Aqualung Echozip Ergo 7 mm:my review after 8 dives.
I bought them because I wanted warmth, comfort and a sole substantial enough for walking to the water. After using them on both shore and boat dives, they are still one of those relatively small purchases I would happily make again.
I like them for their warmth, sturdy sole and side zip. I have walked over rock, sand and docks without wishing for more protection. Sizing is the one thing I would check carefully: my usual EU 43 feels slightly tight.
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Are the Aqualung Echozip Ergo 7 mm dive boots worth it?
In my experience, yes, especially if you want warm dive boots with a sole that protects your feet properly and is comfortable enough for walking before you enter the water.
They have worked well for me both in and out of the water. My feet have stayed warm, the side zip makes them much easier to put on and take off, and so far they have dried properly without developing bad odours.
My experience with the Aqualung Echozip Ergo 7 mm
Dive boots were one of the first items I added to my own scuba kit. Hygiene was part of the reason, but I also wanted proper footwear for the walks you often have to make from the dive centre, car or dock to the entry point.
I wanted boots that protected my feet, kept them warm and had a sole comfortable enough for those approaches. I bought the Aqualung Echozip Ergo 7 mm from Boxfish for around €50.
After around eight dives, I have used them on both shore and boat dives, including entries over rock, sand and docks.
Key details from my pair
Are they comfortable for walking to the water?
In my experience, yes. This is one of the things I value most. On many dives you have to walk over hard ground, rock, sand or docks before you actually reach the water.
These boots give me more comfort and a greater sense of protection than a very thin-soled model would.
How warm are the 7 mm boots?
For me, very warm. I tend to get cold feet and during the dives I have done with them I have not had that problem.
For the diving I do in Tenerife, I prefer this level of insulation to a thinner boot chosen purely because it weighs less.
Side zip and overall comfort
The side zip makes them noticeably easier to put on and take off, especially when your feet are wet.
The upper closure also helps keep the boot sitting properly while you use it. It is a small detail, but a practical one when you are gearing up and down several times.
Do they work with open-heel rental fins?
In my experience, yes. I use them with the open-heel fins commonly provided by dive centres and clubs and I have not had any problems so far.
The important thing is to make sure the boot fits properly inside the fin pocket and that the fin strap sits correctly on the heel.
Do they dry well and develop odour?
In my experience, they dry properly and have not developed a bad smell. After diving, I rinse them with fresh water and leave them open to ventilate.
Opening the zip fully helps air circulate through the inside.
What I like most
- Comfortable, protective sole for walking.
- Good insulation for someone who tends to get cold feet.
- Comfortable both in and out of the water.
- Easy-to-use side zip.
- They have worked well with the open-heel fins I have used.
- They dry properly.
- So far they have not developed bad odours.
What I would improve
- My usual size feels slightly tight.
- A very snug fit can make getting the wetsuit and boots on less comfortable.
- 7 mm may be more insulation than you need if you only dive in very warm water.
- It is worth checking that they fit properly with the fins you plan to use.
Sizing is the main thing I would check before buying
I normally wear an EU 43 and bought the same size in these boots. I can use them, but they feel slightly tight.
If I bought them again, I would also try the next size up before deciding. I would not assume that your normal shoe size will automatically be the best size in this model.
I would not treat my experience as a universal sizing rule, though. Foot shape, wetsuit thickness and the fins you plan to use can all make a difference.
I would recommend them to…
- Divers who tend to get cold feet.
- People doing shore entries who need to walk to the water.
- Anyone wanting more protection than a thin-soled boot provides.
- Open-heel fin users.
- Beginners who prefer to own their footwear for hygiene and comfort.
I would look at another option if…
- You only dive in very warm water.
- You want the lightest possible dive boot.
- Your fins do not accommodate a boot this thick very well.
- You cannot check the fit properly before buying.
How I clean and dry them after diving
After every dive I rinse them with fresh water, fully open the zip and leave them to ventilate somewhere away from strong direct sunlight.
With this simple routine, they have dried properly and so far have not developed a bad smell.
Are they a good buy for a beginner?
For me, yes, especially if you already know you are going to keep diving while still renting much of the larger equipment.
Dive boots are a relatively simple purchase that add hygiene, comfort and some protection for the walk to the water. If you use rental open-heel fins, owning your boots also means getting used to the same footwear even when the fins themselves change.
Aqualung Echozip Ergo 7 mm FAQ
Are they suitable for shore diving?
In my experience, yes. The sole is one of the features I value most because it lets me walk comfortably over rock, sand, hard ground and dock areas before entering the water.
Are they warm?
They are for me. I tend to get cold feet and I have not had that problem during the dives I have done with them. In much warmer water, a thinner boot may make more sense.
How do they fit?
In my case, slightly small. I normally wear EU 43 and that is the size I bought, but it feels a little tight. If I bought them again, I would also try the next size up before deciding.
Do they work with rental fins?
I have used them with the open-heel fins commonly provided by dive centres and clubs without problems. Even so, it is worth checking that the boot fits properly inside the foot pocket of the specific fins you will use.
Do they dry well?
In my experience, yes. I rinse them with fresh water, open the zip fully and leave them to ventilate. So far they have dried properly and have not developed a bad smell.
Are they worth buying for a beginner?
For me, yes, particularly if you plan to keep diving, use open-heel fins and want your own footwear for comfort, hygiene and protection when walking to the water.
Would I buy the Aqualung Echozip Ergo 7 mm again?
Yes. I would buy dive boots with this level of sole protection and warmth again. They have been useful from the beginning, especially for walking comfortably to the water and because my feet have stayed warm.
The one thing I would check more carefully is sizing. Instead of automatically buying my usual EU 43 again, I would also try the next size up and choose whichever gives me enough comfort without compromising the fit inside the fin.
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