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

[floridabob]

Just picked up a Pinnacle Black Ice drysuit from TJ. Now I need boots...or something, anyway.

It comes with neoprene socks (3mm). I need something to use and dont love rock boots. What are you guys using? Some have suggested Chuck Taylors, some Rock Boots, some wetsuit booties.

What ideas have you got?

thanks
bob

[BillBowden]

My DUI came w/rock boots. My BARE came w/molded boots. In your case, I'd go w/rock boots.

[Sludge]

My old TLS-350 came with Rock Boots. I used them once and started using scuba booties instead, two sizes bigger than I wear on bare feet. It's worked for ten years...

[floridabob]

Problem ends up that with a size 13 normally I have to put a 15/16 on to fit over the socks. Then it becomes tough to get them into the fin.

Thinking Rock boots might be the best idea. Or Some Chuck Taylors.

Or cut off the socks and have Gamble start over. Just wanting some ideas.

[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?

[DA Aquamaster]

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?

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.

-----

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.

[Sludge]

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

Or cut off your toes.

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Wetsuit booties.

[floridabob]

Wetsuit booties is the same idea Sludge had. Same issue as when he said it is my sizing.

I was just looking for a silver bullet...but it may not be out there. I guess I will probably use booties/chucks for a while then dump the socks and get some booties put on by Gamble once I can justify the cost.

And I JUST figured out a good pair of drysuit booties last year that I had Gamble put on my old drysuit...the 3rd pair of boots in 12 years. Dang!

[GeorgiaDoc]

I use a scubapro wetsuit boot with my Black Ice. I didn't like the pinnacle wetsuit boot.