Warm when wet. Is that even a thing? Sure is, with the right neoprene boots.
Whether paddling, surfing, swimming, or doing any other activity in the water, picking a pair of good, solid neoprene boots to go with your wetsuit will keep your feet warm and safe when in the water.
The Best Neoprene Boots Models
If you have ever worn or seen a wetsuit, you know what neoprene is. That sophisticated material that’s not only practical and effective in saving you from capsizing in the cold water but also very comfortable and versatile.
Apart from being included in your wetsuit, boots are also made of it. You see, in recent years, neoprene has caught the designers’ attention, so now not only water gear is created of neoprene but also hunting boots, fishing, and so on. You can hardly miss shoes made with neoprene these days.
But that only confirms its many good qualities and advantages over other materials for the same gear.
What advantages? You may ask.
Well, although we’ll talk about this below in-depth, here’s a quick run-through, here are the many qualities of neoprene.
- Neoprene is a heat, chemical, oil, and ozone-resistant material that is thick and creates the perfect temperature regulation based on your body heat. This makes it great both for chilly and warm weather.
- Additionally, neoprene is resilient under a wide range of temperatures, and it does not stretch out with proper use. Over time it memorizes your body shape, so it’s very cushiony and comfortable, but when put on and taken off properly, it won’t stretch or get damaged in the seams.
I mean, do I need to go on? I bet you’re sold!
How to choose the right neoprene boots for yourself?
Some neoprene or wetsuit boots, as they are also known, are made for men only and women only, and some are unisex, meaning they fit for both genders, and the size is the only difference.
When reading conversion charts, if it says ‘runs small,’ this means the neoprene shoes tend to be slightly smaller than most other countries sizing with the same label size.
On the other hand, when the conversion chart says ‘runs large,’ it means that the neoprene boots might be slightly larger than most other countries’ sizing with the same label size.
Temperature Guidelines
Wetsuit boots come in many different thicknesses and materials primarily tailored to the water temperature you will be in. So, if paddling in cold waters, you should go with thicker neoprene boots, and in contrast, when in warm waters in the summertime, you would go with something thinner with airflow to keep feet from overheating.
More information about this topic:
To be precise, here are two general guidelines on temperature:
When paddling, swimming or kayaking, or doing anything else in the water with a temperature from 16°C to 24°C or more (60°F to 75°F), then get neoprene boots with thickness from 1 to 3mm.
And if the water temperature is from 10°C or less to 18°C ( 50°F to 62°F), then get neoprene shoes with thickness from 5 to 7mm.
So, generally speaking, in cold temperatures, choose neoprene boots that will have more than 4mm thickness of the material and are cut above the ankle for extra water protection. These neoprene boots will be made purely of thick neoprene with some stitching and may have some added mesh on top for design or added protection, but neoprene will be the star of the show.
On the other hand, warm water wetsuit boots (or neoprene boots, which is the same term) will be made of much thinner neoprene that is still designed to keep your body temperature stable. Still, it will allow for more airflow and will probably have mesh as part of the construction or even be a rubber sandal style that will expose more skin and keep it nice and cool.
But whatever your neoprene boots are made from, one thing is sure! Never wear cotton, even for socks or any other piece of clothing on you when paddling or doing any other activity in water because it takes too long to dry and it draws heat away from your body into the water. And neoprene does the opposite.
It is a carbon-based organic chemical-filled nitrogen gas bubble inside. It is made of repeating building blocks called monomers, which trap heat more efficiently than any other material, even rubbers.
So, no matter the model, the design, color, or whatnot, the single most important consideration when buying wetsuit boots should be the temperature of the water you’ll be paddling in.
If in doubt, or you simply want neoprene boots you can use year-round, then get a pair that’s warmer, with thicker neoprene because it’s easier to cool down than to warm up when in chilly waters.
The Terrain
When paddling, you’ll be in the water, but what’s the terrain like outside the water? Is it all pebbles and sand, or is it a rocky beach? Will you be hiking a little or descending through mud paths before reaching the water? Or maybe stomping through marshes?
This is very important, especially if you’ll be using your neoprene boots regularly, and you will be hopping in and out of your kayak or paddle board often.
So, logically, if the terrain is rough or you’ll be switching through different ones, then you will absolutely need wetsuit boots with a thick sole. Tread sole for smooth surfaces and a tall, closed-shoe if you’re walking through sand or pebbles to prevent blisters.
Shoe Height
The design of all neoprene boots is typically in the following three variations, low-cut, ankle, and knee height.
- Low-cut neoprene shoes are an excellent pick for warm weather. With them, you have plenty of comfort and stability without being overly heating or restraining in warm weather and water. They do offer minimal protection while hopping in and out of the water, but if you are in smooth terrain, then that won’t matter.
Mesh and thin neoprene will be the two most common materials that will provide you with the optimal skin temperature given the circumstances. Wearing these shoes, you can efficiently cool your feet off with a quick dunk into the water. - Ankle-high neoprene boots will be warmer and will offer a bit more support when compared to the low-cut shoes. These come with thicker soles and thicker neoprene because they are designed for colder temperatures, but you can still find different cuts, thicknesses, and designs.
- Knee-high wetsuit boots are the safest and thickest neoprene boots out there, offering the most thickness, stability, and protection, not only from cold water but also all types of terrain. Surfers who practice year-round or paddlers who explore different rivers, lakes, and landscapes tend to gravitate towards knee-high wetsuit boots because of the warmth and protection they offer.
When choosing a pair of these, you should pick one that’s very snug on the calf to prevent water pooling inside the boot. This can be dangerous and restrict movement if the kayak capsizes or the kayaking falls into the water.
The Fit
I’ve mentioned a bit about your knee-high neoprene boots being snug, but what about the rest?
Well, in general, all neoprene shoes, regardless of the cut or the design, should fit snugger than the shoes you wear every day. The saying it fits like a glove or a sock should be taken literally here; however, how much is too much?
Well, if they fit too loose, then you will have water pooling inside, and new water will continuously flow into your boots, washing away the heated water that keeps your temperature regular. Plus, you will get blisters, and that’s not fun, to say the least. On the other hand, if your neoprene boots are too tight, then you might get foot cramping after a couple of hours of paddling or kayaking.
Also, if kayaking with oversized boots, then they might not be compatible with the inside of your hull if you have a kayak with small footholds.
How to know?
You should be able to flex your foot and your toes comfortably but not have any remaining empty or loose material around. Remember that neoprene memorizes your body shapes and expands a little with regular wear and tear, so your wetsuit boots will become more flexible in water over time.
Neoprene boots vs. booties and socks
While there are three different protection wear for feet when in the water, boots are the most versatile and practical for diverse terrain and water conditions.
With that said, let’s take a quick look at each one:
NEOPRENE BOOTIES
Dive booties cover the feet and vary in their thickness, just like the boots and socks. They are usually between 1mm and 5mm thick and are a hybrid between dive socks and dive boots because they provide less protection than boots but a bit more than socks. Although quite comfortable to wear and easy to travel with, their downside is that you may, with long periods of wear, end up with blisters on your feet.
They have a softer neoprene upper-half than boots (similar to socks) but more rigid bottom soles (harder than socks but still not as rigid as boots). This makes them immensely flexible and very useful when diving because you can wear them with open-heel fins. This way, booties protect your feet from chafing and from sharp coral and rocks.
NEOPRENE SOCKS
Socks vary in thickness from 1mm to 5mm thick and are usually all neoprene without any other added materials like booties or boots may have. For this, they are probably the most comfortable ones to wear, but with their soft neoprene soles, although they will warm your feet, they won’t provide much protection from rough terrain and rocks.
The most popular brands for neoprene boots
CRESSI, Since 1946
Two brothers with a shared passion for water sports founded Cressi in 1939. They began by crafting masks and fins for free-divers and scuba divers.
Today, significantly more innovated than then, Cressi has various products in various divisions, specifically designed for water enthusiasts. With their high-quality products and commitment to innovation, they deliver their products worldwide, being recognized as top-notch in their niche.
Neo Sport, Since 1960
As part of the Henderson Sport Group, Neo Sport products come from a company founded in the 1960s. Since the beginning, Henderson Sport Group has specialized in diving gear, and up to date, they innovate in the field, becoming among the top companies for water sports equipment.
Mares, Since 1949
In 1949, Ludovico Mares designed and manufactured his first masks and spearguns with one dream in mind: To share his unbridled passion for the sea and diving with the rest of the world. The company may have started as one small factory in Rapallo, Italy. Today, almost 70 years later, it is at the forefront of innovative dive technologies, representing only the best in dive products.
And, as Mares says, “Come and discover the Mares world, all you need to do is… add water.”
Seac, Since 1971
Founded in 1971, Seac Sub develops, designs, and manufactures everything for diving, freediving, snorkeling, swimming, and spearfishing. With such a wide range of high-quality products, it’s easily understandable why this company is among the best globally in water sports gear.
The top 5 neoprene boots on the market
Neo Sport Premium Neoprene Men & Women Wetsuit Boots
The Neo Sport neoprene boots come with a puncture-resistant sole, and you can choose between 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm thickness for warm, chilly, and cold water sports.
They are unisex, so they come in sizes from 4 to 16 to fit a wide range of feet in both genders.
If you need a pair of multipurpose boots for kayaking, paddling, diving, and walking through rough terrains, beaches, lakeshores, and even muddy adventures, the Neo Sport is your best bet. With their puncture-resistance sole, they can take you through any terrain without you feeling a thing.
Of course, with their neoprene design, these boots are waterproof. In fact, they come with a water entry barrier that prevents water from flowing into the boot through the heavy-duty zipper.
These boots are made with a durable glued and sewn construction on top and a puncture-resistant sole on the bottom that’s also rugged-traction for the best protection.
Additionally, they have titanium lining for extra insulation.
Thanks to their flexible design, the boots, although snug-fitting, provide you with plenty of room inside to layer up with wetsuit socks for added warmth and protection.
These boots also have two straps in two places that make them super-snug for added comfort and security, making your feet sturdy and warm all the while.
FMP, a verified customer, says:
“Great product for the price. I’ve worn this kayaking and walked a few miles in them now, and they hold up pretty well in rough terrain. I got into a few tricky situations kayaking last time and had to swim, these shoes provide solid protection against the rocky mountain rivers I have used them in. The one negative thing I have to say about this product is the zipper system. I can see how a little bit of wear and tear might break the strap and the zipper would then be useless (especially if you don’t take care of your gear).
Update: I’ve had these for over a year now and no problems have come up. Amount of times worn over the past year = about 10-15 river trips.”
SEAC Pro HD 6mm Neoprene Wetsuit Boots with Side Zipper
The SEAC Pro HD neoprene wetsuit boots come in a 6mm thickness with a side zipper that makes them super comfortable and suitable for chilly weather and cold waters below 20 degrees C.
They have an added inner layer under the zipper to offer extra water resistance and protect the feet from getting overly wet.
Apart from being very protective and warm, these wetsuit boots in their hard sole have solid arch support with heel air bubbles that helps reduce stress when walking on rough terrains.
The sizes go from XXS and XXL so that every foot can find its matching SEAC neoprene wetsuit boot.
They are incredibly comfortable for every terrain and have an excellent zipper design on top of robust scuba boot features. Plus, you get a pull and lock feature on the zipper. This solves the problem with the zipper slipping down in the middle of your adventure.
Stamp, a verified customer, says:
“I really like these booties. These were the most robust ones that I could find. I was particularly interested in getting a pair that have a tough sole, as we’ve got oysters around here that they may have to contend with.
These are certainly up for the challenge. I was worried that they’d either be too small or too large, considering the sizing that they come in (small, medium, or large). I normally wear a size eight shoe, so I ordered a small. They fit very well.
They’re slightly large in the toe area, which works out well because if booties are even slightly on the small size, my feet tend to cramp when finning. I will order them again when the time comes.”
Cressi Tall Neoprene Boots
Designed in Italy, these boots are the optimal choice for snorkeling, scuba diving, canyoning, sailing, boating, surfing, and every other water sports adventure you might want to try.
These wetsuit boots come in 5mm and 7mm thickness, so they are up to the task of keeping your feet warm on any occasion. With their hard rubber sole, they are easy to walk on rocks, so if you are canyoning or merely walking down a mud path to get to a beach, these boots will be up to the task.
Additionally, the rear end of the heel fits perfectly with open heel fins, thanks to the unique design for those who scuba dive. They prevent slipping of the fins strap so you will be carefree throughout your trip. You also get a double, long-lasting rubber, which gives you peace of mind when it comes to the usual wear and tear.
On the upper side, these neoprene boots have soft, double-lined neoprene material with a sturdy zipper that goes from the sole to the ankle and ensures a perfect fit and an easy slip on and off.
Also, their innovative design of a thin flap seal under the zip prevents any water from seeping through so that you can maintain the same warm temperature in your feet throughout your water activity. These wetsuit boots also have an effective barrier against any water that may slip through the opening of the zipper, and substantial non-slip molding covers the entire sole.
What testifies for their quality, even more, is the 2-year limited warranty that not a lot of neoprene boots can boast with.
Loren, a verified customer, says:
“I had read some low star reviews for these, so I wanted to write my own because I almost got put off by some of the reviews, and I would have really missed out on some super nice dive boots. Ok so here’s the scoop…. I scuba dive for work and fun A LOT in San Diego. Cold water.. its winter right now. Got the 7mm. They did not disappoint.. My feet were probably the warmest body part lol
In the past I had been buying cheap 10/15 dollar pairs on Craigslist and not really giving boots much thought. But I saw the price on these and for not being that far off of the second hand stuff I was used to buying before, this was majorly worth a little extra money.
So, the low star reviews I had read on this boot were that there were holes in the boot making water get in?? First thing i looked for on my pair…. Not there.. Maybe there are holes on the thinner 5mm model? But ya… no holes on the 7mm.. Second bad reviews I read were because the zipper around the ankle wasn’t large enough to fit someone’s ankles…
I consider myself to have large feet and calves so I was worried about this… And yet.. they zipped up fine. The way they are made the zipper does not go to the very top on the boot; it sits in slightly underneath a little. Considering you should be putting your wetsuit leggings OVER the boot I really don’t see how this could be a turn off for divers… Or maybe some of y’all have some fat ankles?
However it goes…. These are awesome Scuba Boots and for the price I am more than satisfied and I am sure I will be buying these again and suggesting them to my students. The soles are sturdy, the fitting was correct, I did the back lip to support the fin, and its got some nice rubber texture protection over the toes.
Also I noticed the zipper lining has a piece of material at the bottom so you do not disconnect zipper. Super fancy 😉 Anyways. Get these they are cool, you’ll be nice and warm!”
Mares 2mm Neoprene Warm Water Non-Slip Rubber Sole Boot
Another Italian super-quality brand of water ware and gear is Mares. Their ankle-high set of 2mm neoprene boots comes with a rubber grip soft sole and makes them perfect for warmer weather conditions.
So, if you are someone who only paddles or kayaks when the water is above 20 degrees C, then these boots will be perfect for you.
Although not through some rough terrain, you can still count on these wetsuit boots for added protection when walking, thanks to their textured outsole for grip that prevents slipping.
Overall, they are very lightweight and easy to pack.
A verified amazon customer says:
“So glad I had these on my trip to French Polynesia! I have snorkeled and gone scuba diving many times. I always wore boots diving because my feet get cold. That’s not really an issue in French Polynesia since the water is so warm.
However, I’m glad I had them – many places the shore was rocky and had little broken pieces of coral in the sand. As we snorkeled from the beach frequently these boots really saved my feet. I entered the water with my booties, carried my fins, and put the fins on in the water.
You don’t really need them if snorkeling from a boat, but I still wore them then! I didn’t want to accidentally cut myself if I brushed up against some coral. Be sure to test with you fins! I am very happy with the purchase!”
Cressi Neoprene Adult Anti-Slip Sole Boots – for Water Sports
These neoprene boots from Cressi come with a 3mm ultra-durable neoprene. Although a