A Tackle Shop Guide to Dive and Rock Boots
We sell a lot of footwear for diving and rock fishing, and we have combined this category into one. While they look very similar, it is important to know the function and practicality of each style of boot, and this is where we will drill down further and explain each
A Note From Our Local Experts
"Sometimes people come in looking for boots to go rock fishing. They'll point to soft neoprene dive boots or aqua shoes footwear we sell on this category page which are made for warmth, wearing with fins, or wading in inshore waters.
The problem? They're not designed to grip wet, slimy rock platforms. On those surfaces, most of them don't give you much traction at all.
For rock fishing, you want spiked boots. The metal spikes punch through algae and grip slippery rocks. I've used the Adrenalin model rock boots when fishing from Kiama Blowhole Point and found them grippy and warm—perfect for my winter fishing sessions."
— Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm) | 20+ years industry experience
Choosing Your Dive Boot (For Fin Comfort & Warmth)
A dive boot is designed to be worn inside a pair of open-heel fins. Its job is to keep your feet warm and, most importantly, provide a snug, comfortable fit so the fin doesn't rub and give you blisters.
You'll see two main types:
- Soft Sole: These are like a thick neoprene sock. They are only for use inside a fin and offer no real protection for walking.
- Semi-Hard Sole: These have a more solid rubber sole. They are a great choice as they let you walk comfortably on a boat deck or a sandy beach. They are not very good for grip on slippery rocks and will also damage easily if worn on rocks.
- Thickness (3mm vs. 5mm): This is just about warmth. 3mm is a good all-rounder for most of the year, while 5mm is better for winter.
The Critical Difference: Rock Fishing Boots (For Safety)
A rock fishing boot is a critical piece of safety gear. Their sole is not neoprene; it's a rigid, heavy-duty sole with hardened steel spikes (like on our Adrenalin boots) designed to bite into slippery, weed-covered rocks. Never, ever go rock fishing in joggers or, even worse, dive boots. It's a risk we strongly advise against.
What About Dive Socks?
Dive socks (or fin socks) are just thin neoprene with no sole. Their main job is to be worn inside a full-foot fin to stop blisters, but they can also be worn inside an open-heel dive boot for extra warmth. We also sell a lot of them to customers buying waders, as they provide an extra warm layer inside your wading boots.
An Odd Fact...
Over the years we have sold hundreds of dive boots, such as the Adrenalin Zip dive boots, to Banana processing farms in Queensland. It's an unusual use, but it's a great example of how a simple neoprene boot can be a practical solution for all of sorts wet and cold-environment work, not just diving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should a dive boot fit for my fins?
It needs to be snug, but not painfully tight. Your toes should be able to just feel the end. If it's too loose, your foot will move around inside the fin pocket, which is what causes rubbing and blisters. A snug fit transfers power from your leg to the fin much better.
How do I stop my dive boots from stinking?
That is a common issue after a session in the water. It's caused by bacteria and not drying them properly. After each use, rinse them inside and out with fresh water. You can use a bit of wetsuit wash too. The most important step is to dry them completely, inside and out, in the shade (not direct sun).
My boot zipper is stuck. How do I fix it?
Most models we sell feature YKK Zippers which are among the best for saltwater, however in the case that they do get stuck, that is almost always due to salt crystal build-up. Don't force it, or you could cause damage. The best fix is to soak the zipper in warm water (not boiling) to dissolve the salt. Once it's free, rinse it well and apply some zip lube or silicone grease to maintain the zip.
I bought spiked boots but I still slipped. Why?
That's an important, honest question. Spikes are designed to grip slimy, weed-covered rough textured rocks by biting into that surface. On bare, smooth-surfaced, wet rock, however, those same metal spikes can't get a purchase so easily and can be very slippery. You still need to test every footstep. Their main advantage, and it's a huge one, is on those treacherous green surfaces where a rubber sole would have no grip at all.
