4 replies to this topic

[uwfan]

Okay, so every time I've gone diving...the 14+ year old boots that sat in a closet or other dark, sad, dry places for about 12 years have reminded me that the glue holding them together is, well, 14+ years old! So I'm in the market for new boots and likely in the market for new fins (to fit the new boots). I have an extremely narrow foot and went with a small tropical boot the last time, but I'm thinking something more substantial this time.

I'll look around in the dive shops...but I'd like to get some opinions here... anyone out there have opinions about boots and fins?? Anything really cool that I should know about?? I KNOW there's some OPINIONS out there, ESPECIALLY with this group!! LOL!

Seriously, I'm looking for advice -- help!

[georoc01]

I have 3 sets of boots, one set of 3mm shorties for most tropical boat diving. One set of hard sole shorties for shore diving where the shore is rocky and would tear apart the soft ones. Then I have a 5MM set that come over the ankle for colder water diving. I can use them with either set of fins..

I concur on spring straps. One of the best investments I ever made.

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

Yep, I converted to the spring straps on the fins this year, and LOVE THEM. Auto-adjusting, so no more snugging the strap after getting in the water, and taking them off at the ladder is a breeze. My LDS installed them for me N/C.

[uwfan]

I love my Seasoft Sunray. They have a hard sole like hiking boots and I do use it for hiking also on oversea trips to save luggage room and weight not having to pack another pair of shoes. These are the same boots the Navy Seal uses. They also have a little ridge on the back to keep your fin strap in place. They are great for rocky shore entry like Bonaire or what the group went through in Bali last year. What size shoes do you wear? I have a brand new pair in women size 7-8 (Small) that I ordered by mistake that you can have. I actually wear a 5-6 (X-small) and Leisure Pro do not have it in that size so I couldn't trade them in.

If you changed boots, you also have to get new fins. What ever fins you choose, get the spring straps...they are so easy to put on and take off in the water and a lot more sturdy than the plastic one that usually comes with the fins. You need to bring your new booties with you when trying on the fins...the spring straps come in different length so have the shop install them but test them out to make sure they are not too tight and you can actually pull them on and off without too much tension in the spring.

I also have neoprene socks that I wear with the boots so no blisters or rubbing in odd places.

Thanks Que! And thanks everyone for your help. Que I'll PM you ...I am interested in the boots.