A good pair of neoprene socks can make a big difference when snorkeling or diving.
Also known as fin socks, or water socks, they offer a surprising amount of extra warmth and comfort making your time in the water as enjoyable as possible. And the best thing is that they’re reasonably cheap to buy.
But not all neoprene socks are created equal. Unfortunately, there are plenty of low-quality options that won’t keep your feet warm, tear easily, or simply fall off as soon as you’re in the water.
In this article, we’ve reviewed the best neoprene socks to help you choose the perfect pair.
So let’s get started.
In This Guide
Best Neoprene Socks Reviews
If we had to give a quick answer, these are the neoprene socks we’d recommend:
- NeoSport Wetsuits Premium Neoprene Water Sock
- BPS Storm Smart Sock Ultra Premium Water Fin Sock
- Seavenger Zephyr 3mm Neoprene Socks
- Simari Quick Dry Aqua Socks
- Skyone Neoprene Water Fin Sock
Keep reading to learn more about why these neoprene socks are our top choices…
1. NeoSport Wetsuits Premium 2mm Neoprene Water Sock
If you’re looking to prevent your fins from rubbing or add a little extra warmth, these are a great choice. Constructed from ultra-soft 4-way stretch 2mm neoprene, these water socks offer unrivaled comfort and flexibility. They fit perfectly without constricting your feet or easily falling off.
The smooth interior and super stretchy material make these socks super easy to take on and off and effectively protects your skin from abrasions. They also have a durable traction sole that grips well on both wet and dry surfaces when walking.
They’re also thin enough to be worn inside wetsuit boots for a little extra warmth. Or they can even be used as a replacement for wool socks in the winter. We also love the option to choose between a high or low top design.
Pros:
- Good thermal protection
- Available in high and low top styles
- 12-month warranty
- Snug, yet comfortable fit that doesn’t fall off
- Durable and well constructed
- Super stretchy and flexible
- Great value
- Versatile
Cons:
- Traction sole wears off quite easily
- Sizes come up a little big so order down
- Not thick enough for cold water or rocky terrain
2. BPS Storm Smart Sock Ultra Premium Water Fin Sock
A premium pair of wet socks without the premium price tag. Everything about this pair of neoprene socks is well-made. From the high quality 3mm neoprene to the blind stitched and glued seams and reinforced soles, you can tell that they’re built to last.
An adjustable elastic strap ensures that these socks never slip off, whilst still being easy to take on and off. This smart design ensures the perfect fit for all whilst preventing any sand or grit from getting inside the sock. Plus it stops water from pooling inside the socks, keeping them streamlined and offering optimal warmth.
The sturdy soles are reinforced to ensure you can walk around comfortably on the sand or rocks. Yet the design is so light and flexible that you’ll forget you’re even wearing them.
If you’re looking for a comfortable and reliable water sock that’ll also keep you warm on colder days, then the BPS Storm Smart Socks are a perfect choice.
What’s more, they’re available in a ton of different colors and fun designs so you can choose the exact pair to match your style.
Pros:
- Variety of sizes and colors available
- Adjustable elastic straps keep sand and excess water out
- Great fit for everyone
- Incredibly durable and long-lasting
- Blind stitched and glued seams
- Streamlined and flexible
Cons:
- Soles can lose grip with frequent use
- Inside seams may rub a little
3. Seavenger Zephyr 3mm Neoprene Socks
Whatever your chosen water sport, the Seavenger Zephyr 3mm neoprene socks will keep your feet warm and protected. If you’re looking for a versatile low top water sock that won’t break the bank, these are a great choice.
The 4-way stretch neoprene contours perfectly to the shape of your feet creating a superb fit. So you can move your feet and ankles easily without feeling at all constricted. A honeycomb non-slip sole helps keep your fins in place and offer excellent traction when walking on slippery surfaces.
Pros:
- Superb fit
- Super stretchy and comfortable
- Easy to put on and take off
- Excellent traction
- Good thermal insulation
- Variety of colors available
Cons:
- Only low top design available
- Not as long lasting as more premium pair
4. Simari Quick-Dry Aqua Socks
If you’re looking for an ultra-lightweight and comfortable water sock for traveling, then look no further than these stylish water socks from Simari. Constructed from a breathable mesh fabric, these socks are comfortable, flexible, and dry almost instantly.
They roll up to almost nothing, making them ideal to chuck in your luggage or day pack. Although the sole is a little too thin for trekking on rocky terrain, the anti-slip tread still offers a reliable grip on slippery surfaces. A great choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to keep their feet protected from the elements.
Pros:
- Highly breathable and quick-drying
- Very cheap
- Ultra-lightweight and packable
- Very comfortable and flexible
- Variety of colors and designs
- Anti-slip sole
Cons:
- Don’t offer any thermal insulation
- Not as long-lasting as other socks on our list
- A little too thin for rocky or rugged surfaces
5. Slinx 3mm Neoprene Water Socks
When it comes to comfort and durability, these 3mm neoprene socks from Slinx simply can’t be beaten. The edges are glued and double blind stitched to ensure longevity, while the super stretch material provides you unrestricted movement and flexibility.
The anti-slip sole creates excellent grip on almost every surface, making these socks ideal for a variety of water sports including surfing, sailing, and paddleboarding. Plus they offer the highest coverage of all the wet socks on our list.
Despite offering such high-quality features, these wet socks are still very reasonably priced. And with such sturdy construction, they’re a great option for even budget-conscious shoppers.
Pros:
- Anti-slip sole offer excellent grip
- High coverage
- Blindstitched & glued for extra durability
- Excellent thermal protection
- Puncture proof
- Easy to slip on and off
- Wide range of sizes
- Lightweight & flexible
- Highly versatile – can be used alone, with fins, or under boots
Cons:
- Can feel a little tight on the calf
- Not thick enough for prolonged periods in cold water
Which Neoprene Socks Should You Choose?
All of our top choices are relatively lightweight and low cost. This makes them all great options if you’re on a tight budget or travel often. But each pair has a few qualities where they stand out.
So which are the best neoprene socks for you?
Best For Comfort: NeoSport Wetsuits Premium Neoprene Water Sock.
If you’re looking for optimal warmth and comfort when diving or snorkeling, we recommend getting this pair. With its high quality, 4-way stretch neoprene, these fin socks create a snug fit that protects your feet from both the cold and any chaffing. They’re also well constructed and should last you a long time. Although they’re not quite thick enough to be used alone in cold water.
Best For Durability: BPS Storm Smart Sock Ultra Premium Water Fin Sock.
If you want a pair of neoprene socks that are durable enough to withstand the harshest conditions yet still stylish enough to attract compliments, then you can’t go wrong with this pair. With high-quality construction and premium materials, the BPS Storm Smart Socks are built to last.
Most Versatile: Seavenger Zephyr 3mm Neoprene Socks.
These are the socks to go for if you are looking for a multi-purpose wet sock. The Seavenger Zephyr Neoprene socks are extremely comfortable, durable, and can be used for pretty much any water activity.
Best For Protection: Skyone Neoprene Water Fin Sock.
When it comes to protecting your feet, these socks offer the highest coverage. They’re taller, thicker, and more puncture resistant than any of our other recommendations. They’re also comfortable, anti-slip, and highly versatile.
Most Breathable: Simari Quick-Dry Aqua Socks
While neoprene is great for keeping you warm, it can also be uncomfortably sweaty. So if breathability is a key factor for you then these are your best choice. Made from quick-dry mesh, instead of neoprene, these water socks are ideal for tropical climates.
What To Look For When Choosing Neoprene Socks
Still struggling to decide?
Here are the key factors you should consider when choosing the best neoprene socks.
What conditions will you use your neoprene socks in?
This is the first thing you need to decide. Because the best neoprene socks for you will very much depend on the activities and environment you’ll be using them in.
For example. if you plan on wearing them in cold water then you need to look for a thick neoprene that’ll provide you with enough thermal protection. Alternatively, if you’re planning on only using them in warm waters and tropical climates, then you’ll want a more lightweight and breathable water sock.
Similarly, if you only plan on using your neoprene socks in the water then flexibility and comfort will be key. But if you plan on using these socks for walking over rough terrain or playing beach sports, make sure they have a sturdy, reinforced sole.
For diving and snorkeling, you want to choose a neoprene sock with more stretch and a good sole grip that’ll sit comfortably underneath your fins. If they’re too thick or too bulky, it’ll be uncomfortable. If possible, go for those that feel like they are your feet, meaning they should fit like a glove.
Are they durable enough?
You want your neoprene socks to last you a long time. So check the seam construction, it should be both stitched and then glued for added durability. Also, check the soles and make sure they’re thick and sturdy enough.
What coverage do you want?
You’ll have noticed that neoprene socks come in either a low or high cut. Which cut is best for you is mostly down to personal preference and the level of coverage you’re looking for.
A high top neoprene sock offers additional protection from the cold and abrasions but can be a little trickier to put on and take off. Plus you can end up with some funky tan lines!
On the other hand, low cut neoprene socks are much easier to slip on and off, but they offer less protection and are easier to accidentally knock off.
Are they the right size?
Neoprene socks should be tight but not restrictive. If they’re too loose they won’t provide much stability or warmth, and they’ll probably slip off. On the other hand, if they’re super tight they won’t be comfortable and can restrict blood flow. The perfect neoprene sock will feel like a second skin, almost as if you’re not wearing anything at all.
If they only come in two or three sizes, you’ll probably have a hard time finding a good fit. Make sure you take a proper look at the size chart provided by the manufacturer, as well as any recommendations from reviewers on sizing. It’s not uncommon to need to go a size up or down when choosing neoprene socks.
What’s your budget?
And lastly, decide how much you want to spend. While it’s worth spending a little extra for a higher quality product, there are many excellent options that are still very budget-friendly.
Conclusion
Which pair did you choose? Or do you already have a favorite pair of neoprene socks? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
