Which rock boots? (UK)

[KerrenL]

After much procrastination I’ve decided to swap my integrated boots out for socks and get separate rock boots. Long story but the decision is made. So now I need to decide which rock boots, I’m considering the following. Use will be worldwide including the chilly waters of the UK.

- Apeks/Aqualung Thermiq / Evo4 (same boots different branding)
- DUI
- Scubapro Heavy Duty

Any users of the above who would endorse / discount these options? Any others I should consider. Thanks!

 

[lizardland]

I had a pair of DUI boots that came with my suit. I found them a bit narrow and lacing up drysuit boots was just an absolute ballache I could've done without on a rolling boat.

I use a pair of cheap neoprene zip-sided sailing boots from Decathlon, I think they were 15 quid or something and they've lasted about 10 years, although the soles are starting to go now. They're warm enough with a pair of thick socks and if all you're walking about on is a boat deck then they're fine. Soles aren't too bad for shore diving either. You'll feel the rocks but they protect the suit and they're grippy and that's the main things. If I'm walking anywhere with my suit on when caving then I just use a pair of cheap bin man wellies from Screwfix and carry some wet boots.

Spending more on a pair of diving boots than a decent pair of hiking boots costs doesn't really excite me. To be honest, I don't know that I'd bother getting socks on a suit again. They're great for maintenance but just too much fannying around in general use. And separate boots are just one more thing to forget (which I've done many times, I highly recommend having some cheap wet boots living permanently with the rest of your kit).

 

[landphil]

I run evo4 boots. If you have to hike across slick or sharp rocks in full gear they work great- super grippy soles and a lot of support.

 

[lexvil]

There are many choices, don’t look for insulation as much as just sock protection and that they fit the foot pocket of the fins, chuck taylors are a standard for many, altama maritime, or any of those on your list.

Personally I would never do built in boots, when you pack you gear put the boots in the fins and pack them, forget one you forgot all.

Depending on the terrain, like climbing over uneven surfaces (I avoid such things) rock boots don’t need to be overly tight, I replace laces with bungee and don’t use the upper lace holes.

 

[MB NZ]

Unless you're actually going to be walking over rocks, go to a discount store and buy some Chuck Taylor Hi knock-offs.

 

[lizardland]

Unless you're actually going to be walking over rocks, go to a discount store and buy some Chuck Taylor Hi knock-offs.

Or a military surplus shop. You can usually find canvas jungle boots for not a lot of money. That's basically what rock boots started out as years ago before they got tarted up. Or just go on aliexpress, there's bound to be some suitable cheap crap there.

Rock boots are a piss take. The RRP on the DUI boots I had is more than a brand new pair of goretex hiking boots from Salomon or Scarpa. Manufacturers need to get a grip and stop treating customers like cash cows.

 

[davecampbell]

altama user here... for wetsuit and drysuit diving. They are holding up well, and I'd recommend them as an option.

 

[KerrenL]

I had a pair of DUI boots that came with my suit. I found them a bit narrow and lacing up drysuit boots was just an absolute ballache I could've done without on a rolling boat.

I use a pair of cheap neoprene zip-sided sailing boots from Decathlon, I think they were 15 quid or something and they've lasted about 10 years, although the soles are starting to go now. They're warm enough with a pair of thick socks and if all you're walking about on is a boat deck then they're fine. Soles aren't too bad for shore diving either. You'll feel the rocks but they protect the suit and they're grippy and that's the main things. If I'm walking anywhere with my suit on when caving then I just use a pair of cheap bin man wellies from Screwfix and carry some wet boots.

Spending more on a pair of diving boots than a decent pair of hiking boots costs doesn't really excite me. To be honest, I don't know that I'd bother getting socks on a suit again. They're great for maintenance but just too much fannying around in general use. And separate boots are just one more thing to forget (which I've done many times, I highly recommend having some cheap wet boots living permanently with the rest of your kit).

That was my first instinct, which is why I got integrated boots. However the boots I have leave way too much space around my ankles, lower calves, and to be honest - feet. They only feel good if I've got loads of pairs of socks on and even then they still balloon from space. Unfortunately the DS manufacturer only have one set of boots they offer and they come with a very wide opening, so am making the switch!

 

[KerrenL]

altama user here... for wetsuit and drysuit diving. They are holding up well, and I'd recommend them as an option.

Not available in the UK it seems!

 

[lizardland]

That was my first instinct, which is why I got integrated boots. However the boots I have leave way too much space around my ankles, lower calves, and to be honest - feet. They only feel good if I've got loads of pairs of socks on and even then they still balloon from space. Unfortunately the DS manufacturer only have one set of boots they offer and they come with a very wide opening, so am making the switch!

Yeah it can be a bit of a lottery unfortunately, as it can with socks as well. Both systems have their downsides, both have their advantages. I'm prone to seasickness and fannying around with rock boots on a rolling boat really gets on my tits. That's why I like the simple pull on type rather than anything with laces or straps or anything I have to **** about with.