Chuck Taylor High Tops as Dive Shoes Review

I used Chuck Taylor High Tops as dive shoes for over 25 dives, mostly in moderate to warm freshwater quarries. They fit my fins and worked for casual wetsuit dives when insulation and extra grip were not needed, but sand ingress and slick surfaces exposed their limits. I no longer own them.

By Tyler Allison · Updated July 2025
Chuck Taylor High Tops
Use
25+ dives
Current role
Previously used for casual warm-water quarry dives
Still in my kit
No

The Short Version

Chuck Taylors worked as a casual alternative for my warm-water quarry dives, fitting my fins without affecting kicking or trim. Sand ingress and weaker grip on slick surfaces limited where I used them, and they provided no cold-water insulation. I no longer own them.

Would I buy it again? Maybe. I liked the whimsy, but they were a casual option rather than dedicated dive footwear.

What Works

  • Fitted my standard fins without modification
  • Worked better than booties on gravel or rock
  • Caused no trim or kicking issues
  • Added some fun to casual dives
  • Held up through 25+ dives

What Doesn't

  • Sand entered and caused discomfort
  • Had slightly worse grip on wet decks
  • Provided no insulation for cold water
  • Were not intended for water, so my dive use was unofficial

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.

Who It Makes Sense 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

What They Were Like to Dive

Fin Compatibility
They fitted cleanly in my standard fins with no squeeze or excess play.
Traction
They gripped well on gravel and dry landings, but less well on slick algae or metal steps.
Trim Impact
They had no noticeable effect on my kicking or positioning.
Comfort Over Time
They were comfortable except in sand, where grain intrusion caused rubbing.

Ownership and Value

They were surprisingly durable for footwear not designed for diving, with no failures during my use. The value was especially good if you already owned a pair, but Converse did not endorse or support this use. I would keep that distinction in mind rather than treating them as purpose-built dive shoes.