boots prefference?

[Nikkey]

I'm ordering a pair of cressi 3000 LD and I'm trying to decide on a thinner boot (currently I have 5mm with thick sole). I am trying to decide on the akona 3.5 standard boot or cressi smooth+kevlar 3mm. The water is a little chilly here in BC so the boots are necessary, I'm also worried how the fins are going to fit. I have a suspicion they may arrive too large, but the smallest they are available in is 40-41. Thanks for any advice!

~Nikkey

 

[ZOHARA]

Nikkey,
Why are you looking to go to a thinner boot? Is it the sole of your current boot won't fit in your new fins. There are several vendors that sell 5mm "socks". If this is what you are looking for, (which I believe is), I can point you in a direction to find them. I would think 3mm is too thin for BC. Brrrrrrrrr!

zak

 

[Nikkey]

The reason I'm looking for a boot is because I dont wan't them to get torn or scratched up on barnacles and rocks. Maybe I'm under the wrong impression about socks but I thought that if you stepped on something getting out of the water it could peirce through???

 

[Bill McIntyre]

I like these from

http://www.jmjwetsuits.com/

They have a tough kevlar sole, and come in either 4 mm for $27.95 or 6 mm for $29.95.

 

[ZOHARA]

Nikkey- Those are exactly what I'm talking about. There are more than 1 mfg. but those look great. Kevlar sole is tough, can't say much about urchins, but rocks, and sharp shells they should do just fine. You can also wear sandals (teva style) for added protection, over them until entry and leave on beach.

 

[Old Man Dave]

I've been struggling with this one to. Because of the terrain I have to walk over I don't think any soft sole boot, no matter how lined, will cope.
I'm about to upgrade from scuba type fins to Sporasub H Dessaults or similar. However, for me socks rather than boots to wear with them is not an option I fancy.
Despite everyone seeming to agree that open heel pockets are less efficient then full foot pockets I've decided to go the open route. That way I can keep my decent hard sole boots.
I would be the first to admit that this is not the answer for everyone. Here in the Channel Islands we have a rise and fall of tide of 10 metres, the second largest in the world. That means the sea goes way, way out on low spring tide. I often walk a mile out over very rugged rocks to reach my fishing spots. Like I said this is not the same for everyone. If you drop over the side of a boat and the furthest you walk is from your car to the quay then fine, but that's not my situation.
Thought I'd just stick on a picture of one of my fishing holes at about half tide, Yep! It goes out twice this far and comes in right to your feet.
Dave

 

[Narsil]

You can also wear sandals (teva style) for added protection, over them until entry and leave on beach.

Where I often shore dive the rocks are razor sharp, so I wear a pair of Teva's over my booties while walking to the entry point, and then attach them onto my spearfishing float for the dive. Adds a bit of drag but is very convenient.

 

[Old Man Dave]

Yes I've thought of that and seen people wearing plastic sandals - sooooo naff!
For me I'm gonna buy some Spora's and try them. If they work well I might upgrade to fibreglass blades. Then I can also try some full foot pockets as well.
In the end though I might end up with two sets, one open heel for long walks and another full foot pocket for short walks and boat dives. Well it's only money after all.
My circumstances are different from most of you so I think it's gotta be suck it and see.
Dave

 

[cdavis]

Old man Dave,

Just an idea, but could you easily use a float?? If so, get some sandals and tie'em onto the float. A boggie board style float shouldn't have much drag.

Connor

 

[Jon]

Get the sandals and wear them over the socks.

They will be a lot tougher than any scuba boot and the float along behind your float just fine.

Fullfoot fins are so much more efficent than openheel it will be well worth the hassle.

I had Tevas, but now use Chakas since I can fit a larger sock inside my sandal. I've seen others use cheap little "shower sandals" that they picked up from a dollar store to put over their wetsuit socks as well.

Jon