What do you use for boots/rock boots for your drysuit??

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Originally Posted by floridabob

Problem ends up that with a size 13... Or cut off the socks...

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Or cut off your toes.

I use neoprene wetsuit booties most of the time - the type with a substantial rubber sole. If I'm going to be doing much rock scrambling I use the DUI rock boots that came with the suit. They are nearly worn out, and soon I'll replace them with canvas high top sneakers. A buddy has some military type "OTB" boots which are very nice, but expensive.

Mike

I had "sloppy" boots on my DC suit when I got it. They said size 10, but must have been measured with some kind of super sock on. I really felt like I was loosing kick power and fine control in tight stuff. Also, the boots held a surprising amount of trapped gas and I had to always avoid going feet up lest I later have to tuck into a ball and empty the extra gas from the boots.

I had Gamble put socks on my suit. I went and tried them on, too. I forget what brand they are, but they are flexible and fit very snug. I bought some Chucks to go over the socks and have been happy ever since. No more floaty, sloppy boots.

Of course, having the socks means you have to add one more thing to your list of stuff not to forget. Due to forgetfulness, I've done one dive with running shoes stretched out over the socks and another dive in just the socks!

I have used chuck t.s before in the military but the soles are just to thick. I'd go with rock boots

More support from a rockboot might make sense on the surface but they surely dont allow your ankles the freedom of movement needed for certain fin kicks. Rockboots will also fit tighter in the fin compared to buying a wetsuit boot with a real thin sole. I believe Gamble can install turbo soles which is a real nice alternative by the looks of them. Its basically a sock with a glued on tennis or boat deck sole. http://www.dui-online.com/acc_rb.htm

Just ordered some $15 boots. I'll see how they work. The lack of movement has been my concern in the rock boots and the Chucks.

If these boots don't work then its gonna be off with the toes.

Or maybe some soles on my socks. Or something.

I use cheap water shoes. Something like this:
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...4&ci_sku=11918

I like them. They have no ankle support which might prevent full ankle articulation with kicks, but have nice soles on them for rocky shore entries.

Ari

Go with the Chuck Taylors, I've had the same pair for 4 years probably 200 dives on them. Cheap and easy to replace. My budddy is 7' tall and has a foot the size of a boat he finds his online.

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Originally Posted by mikemega

Reversing Bob's situation above, my new DR905 has the molded 9/10 boots and they are bit sloppy on my 9 1/2 shoe size feet, even with thick socks. Because of the loose fit, I feel like my fins aren't as efficient as they might be with a snugger fit. They also don't provide good support over uneven ground. I was thinking of a boot to sock conversion with rock boots or high top tennis shoes. Has anyone heard about or done that yet?

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When I got my current drysuit (a Fusion) I went from molded nboots in my old suit to drysocks with a boot. I used the White's EVO 3 due to previous negative experiences with DUI rock boots. I like the snugger fit of a dry sock and boot arrangagement and I am reminded just how much this is the case everytime I revert back to my old suit which I kept as a back up. In my opinion, it allows a lot more control of the fin as well as greater efficiency. It also eliminates any "squeeze" you would otherwise feel with a molded boot.

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The EVO 3s have proven to be much more durable and have much better support than DUI Rockboots and I have no boot related issues carrying heavy loads comparatively long distances over rough terrain with them. Wet suit boots are a bit more flexible in the water but most of the "too stiff" with boots can be addressed with care to not lace them too tightly. Wet suits boots tend to allow your foot to slip/move inside waking topside, especially when wet and many due not have soles that provide enough prtection and support. There is no great fix for either problem.

I am a bit biased though as several years ago I injured a foot walking over ripo-rap with doubles on with a wet suit boot over a dry sock. With a better constructed boot, the injury would not have happended, so I am more than happy to accept a larger fin and slightly less flexibility in the water for the increased all terrain capability and protection above water.

I use OTB's. They can be found on the internet for about the same price as DUI Rock Boots. I have used Rock Boots in the past and have not been happy with them. I have also had Turbo Soles and hated them. I tried wet suit booties but they sucked for ankle support and rough terrain getting into remote sites.

The tread is much better on the OTB's and they have good ankle support. The toe has an upper sole like a climbing shoe and they can get you buy on an easy climb or descent at difficult sites. They have three inserts that allow you to adjust the fit and firmness of the sole. They also have drains in the bottom of the shoe so you don't carry water in them when you are on land. I have a very wide foot and the Rock Boots always pinched my feet or were way too long. Three years with the OTB's and they don't show any wear. Rock Boots would last me a year to a year and a half.

The one down side of the OTB's is that the heel is very grippy and will turn your fins down if it brushes the ceiling in tight cave. I solved this issue by filing the heel down so it has a bit of a curve & won't grip the ceiling so easily.

If you have narrow feet the OTB's are not so good. My better half tried them and they came off her feet in the water. She has very narrow feet and could not adjust them tight enough to work.

Bobby