Hard-soled boots & fins for shore diving

[LiveTheDream]

Gearing up, time is approaching quickly.

I know I need some boots with more of a firm/hard sole for shore entries, and presumably new fins fit with them.

Thoughts?


Also, last time I dove 2 weeks straight, 2-3 times a day I ended up with raw, bloody toes (on top of each toe middle joint). Anyone have a good trick to prevent that? Moleskin, lots of band-aids?

Looking forward to your input.

There'll be more posts coming about gear, wet suits & BCD's (leaning toward Zeagle Zena.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Damselfish]

Lots of heavy soled boots out there. I got Seasoft Sunrays because I'd seen them suggested for a bit of arch support, and they are certainly better then others I've had. I've never been crazy about heavier soled boots but I find these pretty comfortable.

Try some kind of socks under your booties to help prevent rubbing. Lycra, thin neoprene, or even regular cheap nylon socks. Using a harder sole boot may even help some by itself.

 

[emstuv]

+1 on the Seasoft Sunrays. Wifebuddy wore those on Curacao. I sported a pair of OTB Abyss. Next time I might bring a pair of Seasoft instead.

We traveled with pairs of Hollis F2 fins. Light weight and stiff.

 

[fisheater]

I use Bare's 3mm tropical boot and OMS Slipstreams. No complaints.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalko

 

[AdivingBel]

Most any type of sock will help. I'm a big fan of XS Scuba beefy socks. Wish they made hard soled boots in wider widths. It doesn't bother me in soft soled boots, but going up a size to get wider hard soled boots is a pain. I'm currently sporting Akona 3.5mm Low-Cut Molded Sole Boot. They are O.K.. Not expensive. Closest fit for width that I tried without being clown shoes. Probably not forever, but what is...

 

[diversteve]

My Bonaire (and everywhere else) boots - TUSA Imprex 5 mm Neoprene Boots, Black

For Bonaire I like the tread pattern on the bottom and that the higher cut helps keep my ankles un-scratched.

One thing to consider buying fins is that on most Bonaire dives you'll be putting them on in slightly deeper water.
Often after you've climbed over the in-water ironshore you step down into 3-4' of water and put on your boots - sometimes floating.

 

[uncfnp]

After I tried thick-soled boots for Bonaire, it's all I use now. Much more support for my feet and helps me fill the foot pocket of the fin (small feet). I have the Mares Trilastic 5 mm boots.

The only reason that you would need new fins is if the thick soles make your current fin's foot pocket too tight. My partner had to move up a size in fins when he switched. (Or if you just need an excuse for new fins )

As for socks, I started with cheap sports socks. More cushion. Just make sure there is no cotton. I recently changed to wool socks. Love it.

 

[DiveMaven]

I wear Converse Chucks! They fit perfectly in my fins, I can wear neoprene socks with them, and they have amazing soles/tread for anything Bonaire throws at you. Plus since they're shoes, I don't get the sore spots sometimes associated with dive booties.

 

[jbomb001]

I use whites rock boots. They are hard and comfortable. I do need a slightly larger pair of fins tho.

Sent from my galaxy S5 Active.

 

[hroark2112]

I started out with the Seasoft Sunray boots for my first trip. Switched to the SEAC 6mm hard sole boots on trip 2. Haven't touched the Sunray boots since. I love the high ankle support and the arch.