The textured sole makes them a good choice for walking around on boat decks without fear of slipping! Furthermore, it is easier to compare prices when buying online and saving money.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'openwaterhq_com-netboard-1','ezslot_21',130,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-openwaterhq_com-netboard-1-0')}; A properly fitting neoprene sock should be water-resistant at least, in addition to being resistant to oil and heat. The thinner socks are ideal for diving and snorkeling in tropical, warm climates where you still want the chafing protection but want to stay relatively cool. All the tiny air pockets (cells) in neoprene contribute to its insulative properties and its buoyancy. For the largest selection, we recommend buying water socks through online retailers for the biggest selection. Soft neoprene that many snorkelers and divers praise for its comfort. is essential. Before shopping for dive socks, take some time to think about what exactly youre looking for in advance. That means if youre between sizes, dive socks can help you make up the difference with fins that are slightly too large for you. Some customers claim it is even thinner than that, so be wary if your fins have too much room. Read More, How Your Snorkeling Fins Should Fit (A Guide for Closed and Open-Heel Fins). How about when you walk around barefoot and get poked and prodded by all sorts of sharp rocks, shells, or other debris? Next, we always like to see glued and blind-stitched seams as they are one of the best at keeping water and debris out, and this pair has them as well. Neoprene dive socks can be anywhere from 2 7 mm thick. Not only do they add comfort and prevent chafing, but they also make sliding a neoprene boot on so much easier! Perhaps you used a simple pair of rental fins that you just slipped over your bare feet. AKONA are a reputable brand known for their amazing neoprene socks and dive boots, and their low cut neoprene socks are no exception. How Do Snorkels Work? When might you forgo dive socks? The main reason dive socks might not be a good choice is if dive boots would be a better option instead. A rubber ridge on the heel also helps to keep your fin straps in place! Whether you are a snorkeler or a diver, you have much to gain by investing in a pair of neoprene socks. For extra insulation in more temperate waters, then aim for 3mm 4mm socks. For open-heel fins, youll want a thick dive boot to protect your feet from the cold. To summarize: Always rinse your dive socks and boots in freshwater each time after using them. Dotted silk-screen sole gives much needed traction on wet surfaces. 3mm low-cut neoprene design that is perfect for both warm and cool-water conditions. If youve been on a casual snorkeling trip, you probably didnt think much about what was on your feet beside the fins themselves. Additionally, the more your body is covered up, the more protected you will be against jellyfish stings or any sea creatures that scratch, bite or sting. When it comes to snorkeling, the best footwear combination is to wear water socks with snorkeling fins for both warmth and protection.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'openwaterhq_com-leader-3','ezslot_14',125,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-openwaterhq_com-leader-3-0')}; Water shoes have hard rubber soles that protect the wearers feet when walking on the beach, seafloor, riverbeds, or any wet areas with sharp objects or rocks. Water socks are mostly made from neoprene, the same material that your wetsuit is made from. You can purchase ankle socks or longer neoprene socks that sit above the ankles. These soles dont compare to the kind of soles youd find on water shoes, as flexibility is still a priority, and they are still not intended for walking along hard surfaces. A proper fitting sock should have some give once it is exposed to water, and will shrink slightly when completely dry.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'openwaterhq_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_20',129,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-openwaterhq_com-narrow-sky-2-0')}; You may have seen some neoprene socks marketed as 4-way stretch which basically means they can stretch to the left and right, front and back, to provide a snug fit on your feet. High-cut, great for more coverage against chafing and jellyfish stings. You wont want a dive sock thats thicker than 3 mm. Some aqua socks also have some spandex for even greater flexibility, in addition to proprietary materials that allow for more breathability. In addition, the Seavenger Zephyr includes a dotted silk-screen sole that gives great traction on land, providing the versatility to be used for a wide range of water sports beyond just snorkeling. For instance, if you prefer wearing open-heeled fins but dislike wearing high-cut socks, then perhaps the mid-cut sock will be ideal. Features:if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'openwaterhq_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',119,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-openwaterhq_com-banner-1-0')}; Perfect for snorkelers and divers that regularly brave the cold waters, these sturdy neoprene socks from NeoSport are 5mm thick and made with XSPAN fabric. Pockets of gas bubbles can be found within the neoprene material, and they absorb some water when youre diving or snorkeling. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Plus, it keeps you from slipping or falling. Theyll loosen up a bit once wet. When hang drying, avoid putting it in direct sunlight which can harm the neoprene, causing it to become brittle. For reference, the small size is suitable for mens size 6-7 and womens 7-8, while a large is roughly equal to mens 9-10 and womens 11-12. Where Can You Buy Top Quality Snorkel Gear? Others have very thick, rigid soles, which make them a great choice for any snorkeling or SCUBA activity in rocky areas and cold water. Bring a pair of socks anyway, though, in case the fins you end up with are a bit too big! However, it is still sized for men.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'openwaterhq_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',123,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-openwaterhq_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')}; Neoprene water socks can protect your feet whether you are snorkeling, scuba diving, free diving, or just walking across the sea floor. If you want more protection against blisters, especially if you are wearing open-heeled fins, then longer socks will be the right choice for keeping the fins from rubbing against your ankles. If you prefer to wear open-heel fins, then there are plenty of thin dive boots with sturdy soles for you to choose from. When you are in cold water, even a simple product such as neoprene water socks can make a difference in preserving your bodys heat and ensuring you can snorkel longer and safely.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'openwaterhq_com-leader-2','ezslot_13',124,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-openwaterhq_com-leader-2-0')}; There are many types of footwear that are used for water activities and sports. Youve spent your hard-earned cash on your snorkeling gear, so why not learn how to take the best care of them to ensure they last. Warmth: Available in 2 thicknesses: 1.5mm and 5mm Use 1.5mm for warm water and 5mm for cold water. If youre interested in getting yourself a pair, I hope this guide will get you started on the right foot (ha!) Furthermore, the NeoSport 5mm sock is glued and blind-stitched for water protection and will last for years if you clean and dry it properly.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'openwaterhq_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',120,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-openwaterhq_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')}; Again, these neoprene socks are sized for men (XS to XXL), so women should order a size down from what they normally would for a better fit. On the other hand, snorkeling socks dont really have as much protection around the sole, as they tend to be more flexible. Unfortunately, this pair lacks an anti-slip rubber sole, so you should be careful when walking on slippery jetties or boat decks.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'openwaterhq_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_10',122,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-openwaterhq_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')}; This pair of neoprene socks is available in both low-cut and high-cut versions, and are durable enough to be worn on their own for protection against the seafloor or on hot rocks. CONSERVES BODY HEAT 2mm neoprene provides insulation for cooler waters. For hiking boots, thats why a good pair of hiking socks (and maybe some Moleskin!) Her website, Tide Trek, combines her love of water sports and marine science to empower and encourage beginners. SUPER STRETCHY 4-way stretch material forms to your foot for a comfortable fit. Grip sole design made with durable rubber: non-slip on wet surfaces such as boat decks and slipper ladders. This makes them great for protecting the Achilles area, which is a notorious blister spot with fins! Ultra-soft 2mm neoprene that is so comfy, it feels like a normal sock. Squeeze and rub them to get rid of any contaminants. Toasty feet make such a difference for me between feeling comfortable and irritated! Some higher end model water socks are made with better materials that offer increased breathability, but you will have to pay a premium for it. Very thin, perhaps less than 2mm thick, good for warm water. With that said, some neoprene aqua socks for snorkeling may be designed with a hardened neoprene sole with extra grip to help you walk across jetties and slipper boat decks safely. The hard sole will also provide some level of grip, because whats even worse than stepping on a sharp object is to slip and fall on one. First, you need to know how warm or cold the water you will be snorkeling in is. If you use open-heeled fins, get the high-cut version to avoid having the strap ride up and reach your skin. Specifically, think about the cut of your socks (height), what they should be made of, and how thick they should be. RELIABLE DURABILITY Glued and blindstitched seams minimize water flow and maintain strength. Seavenger Zephyr 3mm Neoprene Socks | Wetsuit Booties for Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Swimming (Black, NeoSport Exclusive Mens and Womens XSPAN Sock Available in 1.5MM or 5MM Warm, Ideal for Surf Tilos 3mm Waterproof Neoprene Fin Socks for Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Swimming, Watersports, Hiking 3mm Snorkeling, Scuba Diving Fin Low Cut Neoprene Sock Medium. The cut is low enough to be comfortable in warm water, but the ankle tapers slightly at the back. If youre between sizes, opt for the large size and wear some dive socks inside the boots to make up the difference! This is a bigger issue for full-foot fins, whereas open-heeled fins can be tightened or loosened with their strap to accommodate thicker socks. When water-logged, the water trapped between your skin and the neoprene will be heated by your body, keeping you warm. If you are renting fins, for example, you may have no choice but to use a pair thats a bit too tight. These inexpensive water socks are ideal for when you want the least amount of extra insulation. Besides how thick they are, neoprene socks also differ in their length. Furthermore, the lack of zippered sides means they are less likely to allow debris or water to enter.