Diving shoes, when do you need them and what are the differences?
Suitable diving shoes make diving easier and more enjoyable. A diving shoe ensures complete isolation of your feet while diving. They are especially important when diving in cold water and are always worn in combination with an open heel fin. Diving shoes with a harder sole are more comfortable to walk on in a rocky environment. Diving shoes with a thinner sole, on the other hand, make you feel the ground when walking. In this blog, we will discuss the differences between the different diving shoes! Read on!
As mentioned in the previous blog about diving fins, it is important to buy diving shoes before buying fins. Diving shoes, also called wetsuit shoes, are always made of neoprene and are available in different thicknesses and heights. They vary in thickness from 3 to 7 millimetres.
3-millimetre diving shoes
In warmer destinations, thin shoes are sufficient, because the water is warm enough to dive with minimal protection. Often a 3-millimetre shoe is used for diving. Diving shoes of 3 millimetres thick are available in a high or low model. When it comes to protection, it doesn’t matter if you go for a high or low model, it’s just what you like best as a diver.
5-millimetre diving shoes
If you go diving in a colder area, such as the Netherlands, we recommend using diving shoes of 5 millimetre at the least. These shoes have the insulating capacity to dive all year round. These shoes are also available in high and low models. In general, the higher model is more often worn in the Netherlands for an optimal insulating capacity. The 5-millimetre diving shoes are available with a thick or thin sole.
7-millimetre diving shoes
These diving shoes are used when diving in cold waters. Think of the north of Europe. The 7-millimetre neoprene shoes make sure you don’t get cold feet while diving. They also offer optimal comfort in the diving fins.
Different brands?
Every well-known diving brand offers diving shoes. But the sizes may differ, just as with ordinary shoes. It is therefore important to fit them properly in advance. The diving shoes must fit well around your ankle. Because the fin is placed over the shoes, it’s important you have some space left at your toes. The heel strap allows you to push the shoe a little forward. If you have some space left at your toes, you will prevent your toes from getting trapped and you will keep the comfortable feeling while diving. If you also want to wear neoprene socks in your diving shoes, you should consider a size larger in terms of shoes.
Flexible or zipped?
Most diving shoes are closed with a zipper, but there are also some models without a zipper. The suppleness of the material ensures a good fit around your foot. 99% of the diving shoes are equipped with a zipper.
Thick or thin sole?
For shoes with a thickness of 5 and 7 millimetres, you can choose between a thick or a thin sole. A soft sole in your diving shoe feels very comfortable. With a thin sole you can walk easily, and it offers protection and warmth to your feet. But you can also choose a thick sole. This sole gives more grip on uneven surfaces and offers support to your feet. The choice is personal preference of the person who wears it.
More information about diving shoes?
Looking for suitable diving shoes for your dive? Feel free to contact us for appropriate advice. We will be happy to help you by phone or e-mail. Of course, you are also welcome to visit our megastore.
