Too Much Air in Drysuit Feet

[Michael Guerrero]

the boots do have notches to keep the straps on, but I've felt that with the boot full of air my heel could actually slip out and the fin could then slip off. That was when I was grossly overweighted, but the ballooning boots and blisters are bad enough.

 

[Peter_C]

What are you wearing on your feet for thermal protection?

 

[Michael Guerrero]

I'm wearing 2mm neoprene socks inside because at the surface, with no air in the boot, they are a little tight.

 

[SeaHorse81]

I'm wearing 2mm neoprene socks inside because at the surface, with no air in the boot, they are a little tight.

Those sound tight and minimally compressible. I wear big, fluffy, Woolrich socks (the same ones I used to wear with boots to the barn in deep winter). They are totally comfortable whether on the surface or at depth, and they have plenty of loft to keep my feet warm but also to adjust to changing conditions inside the boot (more or less air, greater or lesser depth). I recommend them highly.

 

[lowviz]

True, but they do keep air from accumulating around your calves/ankles. ...//...

Not much personal info offered, so I can't tell if the OP is diving cold or not. If not, I'd suggest that the OP lose the bubble entirely. For now, try to maintain a light crush. After enough dives, you will know when you want a bit of a bubble back in your suit.

 

[Michael Guerrero]

The boots are tight, not the socks. When I have anything thicker, it's very uncomfortable to wear inside the boot.

I'm diving in 52 degree water most of the year. The issue is bubble in my boots.

 

[lowviz]

...//...the ballooning boots and blisters are bad enough.

Suggestion: Go to springheels instead of straps and lose the bubble entirely.

Try not to add more and more crap to solve problems, rarely works...

 

[Michael Guerrero]

the fins have spring straps if that's what you mean. Otherwise, haven't heard of spring heels.

 

[lowviz]

-same thing. Odd that they give you blisters, can you move up one size?

 

[Michael Guerrero]

The size is good. It's that the boots fill with air, expanding the spring, and my feet move around in the boot. I'm pinning my hopes on the fin keepers and gaiters to keep the boot compressed and slow the entry of air into my feet so I have time to drop them a little before the squish.