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Are Dive Boots Necessary for SCUBA Diving?

Are Dive Boots Necessary for SCUBA Diving?

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on October 14, 2014
dive boots
Akona Deluxe Molded Sole 3mm Boots

Suiting up with the equipment needed for an open-water dive can seem like it takes an inordinate amount of time. Divers sometimes question whether all of those safety checks and gear are needed. One item that comes up for debate is whether or not it is necessary to wear dive boots while SCUBA diving. Those boots are not always necessary, but a diver should not go on a dive trip without bringing them along. They serve multiple functions depending on the circumstances of the dive.

First of all, dive boots protect your feet before, during, and after the dive. Depending on how you get in the water, you may need that layer of protection to keep your feet from being cut on shells and coral. During a dive, you cannot see what is behind you and you may inadvertently kick something that will cause a sting or bite. Dive boots will help keep your feet safe so you can focus on enjoying the dive and not worrying about a bleeding foot.

Secondly, dive boots provide comfort for your feet. Those fins you put on with a strap around the heel are not designed to go against bare skin. While you’re swimming and those fins are going up and down, the strap is going to chafe the skin causing bleeding or blisters. Dive boots put a layer of neoprene between the strap and your skin making the dive much more comfortable.

dive boots
Mares 3mm Classic Sock

Finally, depending on the water temperature, you may need those boots for warmth during the dive. It’s well known that when our bodies get cold, we  naturally focus on keeping our torso warm and less blood flows to the extremities. That extra layer of neoprene on your feet will make a big difference in keeping you warm while diving in cooler water. If you find dive boots feel too clunky and heavy for your taste, you can always opt for a pair of dive socks instead, which provide a little less protection from abrasion, but virtually the same warmth depending on their thickness.

The boots may be optional, but there are several reasons to have them on hand for every dive. It’s often hard to predict what situations you may encounter. At the very least, you can take them along and not use them if you decide against it.

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro