vibram five fingers

[sjmueller61990]

Ok so im not sure how many of you are familiar with the vibram five finger shoes. They have one shoe designed from neoprene. I was wondering if any one had used these inplace of scuba boots and how well they worked. they seem like they would be awesome to use because there anti slip so you can walk around in them after you get done diving and should work with fins well but im unsure so looking for some opinions before i buy them.

heres a link:
Vibram FiveFingers - FLOW

 

[g1138]

First how cold is the water? Are 2mm booties the norm in your area?
Secondly, the velcro wrap may get in the way if your foot goes all the way into your fin pocket.
Thirdly, It may not give your feet enough arch support, you may not notice it until you're hauling your butt across the shore back to your car. If you're used to these types of shoes then it may not effect you as much.
Fourth, some divers prefer soft rubber on the top of their booties to keep the top of their foot from chaffing against the fin. Some divers prefer it, some don't care for it. YMMV

Overall if it fits your fins and your feet I say go for it. It won't hurt anything.

 

[Tug]

there was a thread a few months ago http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/general-scuba-equipment-discussions/380545-vibram-five-fingers.html

I have been using VFF's for 2.5-3 years or so and love them. However, I mainly dive dry so their use would be limited to traveling. If I had the use for them I'd give it a shot. If you do get them I would slowly work your way into them, it took me a few days of wearing them a few hours around the house 'til I wore them for an extended period of time.

 

[tbone1004]

What dive booties sub $100 have arch support?
My feet get really really hot in booties and last summer when I was working in the keys I bought a pair of neoprene socks for anti chaffing and wore chaco's to have the good arch support and so I was fine walking on the loose marl in doubles. Needed XXL jet fins for them, but I already had those for drysuit so it worked out great

 

[sjmueller61990]

well when i dive for the time being its in kentucky at a quarry so dont really have to haul gear around. I am usually fine diving in 3mm boots so i figured it wouldnt be much of a problem. The only thing I was really worried about is as you mentioned how bad the rubbing would be on the top of my feet. but ill probably end up buying them and trying them out.

 

[g1138]

What dive booties sub $100 have arch support?
My feet get really really hot in booties and last summer when I was working in the keys I bought a pair of neoprene socks for anti chaffing and wore chaco's to have the good arch support and so I was fine walking on the loose marl in doubles. Needed XXL jet fins for them, but I already had those for drysuit so it worked out great

Well guess padding would be a better term. I find with more rubber sole on the bottom my feet indent the booties sole more, and it feels alright to walk. Where as if I'm walking bare foot with my all my gear on I feel the muscle below my arch beginning to strain with each step.

I don't think the Vibram has any sole really to speak of. My booties were $40 btw