in and out of the water. And they’re not the most expensive piece of dive gear either.
So there’s no reason not to get yourself a pair!
Do you have a favorite pair of dive boots that we should add to our list? Let us know in the comments!
Looking for other dive products to keep you warm?
