hard sole boot questions

[caldiver23]

OK, just hard a sole do we need for Bonaire? My current boots have a rigid sole, but I don't know what else is out there, and what is adequate for Bonaire. Any specific brands/styles recommended? And, can we get them on the island if we don't gear up in advance? How are Bonaire dive store/shop prices?

Thx

 

[rhwestfall]

Perhaps a pair of light neoprene socks (or something similar for chafing), and a pair of Chuck Taylors (if they fit your fin's foot pockets)..... Even water sandals (still using the socks) are an option. You just have to see how they work for you.

 

[yodelhawk]

I'm Planning to use my DUI Rock Boots and some neoprene socks. 31 days and counting!!!

 

[parzdiver]

I use SeaSoft Sunrays and my dive buddy uses Deep See "Caribbean" boots. Both have a sneaker-like sole. I found the SeaSofts so comfortable, I switched my cold water boots to the SeaSoft Stealth boots. Biggest thing to watch when switching to a boot with a thick sole is to make sure your fins fit.

 

[wwguy]

I use SeaSoft Sunrays and my dive buddy uses Deep See "Caribbean" boots. Both have a sneaker-like sole. I found the SeaSofts so comfortable, I switched my cold water boots to the SeaSoft Stealth boots. Biggest thing to watch when switching to a boot with a thick sole is to make sure your fins fit.

I second the recommendation for SeaSoft Sunray booties. Most comfortable booties I've ever worn. I bought mine at Bruce Bowker's Carib Inn dive shop on Bonaire, and my wife bought hers at our local dive shop in the US. We paid the same price for both pairs.

 

[akirawut]

I use a BARE slip on boot with a very hard sole. It works great. However the wife uses a pair of zip up Aqualung booties that only have a thicker sole. IE its a reasonably thick and solid sole, but it is by no means a hard sole, I can fold the boot with one hand. She has never had any trouble at all.

You will want more than a pair of aquasocks however.

 

[Sue Sue]

Third or fourth vote for Seasoft Sunrays for Bonaire. Make sure they fit your fins, also, Michael and I purchased our first pair to fit. After getting them wet/soaked they were to large and loose. Our feet were sliding quite a bit. We repurchased the same boots, but one size smaller. They are a tad snug when dry, but perfect one wet.

 

[redacted]

I like the Tilos booties for Bonaire: Tilos 3mm Low Cut Expressway Molded Color Scuba Boot | eBay

They were a good back when Scubatoys had them for $30 a pair. I did cut up a pair of thin soled booties but that was from walking around on sharp iron shore on the east side and not at any dive site.

 

[Damselfish]

Rigid soles will certainly work fine, though I find lighter weight flexible soles can be good too over rough terrain. Depends if your style is to stomp over the rocks without thinking about your feet too much, or to finesse your way over them. Also which kind fit in your fins...)