Boots - Hard or Soft Soles?

[k46tank]

I dive with the Henderson hard soled boots. The only downside that I have found is that they seem to be a little positive, especially when snorkeling. Other than that, they are very comfortable.

[vel525]

i found a great deal on some hard soles so i picked them up. my thought was that they would more comfortable to walk around in and would provide better arch support. well, they fit great and are very comfortable, but they won't fit in either of my fins
i have mares volos and SP jets so i just use my soft sole and my hard sole are sitting in my diving bin

[Doghouse]

Last weekend was a perfect answer to this debate. 4 of us went to the local quary for a dive. It was a short hike from the lot to the lake, and we had the gear in a wagon. I was the only one with hard soles on my boots. Well they all beached at least 2 times about sharp rocks or stones in the wrong place. I had no problems what so ever.

It depends on your feet and where you dive. If you are going to walk any distance, get hard soles or don't complain.

[DivingsInMyBlood]

I got soft right now but they are my first pair so i cant comment and the hard.

[namabiru]

Heh. You know what I use for booties? I lived in Japan at the time, and called into a sporting goods store and bought a pair of 800 yen (USD $6-7) water shoes. I bought them so they were a half size too small so they fit my foot exactly, then I purchased a $5 pair of neoprene socks from Sports Chalet. I wear the socks, then put on the water shoes so they slide on perfectly. The neoprene sock plus the bootie keeps my feet quite adequately warm. I even wear them at the lake because they have the hard sole. Plus they have a heel lip so my spring strap doesn't come off.

Serious. Try it out. Water shoes are on clearance now, so you can get them for pennies. In fact, I'm going to get another pair for when my first pair, regrettably, wear out.

[nferra2]

I think I want some hard soled boots, has anyone tried the Tilos hard Soled boots, they look like pretty substantial foot protection.

[WV Diver]

Originally Posted by Doghouse

Last weekend was a perfect answer to this debate. 4 of us went to the local quary for a dive. It was a short hike from the lot to the lake, and we had the gear in a wagon. I was the only one with hard soles on my boots. Well they all beached at least 2 times about sharp rocks or stones in the wrong place. I had no problems what so ever.

It depends on your feet and where you dive. If you are going to walk any distance, get hard soles or don't complain.

Good example, hard soles will do everything soft ones will and more. Versatility is a plus with any gear.

[Phestr]

I wear felt bottomed, with almost an inch of sole. Around here, the hard boots don't give enough traction on the coral.

[namabiru]

Felt bottomed? Sorry, I have to ask. What exactly do felt-bottomed boots look like? I haven't ever seen them.

Which island in Okinawa do you reside on, BTW? Okinawa honto?

[rfreddo]

Sorry for hijacking, but . . . when fitting hard sole booties, should I be thinking shoe with a half inch or so room in in the toe box or water sock with a snug fit all around?