Scuba Boots vs. Shoes:
Which One Do You Need?

There’s a surprising amount of confusion when it comes to scuba boots and dive shoes. The terms get used interchangeably, but they don’t always mean the same thing—and if you’re buying gear, it’s important to understand the difference.

Scuba Boots vs. Dive Shoes: What’s the Difference?

When You Need Scuba Boots

If you're using open-heel fins, you need proper scuba boots. Full stop.

• Protect your feet from blisters and rough terrain
• Help your fins fit snugly and securely
• Add insulation in colder water

Scuba boots are essential for most divers—especially in cold water, rocky entries, or shore diving. If you’re diving in the Midwest, you’re almost certainly wearing them.

When Dive Shoes Might Be Enough

Dive shoes aren’t made for scuba diving—but they can work in a few situations:

• Warm-water snorkeling from a boat
• Walking around a rocky beach or reef
• Pool sessions or swim practice

Just don’t use dive shoes with open-heel fins. They won’t provide enough padding, and the fit will be sloppy. You’ll get blisters fast.

High-Top vs. Low-Cut Boots

Scuba boots come in different heights. Here’s the trade-off:

• High-top boots: More warmth and protection. Better for cold water or rough terrain.
• Low-cut boots: Easier to get on/off. Better for travel or warm-water dives.

If you’re diving in colder water or wearing a wetsuit with ankle seals, high-tops are usually the better choice. That said, some divers find that high-tops limit ankle flexibility, especially with thick wetsuits or certain fin types. I haven’t had that issue personally, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you prefer maximum ankle range of motion.

Hard Sole vs. Soft Sole Boots

Not all scuba boots have thick soles. Here’s what to consider:

• Hard-sole boots: Better for shore entries, rocky beaches, or walking around the dive site.
• Soft-sole boots: Lighter and more flexible, but offer less protection. Often used for boat dives.

Real-World Alternatives

Most divers use traditional scuba boots with open-heel fins. But there are other setups that work just as well—if not better—for some people.

For example, I personally wear Converse sneakers with 1.5mm neoprene socks on most of my dives. Here’s why:

• The neoprene socks add a bit of warmth and help prevent blisters.
• Converse offer solid grip on wet surfaces and fit securely in open-heel fins.
• They’re durable, inexpensive, and easy to replace.
• And honestly? They just look cool.

This setup works great for Midwest lake diving, boat diving, or any site where you don’t need aggressive traction. The rubber sole holds up well to repeated use, and they dry faster than thick neoprene boots once you're back on land.

What About Drysuits?

Most drysuits have built-in boots, so you won’t need separate scuba boots. Instead, you’ll use something like a rugged dive shoe or overshoe for traction. We’ll break this down in the Drysuits guide [COMING SOON].

Summary: What Should You Buy?

Unless you’re snorkeling or doing pool work, get scuba boots—not dive shoes.

Choose your boot style based on your dive environment:

Just make sure your shoes:

• Fit comfortably inside your fins (test at home first)
• Drain well and won’t trap water
• Don’t compress or deform your foot under pressure