Buying dive boots for beginners

In part 4 of my “Ultimate guide to buying scuba gear for beginners” series, I will give you tips, tricks, and recommendations on buying your dive boots when you’re new to diving.

Use the table of contents to read to the sections you are interested in most or jump to another part of the series.

Best dive boots for beginners

These are my personal recommendations for the best scuba diving boots for beginners.

Best dive boots: SEAC Pro HD 6mm
Cheapest dive boots: Mares Classic NG 5mm
Dive boots for big feet: Aqua Lung 7mm Echozip Boots

Mares Classic Dive Boot 5mm

Our Pick

Mares Classic Dive Boot 5mm

4.7 / 5

Classic and timeless, the Mares Ng 5mm Classic Dive Boot is super affordable, convenient to put on and I cannot find anything to complain about.

Pros

• So cheap
• Timeless and classic
• Easy to put on and off
• Very flexible

Cons

• 6.5mm version would be great
• Sole not the thickest

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This is probably the most sold dive boot in the world.

Classic and timeless, the Mares Ng 5mm Classic Dive Boot is super affordable, and convenient to put on and I cannot find anything to complain about.

It offers great value for a very affordable price, a time-tested design, and everything you could possibly want in a dive boot.

I have sold dozens of these to my students and never heard a single complaint. They fit well, feature a flexible rubber sole, and are easy to put on or off.

They are available in 3mm and 5mm versions, but as I wrote earlier, always go for the 5mm ones when scuba diving is your goal.

If you want a solid option that is perfect for beginners, get the Mares Classic Dive Boot now!

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on Dive Right in Scuba
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

SEAC Pro HD 6mm

Editor's Pick

SEAC Pro HD 6mm

4.8 / 5

If you want a dive boot that feels like wearing shoes on your way to the dive spot, get the SEAC super-stretch Pro HD boots.

Pros

• Very sturdy
• Thick soles
• They feel really nice
• Extra warm underwater

Cons

• Pricey

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The SEAC Pro HDs feature an extra-thick rubber sole that reminds me more of a hiking boot than anything else.

They look nice, feel good on land and in the water, and will protect your feet better than any other wetsuit boot.

6mm is more than the average and will keep your feet warm even when diving in a cold mountain lake.

The boots are more pricey than other options but they truly are a premium dive boot. There is a cheaper version available with thinner soles, however, I would definitely go for the better one.

If you want the best protection and insulation for your feet while diving, get the SEAC Pro HD 6mm boot.

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• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

Aqua Lung 7mm Echozip Dive Boots

Aqualung 7mm Echozip Boots

4.3 / 5

Get the Aqualung 7mm Echozip boots if you want super flexible dive boots without the large price tag.

Pros

• Available in extra-large sizes
• Very durable
• Easy to put on and off
• Very flexible
• 7mm thickness!

Cons

• Zipper likes to break after heavy use
• Front patch presses against foot

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I love my Aqualung 7mm Echozip boots for their great fit, affordable price tag, and the fact that they come in size 13+ (yes, I got big feet).

They are sturdy and I have never had any of them rip or break at the seals which is far more than can be said about some contenders out there…

I find them to be a bit on the larger side so take that into consideration before buying them.

Their soles have protected me from any kinds of rocks, shells, or dried-up corrals on the beaches of this world and I can wholeheartedly recommend them as my favorite dive boots out there.

6.5mm – 7mm is great for cold water diving, even when diving in a drysuit, and I have worn them instead of my dry boots on multiple dives.

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on Dive Right in Scuba
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

Where to buy scuba diving boots as a beginner?

These are my top picks for buying scuba diving boots for beginners online.

Of course, the best option is always to buy from your local dive store or directly from your scuba diving instructor.

Why buy scuba diving boots as a beginner

Neoprene boots are super useful and convenient for any scuba diver.

They keep your feet warm and protected when diving or walking to the dive site. In addition, they make your fins feel super comfortable, as you have an extra layer to cover your skin.

While it is possible to buy full-foot fins, I always suggest going straight for open-heel scuba fins, even if they might be more expensive.

They give you better control underwater, in addition to the other benefits lined out above.

Please, don’t rent boots. It’s arguably the most unhygienic piece of the scuba setup at any dive center around the world.

Water, heat, feet…it’s a combination made for yucky bacteria, etc.

Scuba diving boots are inexpensive, and good ones will last you a few seasons or longer, depending on how you care for them.

They come in different configurations and thicknesses, with or without zipper, with or without extra-thick soles, and are available for wetsuits and drysuits alike.

Conclusion

This concludes this beginner’s guide to buying scuba diving boots.

If you have any questions or need help finding the right boots for you, leave a comment below.

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Always dive with friends and happy bubbles. 😃

Cheers

Julius