Booties for Bonaire

[maat1976]

Hello all.

We're off to Bonaire on Jan 15th and I've heard the entries are a bit challenging. I bought these:

Products - oneill.com

but am wondering if I made a bad choice. They fit well, which was a problem when shore diving in Bali - my boots were too big and I was sliding all over on exit and entry. Should I get something more sturdy??

Thanks.

 

[hroark2112]

I wouldn't wear those for shore diving Bonaire.

Look for hard soled boots. Seasoft Sunrays are popular.

These are what I wear Boots Pro HD - Wetsuits - Scuba

 

[wwguy]

IMHO you want snug fitting booties to avoid your feet slipping around in them, especially when wet. Then last 2 pairs I purchased seemed comfortable and correctly sized in the dive store, but my feet slipped around in them when navigating challenging terrain when wet. Next time I'll probably go 1 size smaller.

The other bootie feature that's highly recommended for Bonairean shore diving is thick firm soles. Many entries involve walking over coral rubble and/or volcanic ironshore, both of which can make for painful walking with thin-soled booties.

My wife and I prefer Seasoft Sunray booties. She purchased hers at Carib Inn on Bonaire for the same price I paid at our local dive shop back home. Tusa's DB-4000 booties also feature rugged soles and are available at Dive Friends Bonaire's retail outlet and some of their dive shops on island. Both are good choices for Bonaire shore diving characteristics.

 

[rmorgan]

Hard soles for real if you're doing any shore diving at all--not for nothing they call it "iron shore." We use and like Mares Trilastic Sneaker Sole, but of course there are lots of options.

 

[DeputyDan]

I use a Tulsa boot very close to what wwguy linked to.
Mine are 5mm.

They work very well.

 

[Altamira]

[h=4]I use the Bare low top boot below for warm water diving, and they work great. Comfortable, hard sole, and easy to get on and off. Perfect for ironstone entries to warm water.

Bare 3mm HD Tropic Low Top Dive Boots[/h]

 

[darook]

I took these last trip and liked them immensely. Cheap too. My wife has the Sunrays and loves them.

 

[adurso]

Hard soles all the way

 

[oldschoolto]

We used booties like that... worked fine... I like the flex to help with feeling what I'm stepping on....

Jim...

 

[ScubaMarc]

i used my converse sneakers and neoprene socks(keeps warm and no blisters)