How To Choose Good Scuba Diving Shoes?

If you are passionate about scuba diving and would like to do this activity throughout the year and try diving into various environments, and colder waters, then you need to have the proper equipment.

A pair of scuba diving shoes will not just protect your feet against the bottom of an ocean or sea, but also keep them safe in cold waters, where your feet can get very cold and uncomfortable, shortening the time of your dives. And since water gets cooler as you go deeper and deeper, utilizing proper water shoes for scuba diving becomes a must, if you want to enjoy your dive and worry less about cold feet.

So, how to make sure that the scuba diving shoes you will choose will be just right for you?

Choose Scuba Diving Shoes By Considering These Factors

First of all, think about the temperature of the water where you will perform the dives. The cooler is the water’s temperature, the thicker should your water shoes be. So, for waters with a temperature between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius, you should opt for water shoes made out of neoprene with a thickness of 5 to 6.5 mm, as the water is quite cold at this temperature.

If the water has temperatures between 16 and 24 degrees Celsius, you need scuba diving shoes with a thickness of 2 to 5mm, made out of neoprene. And for waters with temperatures that are of 25 degrees Celsius or above, you need neoprene water shoes with a thickness of 2 to 3 mm.

So, you need to take into consideration where you will go scuba diving, to make sure that your diving shoes will be adequate for the waters you are going to explore.

Buy Your Diving Shoes Together With The Fins

Another thing you need to remember is that you should buy your diving shoes at the same time with the fins. Why is this so important?

Well, as you are going to find out, there are scuba diving boots and diving shoes, which look different and have slightly different characteristics. One you need to keep in mind about these differences is that diving shoes go together only with full foot fins, while diving boots can be paired with adjustable finds.

Now you know why you have to go shopping for your scuba diving shoes and fins at the same time. You need to make up your mind what kind of shoes to take so you can pick the right fins or the other way around.

Check out this product for for inspiration.

Differences Between Scuba Diving Shoes and Boots

But what are the other differences between scuba diving shoes and boots, besides the types of finds that go along with each of them? What you need to know is that boots are slightly sturdier, featuring a sole made out of rubber, for improved grip, and reinforcements on the toes, heel, and instep, for increased protection.

Think About The Terrain

So, if you plan on exploring underwater worlds that may present a rough bottom, these boots will keep your feet safe at all times, besides protecting them against cold water.

Depending on the temperature of the waters you are going to explore, you will also find diving boots that have various thicknesses so that they will provide sufficient protection against cold water.

Differences In Their Weight

Scuba diving shoes, on the other hand, are not reinforced, therefore they are much more flexible than the boots.

They will feel like wearing a pair of socks almost, being a very light and comfortable pair of water shoes. While the shoes don’t have reinforcements just like the boots, some models have a light rubber sole, for increased protection.

But, you will have to watch where you step, as your toes and heels will not be too protected. Nevertheless, the shoes can be a great option if you want to move lightly, just like you do when you walk barefooted, and if you want to use full foot fins.

So, to avoid any unpleasant surprises, you should try the scuba diving shoes or boots, according to the case, with the fins you plan on using, making sure they fit, before making a final decision that will not allow you to enjoy your scuba diving as you’d like.

Water Temperature Varies

So, while snorkeling gives you the chance to explore the underwater world without too much equipment, as it doesn’t involve venturing too far, scuba diving is an entirely different thing. Because you will spend quite a while under water, at various depths, you need to have an adequate equipment.

The lower you go, the more the water’s temperature will drop and the first body parts that will end up suffering will be your extremities, which means your head, hands, and feet.

This is why you need to have proper equipment that will not allow your body’s heat to be lost through the extremities. Thus, your scuba diving experiences will be safer and more pleasant, enjoying the ability to spend more time underwater, not being bothered by the low temperatures.

If you got the virus of practicing scuba diving, then you need to get proper water shoes that will suit your needs and will provide more protection for your underwater expeditions.

Final Thoughts

Just like in the case of any sports equipment, you will need to do some research first if you want to make sure that you will take the right equipment for your future expedition.

Concerning scuba diving shoes and boots, you received plenty of useful information in the previous lines, which is more than enough to help you pick the right shoes. All you have to do now is to compare brands and see which one can provide the pair of water shoes with the best features in your case.

Remember that such a pair of shoes will be a long-term investment, so you should march on quality and always pick the shoes that have the most important features that will help you enjoy better and safer diving experiences.

After all, you never know what you will find on the bottom of the sea and it’s no point in getting injured while diving. This is where a pair of adequate water shoes come in, allowing you to enjoy what you love doing in a safe manner.