Chuck Taylor High Tops as Dive Shoes Review
An unconventional but surprisingly effective option for warm-water quarry diving. Chuck Taylors fit standard fins, perform well on gravel, and hold up to repeated use, but sand ingress and lack of insulation limit their versatility.
Overall Score: 6.2 / 10 (Acceptable)
Last updated: July 2025
I’ve used a pair of classic Chuck Taylor High Tops as dive shoes for over 25 dives, mostly in moderate to warm freshwater quarries. While they aren’t made for diving, they’ve proven to be surprisingly functional with wetsuits. I use them because they look cool, and they’re now my go-to footwear for local fun dives. Especially when I don’t need thermal protection or extra grip on slippery entries.
Yes, they work well in many recreational scenarios. They’re especially good for quarry diving and warm water use with a wetsuit. The flat sole and canvas upper don’t hinder fin fit or performance, and they hold up better than you’d expect.
They fit in my normal fins with no issues. The profile isn’t bulkier than typical dive shoes or booties, so compatibility hasn’t been a problem.
On wet surfaces like docks or boat decks, they perform about the same as standard dive shoes...maybe slightly less grippy, but not meaningfully worse. Where they shine is on gravel and rock, where the sturdy sole gives them an advantage over soft neoprene boots.
The only real issue is sand. In sandy environments, grains can enter the shoe and cause painful rubbing, even when wearing lycra socks. Outside of that, they’re comfortable above and below water.
Surprisingly good. I’ve done 25+ dives in the same pair with no signs of breakdown. No sole separation, no rust on the eyelets, and no canvas tearing. They aren’t built for this, but they’ve held up well anyway.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fit standard fins without modification | Sand can enter and cause discomfort |
| Better than booties on gravel or rock | Slightly worse grip on wet decks |
| No trim or kicking issues | No insulation for cold water |
| Stylish and fun for casual dives | Not intended for water so use is unofficial |
| Proven durable after 25+ dives |
Why I Chose Chuck Taylor High Tops
Honestly, I picked them because they looked cool. I didn’t want to wear boring dive boots for every quarry dive, and I figured I’d try something unconventional. They turned out to be ideal for warm water dives where insulation and heavy traction weren’t necessary.
Verdict
Chuck Taylors are a fun and functional alternative for recreational wetsuit diving in the right conditions. They’ve earned a spot in my gear kit for casual quarry days. I wouldn’t use them for rough shore entries or cold water. But for easy dives, they’re reliable and entertaining.
Would I buy it again? Maybe...I like the wimsy
Who Chuck Taylor High Tops Is Best For
This item is best suited for:
- Recreational divers doing warm water quarry or boat dives
- Divers who want something functional but informal
- People who already own Chucks and want to experiment
It may not be ideal for:
- Divers needing thermal protection or boot grip
- Sandy environments where ingress causes discomfort
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
| Category | Score | Raw Score | Weight | Weighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | Fair | 6.0 | 30% | 1.80 |
| Ease of Use | Good | 7.0 | 20% | 1.40 |
| Versatility | Weak | 5.0 | 15% | 0.75 |
| Durability & Build Quality | Good | 7.0 | 15% | 1.05 |
| Value | Strong | 8.0 | 10% | 0.80 |
| Brand Trust & Transparency | Weak | 4.0 | 10% | 0.40 |
| Total | 6.20 / 10 | |||
Rounded Display Score: 6.2 / 10 — Acceptable
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 6: They do the job for warm water and casual dives. Sand is the only recurring issue.
- Ease of Use – 7: No need to modify. Easy to wear and remove. No laces to adjust underwater.
- Versatility – 5: Limited to wetsuit dives in mild conditions. Not for cold or sandy environments.
- Durability & Build Quality – 7: Surprisingly robust for a non-dive product. No signs of failure yet.
- Value – 8: Excellent if you already own them. Even new, the cost is low compared to dive footwear.
- Brand Trust & Transparency – 4: Converse doesn’t endorse or support marine use, so performance is unofficial.
Performance in the Water
- Fin Compatibility: Fit cleanly in standard fins with no squeeze or excess play
- Traction: Good on gravel and dry landings, slightly worse on slick algae or metal steps
- Trim Impact: None. No noticeable effect on kicking or positioning
- Comfort Over Time: Excellent except in sand, where grain intrusion causes rubbing