Workboot Wetshoe (Closeout)

I've had the opportunity to dive these boots on several occasions. In my line of diving I need something heavier duty than the standard dive boot, and these fit the bill.

The first time I dove these, upon entry into the water, a lot of cold water rushed into them. I was thinking, "Uh oh, my feet are going to freeze." However, after the initial flooding, there was very little water transfer and my feet stayed reasonably warm. Though, in really cold water they're probably going to need a pair of Seal Skinz or neoprene socks underneath. I do think my 7mm socks with overboots are warmer.

But I'll trade that for the increased ruggedness, better ankle support, and grip. These feel like they'd be right at home climbing over rocks and trekking through rough terrain.

There are a few minor issues that kept them at 4 stars instead of 5. First they are a pain to get on and especially off. I haven't figured out the trick yet. The construction prevents you from folding the top down and then popping your heel out the way you can with the heavy neoprene socks and non-zip booties. I'll work on a technique.

Secondly, the internal neoprene sock is attached at the top of the boot. There is no way to slide the leg of your wetsuit over the outside of the sock but inside the boot. That's the way I found is warmest with separate socks and boots. The ankle of you suit has to go inside everything with these. That greatly contributes to the initial flooding and the difficulty in taking them off.

The only other issue doesn't affect me so much as it might someone else. The foot bed on these is very narrow. I have an average to slightly narrow foot and they are right on the edge of being uncomfortable. If my foot was slightly wider, where the sole turns up would be digging into the sides of my feet, especially at the arch.

Overall, though, I'd say the issues are minor and the good far outweighs the bad. If you need a pair of heavy duty boots for diving or working in cold, wet conditions, I'd say buy these.

One other note on fit - these do seem to run maybe a 1/2 size small. I ordered a size larger than my normal, thinking that would give me room for an extra layer. However, they turned out a little snugger than expected. I doubt my regular size in these would have fit comfortably. By comparison, the same size Rock Boot over a 7mm sock has a ton more room.