Northwest Dive Club

I just tore one of the eyes of my DUI Rock boots, so before I go out and replace them, I was wondering what other people were using. And how they compare?

Chuck Taylors.... Half the price. Work the same or better.

Brendan

I used these on my last suit:

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Category ... html?Hit=1

I liked them soooo much better than the rockboots. They're really comfortable, and they zip up, so you never have to worry about the stupid laces coming untied underwater.

+1 for either of the above suggestions. I've used both. My feet were warmer in the neoprene boots and they had better support, but chucks work fine too.

I assume with the neoprene booties I need to buy a couple of sizes larger?
In which case how do they compare size wise in terms of fitting the pocket on fins?

Rob

I've been told high top converse work well. Haven't tried them though.

WASP7000 wrote:I've been told high top converse work well. Haven't tried them though.

High top converse = chuck taylors

Gotcha, I've never worn the things so I'm Chuck Taylor/converse ignorant.

ERP wrote:I assume with the neoprene booties I need to buy a couple of sizes larger?
In which case how do they compare size wise in terms of fitting the pocket on fins?

Rob

I would actually recommend trying these on while wearing your drysuit, and having your fins with you.

It will be a good conversations starter in wal-mart

Here you go, There even basic black http://www.finishline.com/store/catalog ... 196k232270

Converse High tops (chuck Taylors) but beware you will be made fun of.
Not by me, but by the same people who laugh at my high tops.

also if you look on the DUI outlet online, often they have rockboots that are either last years model or were demo day boots for near nuthin...

http://www.dui-online.com/pdf/fr.pdf

Seasoft Sunray wetsuit boots. They are "low tops" so they will still zip up over calves with thick socks, etc. However, for me, they only last about 50-75 dives before I end up putting a hole in the heel of them from pulling them up. Do buy at least 1 size larger than you normally would.

Sunrays are awesome ... they're warm and have lug soles for good footing on the round rocks found at Coves 2 and 3.

However, they are also fairly narrow ... so if you've got wide feet (like I do), they probably won't work for you. But if they do, they're one of the best rock boot alternatives I've found ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

WASP7000 wrote:Gotcha, I've never worn the things so I'm Chuck Taylor/converse ignorant.

NoOb!

Mongodives wrote:Converse High tops (chuck Taylors) but beware you will be made fun of.
Not by me, but by the same people who laugh at my high tops.

Yeah but DUDE!..R E A A L L Y!!!!.... it's the whole pink My Little Pony theme thang that's got everyone laughing...

though it's pretty impressive that you found those things in 'Sasquatch' size.

FWIW... i found the neoprene boots to be the warmest way to go for me.. I'm a fan of the Hightide boots myself.. but they do have sort of a wide sole. But if they work for your fin's I find them very nummy myself.

Mongodives wrote:Converse High tops (chuck Taylors) but beware you will be made fun of.
Not by me, but by the same people who laugh at my high tops.

+1 for Chuck Taylors

Mongo who the hell would laugh at YOU????

I used the Taylors for a bit and they were just a little narrow for my wide feet. If you do get them I would suggest something with FLAMES!!!

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... 921x00003a

while I am a fan of Sunrays, these are my favorite alternative to DUI rockboots.

http://whitesdiving.com/sport-diving/evo-3-boots/

OTB's they sell them at Tacoma Scuba. They are a combat boot made for in the water and they are the best thing going. The whole sole drains and is razor siped for traction. It is like having velcro on your feet when you are climbing over rocks.

The OTB SAR look very nice, how do they compare size wise to Rock boots. I'd rather not have to drive all the way to Tacoma to take a look at them.
I wear a size 9 shoe, and size 10 rock boots with my TLS, since I assume that OTB's are sized like conventional shoes, I'd probably need something bigger?

For OTB Boots go 2 size's bigger than you normally wear.

those OTB's look interesting. is it just elastic and the velco band at the top that keep them on? no lacing involved?

Do OTB's come in a size 16?

It will be a good conversations starter in wal-mart

Actually, nobody in Fred Meyer even appeared to NOTICE when I came marching in, trailing my drysuit and holding my fins, to try Chuck Taylors for fit.

I loved the Evo boots Whites makes -- light, easy to put on, thick solid sole, dried fairly quickly -- but they were too wide for my feet and always felt as though they were going to come off. Whatever you get for a rock boot substitute, make sure it's secure on your feet. Kicking off your boot and fin isn't fun, especially if you do it 1500 feet back in a cave . . .