Question Please recommend boots with tougher sole that won't require bigger fins.

[Rob9876]

Planning a shore-diving-only trip to Bonaire and I need boots with tougher soles to protect my sensitive feet during rocky entries. I'd really like the new boots to not require buying new (larger) fins also. I guess tougher soles could either be thicker and/or reinforced with some type of felt/kevlar/plastic etc. to make them stronger.

I'm also a bit of a cheapskate, so it would be great if they were reasonably priced. Thanks!

 

[tarponchik]

Try booties with felt soles.

 

[Rob9876]

Try booties with felt soles.

Thanks -- any specific brand and model you would recommend?

 

[happy-diver]

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I grind unnecessary bits from the sole when tight

 

[tarponchik]

Thanks -- any specific brand and model you would recommend?

I dive in Sea Sports. They have no zipper and look cheap but are very durable and survived couple hundred dives from Hawaiian lava and many other. The only issue is, the felt sole takes a while to dry even in the hot sun.

 

[FishWatcher747]

TUSA | Boots | Imprex (Dive Boot)

tusa.com

I guess it depends on your fins. These fit in my normal fins that also takes a soft bootie.

 

[NachoMan]

You may also want to consider something like the Altama Maritime boots if you really need good traction and ankle stability. I have a pair and didn’t have to go to a large fin. Felt very stable on shore entries, even with doubles. divezonescuba has posted about them and even has a few videos discussing his long term testing.

 

[arkstorm]

I would steer away from felt soles in Bonaire because urchin spines can penetrate those pretty readily.

My recommendation is the Seasoft Sunrays (if you can still find them). I've had a pair for 15+ years and they are still holding up.

Size 10 Sunrays fit in Size R Quattro fins with room to spare.