Dive footwear

Choosing your scuba diving footwear: A diver´s guide

The right footwear is a critical and often overlooked piece of equipment that ensures your safety, comfort, and performance throughout an entire dive day. From protecting your feet during a challenging shore entry to providing a secure grip on a wet and rocking boat deck, the shoes you choose are essential for a successful and enjoyable scuba adventure. This guide will help you understand the different types of footwear and select the perfect system for every part of your underwater exploration.

Dive boots & booties: Your essential in-water protection

For any diver using open-heel fins, dive boots (or booties) are absolutely non-negotiable. They are far more than just a source of warmth; they serve as the crucial interface between your foot and your fin, preventing painful blisters, eliminating chafing, and ensuring a secure, powerful fin stroke. Thermal protection is a primary function, as booties are made from neoprene in various thicknesses. A 3mm boot is ideal for warm, tropical waters, while a 5mm or 7mm boot is necessary to keep your feet warm and prevent heat loss in temperate or cold-water environments. Beyond warmth, physical protection is paramount. A sturdy, hard-soled boot is the best choice for shore diving, acting as an impenetrable shield that protects your feet from sharp rocks, broken shells, sea urchins, and other hazards as you walk to the water. For boat diving, a more flexible, soft-soled boot is often preferred for its comfort and better feel on the deck. In either case, a high-quality dive boot will feature a durable zipper and reinforced seams to withstand the harsh saltwater environment.

Aqua shoes & clogs: For safety and comfort

Life on a dive boat requires practical, non-slip footwear designed for a wet environment. Regular shoes or sneakers are not suitable, as they become waterlogged and lose their grip. This is where aqua shoes and clogs excel. They are purpose-built to provide excellent, unwavering grip on wet, slippery surfaces, protecting you from falls while moving around the boat. They also shield your feet from hot decks and the accidental impact of a dropped weight belt or tank. Their quick-drying materials and built-in drainage holes mean they shed water instantly, making them easy to rinse and comfortable to wear between dives. Many experienced divers prefer purpose-built clogs or water shoes from trusted dive brands like Cressi, SEAC, Mares, Salvimar, Aqualung, and Scubapro, as they are specifically designed for durability and performance in marine conditions.

Flip-flops & casual shoes: For before and after the dive

While not suitable for the actual dive or for wearing during boat activity, flip-flops and casual shoes still have an important place in a diver´s gear bag. They are the perfect choice for the "before and after" phases of your dive day. A comfortable pair of flip-flops is effortless to slip on and off while you are setting up your gear, walking to the marina, or relaxing after a long day of diving. Their use, however, should be limited to dry land, as they offer no protection or secure grip on a boat. Sneakers or other casual shoes are great for traveling to the dive site, especially if you have a longer walk or are carrying heavy equipment. Once you board the boat, they should be stowed away in a dry bag to keep them out of the way and protected from the water, ready for you to put back on when you return to shore.