Will these boots be alright for diving Bonaire?

[RJP]

I used the SP Delta "high top" version and they were pretty much fine. High-top vs low top immaterial from an ankle support standpoint, as neoprene provides zero support anyway.

I did bruise the bottom of my foot on one entry as I was jostled and put my foot down hard on some ironshore, but I think that would have hurt with pretty much any bootie. Just watch where you step and take your time.

Enjoy!

Ray

 

[redacted]

This would have been my preference from Leisurepro as they clearly have thick soles. Bare Velocity 3mm HD Tropic Boot

I prefer low top and 3mm for tropics. But yours look OK.

 

[SubMariner]

Hi Guys,

I'm heading to Bonaire for the first time next week and am wondering if the boots I just picked up at the dive shop will do the trick (in regards to saving my feet from the reef!):

Scubapro Delta Boot 5mm, Short, Black

Thanks!

-Alex

The height of the boot is pretty much irrelevant as it's mostly personal preference. What DOES matter is the composition of the sole. It needs to be fairly thick like this: Tabata USA, Inc. - NEW : IMPREX 3MM DIVE SLIPPER [DS-2700].

Why? Because (1) coral marl cuts through soft/flimsy soles like, well, soft/flimsy soles. (2) Because much of the shore entries are composed of coral marl that is more like rubble than smooth rock. So you need some good support down there.

FWIW, my hubby likes the shorter booties and I prefer ones that go over the ankle. But we BOTH have very sturdy soles on our booties.

Bonne chance,

 

[TampaJack]

I agree with the previous two posts. Booties with hard soles are a huge benefit when shore-diving in Bonaire. Many of the sites have shore entries that are nothing but rocks. You can get by with softer soles, but it can be painful at times and no fun at all if you suddenly have to plant a foot down hard when you lose your balance. It's wise to invest in a pair, even if Bonaire is the only place you'll ever really need them.

 

[gypsyjim]

When I introduced my brother's family to Bonaire a few years ago, I neglected to discuss boots and fins with them. Oops.

They arrived with old fashioned full foot fins, and no boots.

We overcame this oversight by having them wear their heavy sandals during the entries and exits, and then putting the fins on in deeper water, and stowing or clipping off their sandals on their rigs during the dive. It solved the problem very well.

 

[jewelofnile69]

They will be fine. I have worn little booties with less support with no problem.

^^This. I wear less coverage and have been there 3x and never had a problem. I think the biggest issue is stepping on a sea urchin. So my shoe has a slightly harder sole.

 

[calicant]

I bought 4th Element Amphibian boots which have hard soles but also quite clompy tops. They don't fit in my jetfins but since I found my legs heavy diving with them in a 3mm wetsuit I bought lighter OMS Slipstreams. The sturdier boots and lighter fins seemed very different in a pool test and I noticed a slight pain in one of my ankles afterwards either from ankle mobility restriction or perhaps old age. I hope this doesn't reduce to a choice between pain walking in or out at the shore and pain from stiff boots during the dive! I'm going to pack the jets in a third bag and try both sets of fins and boots over a number of different dives in Bonaire. I can also give the airlines much needed support with fees for a second checked bag.