Dive boots with wider ankles

[Matilds]

Hi all.

My first post! I got certified in 1999 but only really returned to diving last year after a fairly long break. Now decided to invest in my own gear, starting with wetsuit, fins, mask.

I’ve got all those, but struggling with dive boots. I have really big ankles (think cankles) due to a medical condition (so not going to change). I struggle to do up normal boots that are higher than low ankle height, but thought dive boots may be stretcher. I’ve just got some Scubapro ones via post and alas whilst I can just about get zip up, the constant pinch would distract me from the underwater world around me.

Are there dive boots known to be more generous around the top (although guessing not as people don’t want flooding), or are the low versions (trainer size) ones really going to be ok, although perhaps not ideal?
I need them as my fins need somethibg

Thanks in advance

 

[happy-diver]

Find some diving suit repair people where they could glue and stitch some extra neoprene in there quick smart

 

[jonhall]

or are the low versions (trainer size) ones really going to be ok, although perhaps not ideal?

Not sure what you mean by trainer size? Unless you're looking specifically for warmth (or something else), low cut style are pretty nice. When my wife was diving, they were easier to put on than higher cut boots as she has thick ankles. For me, as I've lost flexibility through the years, I like the fact that I can slip them on and don't have to put any extra effort into trying to zip up higher cut boots - thus would also make it easier for me if I were to were using my strap fins to snorkel. Have worn them in water as cool as 69ºF - with a full wetsuit, there may be the smallest of gaps exposing skin if the wetsuit legs pull up. Also nice for walking along a rocky shore.

 

[Matilds]

Not sure what you mean by trainer size? Unless you're looking specifically for warmth (or something else), low cut style are pretty nice. When my wife was diving, they were easier to put on than higher cut boots as she has thick ankles. For me, as I've lost flexibility through the years, I like the fact that I can slip them on and don't have to put any extra effort into trying to zip up higher cut boots - thus would also make it easier for me if I were to were using my strap fins to snorkel. Have worn them in water as cool as 69ºF - with a full wetsuit, there may be the smallest of gaps exposing skin if the wetsuit legs pull up. Also nice for walking along a rocky shore.

By trainer size I mean just mean ones that come up to the bottom of ankles like normal trainers.

Good to know you’ve both been using trainer style ones with no issues. I’m a fair weather diver so not going anywhere really cold anyway.

Do you have any recommendations for trainer type ones you’ve used?

Thanks so much

 

[Matilds]

Find some diving suit repair people where they could glue and stitch some extra neoprene in there quick smart

How would that work as zip will still be in same place and that’s what is pinching?

 

[MB NZ]

Neoprene socks and baseball boots.

 

[happy-diver]

How would that work as zip will still be in same place and that’s what is pinching?

How about you find a gorgeous tall boot, ankles still protected, and remove the zipper as part of the renovations

Now you tell me, how comfy would that be

A velcro wrap

 

[jonhall]

Do you have any recommendations for trainer type ones you’ve used?

The brand I have is Deep See. I couldn't find exactly what I have online but they are similar to the Cressi below. They have a hard sole and look just like the Deep See boots in the other picture below except they are low cut/no zipper.

My wife has the low cut TUSA's and wears them mainly as beach shoes (getting in the ocean or at water parks) since she doesn't dive any longer.

 

[CT Sean]

My wife had hers customized with extra material by a local dive shop and she really likes the result. they basically cut a slit down the back of the boot and glued and sewed pie shaped piece of neoprene in to widen the ankle and calf opening.

Edited to add pics