Cressi Adult Unisex Crew Water Boots for Scuba Diving, Surfing, Canyoning, 5 mm Neoprene Thickness - Isla: Designed in Italy

5 stars

I attached two size charts from Cressi for the ISLA boots that I found online. These are for comparison between what the charts recommended and what worked for my measurements as well as your general info to help find your best fit. Hopefully, comparing my measurements, Cressi’s size chart measurements, and your measurements combined with the commentary below can help someone find a good fit. When I refer to the boot size, I’m referring to the column in the charts with the header “BOOT SIZE”. You’ll see columns to the right on the chart with EU and US SHOE SIZE. You’ll see columns on the left of the chart for English and metric HEEL TO TOE LENGTH. These are used to compare your measurements with Cressi’s suggested BOOT SIZE. I reviewed lots of size charts, read at a lot of reviews, and tried several brands and sizes before getting lucky with these. In the process, I ran across reviews that helped me concretely rule out some boots and other reviews that helped me find better options. It’ll probably look like overkill, but I think this review can be helpful; I must have been bored or be avoiding something tonight.  These are comfortable neoprene water boots and have held up well so far. First, some of my foot measurements: Shoe size: US size 10, wide (EE) to extra wide (EEE) Heel to Toe Length: 10 5/16 in. (26.2 cm) Foot Width: 4 5/16 in. (11 cm) The size charts indicated that a Cressi ISLA boot size 9 or 10 would be best for me. I ordered size 10 and it was a great fit. I’d go with the next size up if you end up between sizes like me. I put a yellow highlight and purple underline on the charts to help identify the line for boot size 10 in case anyone wants to compare the heel to toe length that Cressi shares with mine and your own. I included my foot width in case anyone wanted to compare it with their own width. I wouldn’t get these if your foot is much wider than mine and the charts recommend a size 9 to 11 for you. I had about the right amount of space in the toe (about an index finger’s width worth). If you get too much space between your toes and the end of the boot, you’ll end up with a pocket of water. I’ve had boot that fit like this, and it created a strong suction to my feet making them hard to get off when wet. Plus, water would slosh around in the toe when snorkeling in shallower water. One thing that doesn’t typically get much attention is the fit of the upper part or shaft of the boot (the part you zip up). At the top of the boot shaft, the circumference of your calf matters. The fit here is important because, like most of the sizing I’ll talk about, you want a snug/almost tight fit when you try them on dry. Neoprene water boot relax when they get wet. If they feel loose when you try them on dry, they’ll most likely feel too loose/sloppy when they are wet. You don’t want to have boots where the shaft cuts off your circulation when they are zipped up, that you can’t zip all the way up, or that don’t feel like are securely attached to your feet and legs – letting water wash in and out. To try and avoid this, I’ll share my thoughts about what calf sizes are likely to work with boot sizes 9 to 11. 1) Measure the circumference of your calf while standing barefoot. Take the measurement about 7 in. up from the floor. This is where the top of a size 9 to 11 boot will come to when you put it on. 2) My calf circumference measured 10 in. I can easily zip the boots up to the top, and they’re snug. I’d estimate that a calf circumference of 9 to 13 in. will comfortably fit in a boot size 9 to 11. Cressi uses what they call super elastic neoprene to make the ISLA boot. It’s quite forgiving, soft, and has good 4-way stretch. Interestingly, one chart specifies a “FIT TYPE” for the ISLA and the other specifies a “FITSIZE” for the ISLA boot. I circled these in purple on the size charts. The charts indicate that Cressi’s ISLA boot runs between small and regular for “FITSIZE” and regular for “FIT TYPE”. IMO, regular in both categories would be a better description of the ISLA boot. They were slightly tight on the top of my foot, but I’d much rather have that than slightly loose on the top of my foot which would end up feeling sloppy in the water. The open heel foot pocket on my fins has the following dimensions: 4 in. wide, 3 1/4 in. to 3 1/2 in. tall, and 10 in. long/deep. The ISLA boots fit snuggly in these pockets, but not overly tight. My fins felt securely attached to my ankles and feet when I was in the water. The sizing of these type neoprene water boots can be all over the place. It’s hard to tell what kind of fit they will have. Most people say go to your local dive shop for things like these and your mask. Actually, that’s a good idea for all your dive/snorkel gear, but you can save a lot if you can find enough reviews to lead you in the right direction, find some sale prices, and are willing to try a few times. It took me 3 tries to find these. Hope this info helps someone. From my experience, a snug fitting boot that feels somewhat tight when dry while not feeling overly tight or loose is critical for comfortable use of open heel fins (which I prefer for convenience). Overly loose/wide/long will feel sloppy and not securely attached to your feet. Overly tight/narrow/short will get uncomfortable quickly. Plus, a bad fit can make it hard to get the boots on or off. Final thoughts/opinions: 1) 5mm thickness is great when you get the right fit and it works well in warm or cold water (down to like 45 degrees). The various thicknesses is one of things that make water boot sizing difficult. 3mm thickness just feels lacking to me. Plus, you’ll typically get more substantial soles on a thicker boot. For example, Cressi’s 3mm Minorca tall zip boots have a wimpy sole compared to the ISLA 5mm boots being reviewed. Going from 5mm to 7mm neoprene is another discussion for those getting into very cold water. 2) Tall zip-up water boots are far better in any conditions IMO than low cut ankle boots. They feel far better attached to your feet, ankles, and legs. Low cut boots just feel like something is lacking and are less protective and cushioning…much like 3mm neoprene (which is usually what low cut boots are made of). 3) Water boots with heel and toe caps for added strength and durability are nice to have, but these features combined with the width and thickness of the water boot soles affects how well they will fit in the pocket of your open heel fins. You want a snug fit, but not so much that you struggle to get your foot and boot into and out of your fins. It’ll be clumsy and uncomfortable. This isn’t an issue for full-foot fins that fit bare feet. For these type fins, the sizing is a bit more forgiving and involves far less measurements. Boots and open heel fins are always better IMO. I mentioned size 9 to 11 throughout the review. I think that you could use a little algebra to extrapolate measurements for other sizes using the known values in the review. You can find more information on the Cressi website. The attached size charts are from their website. I’m just sharing my experiences in case someone finds them helpful. Note about Amazon sales: If you find something that is heavily discounted, don’t take forever to make a decision. I’ve taken too long to act and had the price change in my cart as I was checking out. Many times I’ve gotten in on something heavily discounted (like 50% off) and see the price double right after making my purchase. No idea why this happens so all I can do is speculate and be happy when I find and get in on really good deals.

Great boots! Solid side entrance zipper and tougher than usual sole which gives you more protection when walking over sharp rocks to the dive site or when stomping on an unseen sea urchin. In addition there is a plastic piece glued to the tongue area of the boot which helps the boots last longer as that is the area that often chafes against your fins while you are swimming. Clearly designed by an experienced waterman.

Las botas están bien, son super resistentes y no se salen ni caminando en fango. Pero no le atiné tan bien a la talla. Soy 27MX, y las pedí 9US (10 women) y me quedaron muy justas. El pie está bien, pero cuesta subir el cierre, mis tobillos son normales no gorditos, pero aún así, quizá en un número más sería mejor. Pero sí están buenas.

Excellent!

I haven't written an Amazon review in years but these diving boots have compelled me to do so! I almost bought a similar pair for about triple the cost and came across this pair and noticed the positive reviews. I wanted good scuba boots, but it was difficult justifying the cost since I only get in the ocean a few times a year. They're so comfortable and i feel like I can walk in any terrain and have no discomfort. Stitching and clue show attention to detail in crafting and quality and control! Zipper isn't protruding at all so no concern about pinching my leg or the hair. Had to order a 2nd pair because first fit too tight. I went up to my street shoe size and they fit so well. Thick material and it's can't imagine them getting damaged by even a rocky environment. For the actual price, I'm not worried about having to replace them often...but again they seem indestructible. Just get them, you won't be disappointed!