Drysuit Boots w/Velcro

[MNDiver]

It is all in the name, sort of....

Rock boots, Whites, and the like are just what the name implies... made for walking on rocks, like we do a lot of up here in areas like Crosby and Superior.  The ones I use have really great soles and arch support. If you have to walk down the path to the wreck/lake/whatever they make a HUGE difference.  Just think, if they are good for walking on rocks, they are great for walking on the parking lot!

I am not a tiny person.  In order for my foot to get past the bend in the old style boots, the boot itself had to be pretty big.  Even then, it was not a easy slip on/off.  The "sock" on the drysuit is much easier to get into.

Getting geared up takes a few minutes more, because of the laces, but it is worth it IMHO.  I can also wear ice cleats while tending and the like during the ice season. 

Diving wise, I like the snug fit of the boots.  I use smart wool under the drysuit then the boots over the suit. My feet have not felt cold.  For the most part I do not over inflate my drysuit, I like a light hug feel at best, however, I don't use ankle weights too much anymore after getting the boots.  The fins also feel a bit more secure, but it would be hard to quantify if it made a real difference in my kick.

I have an Andy's drysuit.  It came with the standard attached boot.  When it came time for service I had them replaced with a crushed neoprene sock so I could use the Whites boots.  Next time I will go for latex or just a continuation of the tri-laminate material.  It takes awhile for the crushed neoprene to dry.  The suit also packs much tighter without the bulky attached boots.

One thing to think about.  Just a few years ago DUI's Rock Boots were a new thing.  Now look around at all the drysuit manufacturers now offering some kind of similar boot.  Supply follows demand.  So people must be demanding the "Rock Boot" style exterior boot. 

Anyone else out there using exterior boots? What are your thoughts?