Toss DUI boots?

[globaldiver]

Has anyone tossed, or choosen not to use the Rock Boots for your DUI suits in Tech Diving, and if so for what reason?
Those of you that are using them, what added benefit do they give you when diving?

I have used them for a while but am thinking of having the older style sole glued on to the suit instead, and skip the boots for diving. Less stuff to don...

Any experiened input?

Sincerely

Anders :)

[MikeFerrara]

I use the whites boots which are much like the DUI. I love them and will never go back to the attatched boot.

[diver gadget]

I have heard a lot of good things about them. A regular diving buddy of mine has a pair. When on it seems to him to prevent air from being traped in the boots as it snugs up the boot to the foot. I have tread on the bottom of my drysuit boots and don't need the rock boots or would they fit, but it has happend a few time where my foot has come out and I have wished to have had something else holding my foot in place.

[WYDT]

I've got the TLS 350 with the rock boot system. I've never worn the rock boots due to the fact they won't fit into my Jet Fins. I wear my regular wetsuit booties (they were a little large to start) over the sock feet of the drysuit. This works great for me in the caves of N Florida but I don't know if it'd be warm enough in real cold water since you can't really put on thick insulation and still get the booties on. Or at least I've never tried it.

DSAO!!

[TexasMike]

Like MikeF, I also have the Whites "hightop sneaker" style drysuit boots. And I like them lots. Good traction while tromping around with a full load of gear, and when tied on snugly, prevent air from getting into my feet.

[danceswithoctopus]

I have the boots and will never go back (I have well over 1000 dives in the suit with the boots). They keep my foot firmly in the boot, don't allow air in, make for a really positive fit with my fins (no slop at all), and make it really easy to walk around when I'm on the surface.

I am actually in need of a new pair, so it's good to get some input about the White's 'hightop sneaker' style drysuit boot. Do these wear well?

My (not so L)DS recommended a different type of drysuit boot (might have been the White's), but I don't recall what he said. If you decide to go that route, let me know and I'll check with Mike and get his take on it. I think he was recommending something even more durable.

I don't do Tech Diving, so I don't know if there are any issues that need to be taken into consideration there. Perhaps Pug or one of the other Tekkies will chime in soon.

[padiscubapro]

Originally posted by globaldiver
Has anyone tossed, or choosen not to use the Rock Boots for your DUI suits in Tech Diving, and if so for what reason?
Those of you that are using them, what added benefit do they give you when diving?

I have used them for a while but am thinking of having the older style sole glued on to the suit instead, and skip the boots for diving. Less stuff to don...

Any experiened input?

Sincerely

Anders :)

I have been using the rock boots for probably about 5 years, and I'll never go back.. I had to purchase another set of fins for use with them and definately don't regret it.. Its much better than the old attached boots.. I tried the drysuit with neoprene booties and it definately wasn't the same(my feet froze).. My feet are never cold when I wear my thinsulate booties with my rock boots, plus I can walk on any surface without fear of hurting my feet.

[globaldiver]

Thanks for all your input. I will continue to dive with my rock boots.
I changed the ring system to regular military style latex seals however. The ring system was great for the winter diving in Sweden, but in sothern California, which now is my home, I use wet gloves instead.

Thanks again
Sincerely

Anders :)

[aquanut]

Here's my secret, and believe me, I've even received compliments from dui rock boot guys. Look for a pair of canvas high top sneakers, (like the converse or Keds). They are none bouyant, and are more durable than any dive boot. I found a really cheap pair of "no-name" brand shoes from wal-mart. They are black and have a heavy duty sole, and best of all, they were only 10 bucks. I also have rock boots, and the sneakers kick their butt.
Everyone thinks that they are real expensive "tech" boots. Ha, Ha!!!

[danceswithoctopus]

Originally posted by aquanut
Everyone thinks that they are real expensive "tech" boots. Ha, Ha!!! That may just be the solution to my new boot problem.

Thanks!

[canuckton]

I hate to be the dissenting voice, but....

I did 3 dives with the rock boots. Didn't like 'em. They come untied, the knots in the laces seize after being wet, and worst of all, TOO MUCH FIDDLING ABOUT!

I'll keep my space boots, thank you very much....shloop shloop zip, let's go.

[padiscubapro]

Originally posted by canuckton
I hate to be the dissenting voice, but....

I did 3 dives with the rock boots. Didn't like 'em. They come untied, the knots in the laces seize after being wet, and worst of all, TOO MUCH FIDDLING ABOUT!

I'll keep my space boots, thank you very much....shloop shloop zip, let's go.

What knots??

Every rock boot set I have ever seen come with a spring loaded slide that is used to tighten the laces..

If you have the right size, your feet are snug and no extra air gets in..

[H2o Man]

I'm glad to hear mostly positive comments and praises on rockboots.
I just picked up my dui 200 with rockboots and can't wait to get them wet.

[icediver]

WYDT once bubbled...
I've got the TLS 350 with the rock boot system. I've never worn the rock boots due to the fact they won't fit into my Jet Fins. I wear my regular wetsuit booties (they were a little large to start) over the sock feet of the drysuit. This works great for me in the caves of N Florida but I don't know if it'd be warm enough in real cold water since you can't really put on thick insulation and still get the booties on. Or at least I've never tried it.

DSAO!!

You might want to look at the TURTLE fins. I am quite happy with them and my rock boots.:rolleyes:

[omar]

The spring loaded lock that DUI puts on the rock boots is a piece of junk. They do not work very well and break. I use shoelace locks with laces that are shorter than supplied. See http://www.acessinc.com/shoelace_locks.htm

omar

[Silverback]

Thanks folks, I just came across this thread about the rock boots and its has removed the one concern I had with my new TLS450. I've not dove with it yet but I was wondering how the rock books will fair up. Also, some good alternative were mentioned for rock boot replacements. I know I have a pair of high top Sorell's that look like they would also be good for use with the suit... Rubber soles and stiched Canvas uppers.

For the Fins, I have the Turtles and a new pair of XL Blade ll's and they should fit just perfect with the boots.

Silverback

[Dryglove]

aquanut once bubbled...
Here's my secret, and believe me, I've even received compliments from dui rock boot guys. Look for a pair of canvas high top sneakers, (like the converse or Keds). They are none bouyant, and are more durable than any dive boot. I found a really cheap pair of "no-name" brand shoes from wal-mart. They are black and have a heavy duty sole, and best of all, they were only 10 bucks. I also have rock boots, and the sneakers kick their butt.
Everyone thinks that they are real expensive "tech" boots. Ha, Ha!!!

I have a buddy of mine that uses a pair of hitop canvas basketball shoes.He got black ones with flames.They match his black drysuit and look really cool and have been holding up great.Best of all i think he paid about 20 bucks for them.

[goyan]

I originally bought my Drysuit with the "dipped" boots - and never was soo uncomfortable.

I tried a suit with rock boots and have since had mine retrofitted by DUI. No slop, no cramps - pure comfort.

[jeepster0000]

I have a pair of converse all stars (the old basketball shoe) that I got for $15. I have them sized for just warm water. They work better than the dive boots in my opinion. I have never tried them with my drysuit. Since it is only another $15, I think i can risk going and getting another pair that will fit with my dry suit on.
Thanks for that Idea Aquanat.

ADAM

[longraven]

I have a size 7 DUI Rock Boot. The diffiuclty I've found it poor fitting fins for that size boot. It seems that size in kind of in the middle of the a med. and large. I've found that the foot pocket on the turtle fins or jet fins are too narrow or flat in the front thus forcing me to a larger ill-fitting fin of the same type or selecting a different fin type.

I wouldn't toss my boots though. They are very comfortable and work well with custom, intergrated neoprene drysuit booties.

Annie

[Bob3]

Another cheap alternative to Rock Boots are the Israeli Desert Combat Boots. They're like an industrial grade canvas sneaker & can be had for about $10 at the "better" military surplus stores.
Downside is that big sizes are hard to find, lotsa medium & small though.

[MikeS]

danceswithoctopus once bubbled...
and make it really easy to walk around when I'm on the surface.

I just got my DUI CLx450 with rock boots. After reading this I can’t wait to go on the next boat dive and see if I too can walk around on the surface!:D

[trymixdiver]

Got my new 450 at the end of Jan, with the rock boots. I havent had any laces come undone and i think they work great, im not tossing mine.

Suiting up is slower but i dont mind. I will be trimming my laces though, they are way too long.

Andy

Been off the beach with them and i love them, lots of support for carrying my 108's.

[Silverback]

trymixdiver once bubbled...
Suiting up is slower

Could you define "suiting up is slower"

I"m still waiting for my 450 to come in and as my previous suits were back entry and molded boots, I'm curious to find out what is slower here.

I'm guessing that it's a little slower because you have to don the boots which is a additional step that you don't have with molded ones.

Is your Zipper the one that starts in the lower back area or did you have the conventional zipper put in. The one that starts at the shoulder. If at the lower back, how do you like it.

thx... Dave