The ocean is vast. Some might say impossibly large. And the last thing a person who loves the aquatic world would want to do is get lost at sea amongst the many pieces of equipment needed to traverse the depths. So you find yourself here, looking for…socks? That’s correct! While it might be one of the last things on a person’s mind when discussing large bodies of water and their potential for exploration, aqua socks are essential for snorkeling and other-deep sea diving activities. They protect you from feeling the pain of your feet getting smacked around on rocks and keep your feet insulated while simultaneously protecting you from feeling that dreaded wet sock feeling. If this is your first time buying water socks, there’s no need to panic! This guide will help you get all the information you need to make an informed decision as you start to dip your toes into the world of snorkeling.
Let’s Dive In
There are different kinds of aqua socks! The main function of all of them is clear: to protect your feet while underwater. Some are completely made of fabric, and others have rubber soles to make walking easier. While rubber-soled aqua socks are my personal favorites, I know plenty of fellow ocean explorers who prefer the former. It boils down to what your goals are, where you’re swimming, and frankly, it just comes down to personal preference. I personally prefer the rubber soles because I do a lot of hiking, and aqua socks double as excellent hiking shoes. A friend of mine prefers having no soles because she thinks it assists her swimming. A lot of this is trial and error! Don’t worry if you aren’t absolutely in love with your first pair of water socks- there are a lot of buy, trade, sell groups all over the internet specifically designed for snorkelers!
Price and Quality
It’s important to keep quality in mind. There are a lot of cheap options floating around out there, and while it may seem good to go with the less expensive option because you’re a beginner, let me be the first to tell you that that is a very bad idea. Water socks are there to protect your feet from rocks, fish, and debris of all kinds that are floating in the ocean. Cheap quality aqua socks simply will not give you the protection you need. Beginner or expert, nobody likes bruised up feet. I’m not saying you have to buy the most expensive aqua sock on the market, I’m simply advising you to not go with the cheaper option simply because it’s cheap. Check out reviews and compare them to your own personal preferences and goals.
Wearing Fins with Your Aqua Socks
Another essential tool while snorkeling is your feet fins, and there’s nothing better than getting a good set of aqua socks to make them feel as comfortable as possible. Wearing fins with your water socks is a simple task. Proper aqua socks make for a more comfortable experience and prevent your fins from digging into your skin. They also prevent chafing, since your skin is softer underwater. Your socks will also help to provide a bit of extra buoyancy to your swim. If you decide to rent fins for your first time snorkeling, it’s very important that you bring your socks! Since rental fins are not specifically designed to fit your foot, they could run a bit large (however, on the flip side, if you receive fins that are too snug, it would be in your best interest to forgo your socks for the adventure). You should also forgo wearing your aqua socks if your fins are open-heeled, as many open-heeled fins are not designed to be worn with aqua socks.