APEKS · COLD-WATER DIVING
Thermal Comfort, Grip and Protection for Colder Dives
Made especially for those divers who frequent colder waters (like many of our Californian team members) or those who tend to get chilly in warmer waters, the Apeks THERMIQ 6.5mm Dive Boots combine warm graphene fleece lining across all panels with a side-zip water dam, Vibram soles and an integrated rear fin keeper. They're designed to help keep your feet warm and comfortable, thanks to the super-stretchy limestone neoprene, reduce water flushing and provide protection when moving around dive sites.
Are the Apeks THERMIQ 6.5mm Dive Boots Right for You?
We know that not all scuba gear is made the same, and priorities differ between divers. If you are on the search for high-cut scuba diving boots which are designed for extra warmth, foot protection and grip, the Apeks Thermiq 6.5mm boots are an excellent choice. Their graphene fleece lining, substantial Vibram soles and side-zip water dam make them a useful option for colder-water dives and shore entries. For a broader look at different boot styles and their trade-offs, see our guide to choosing the best scuba boots.
Best For
Divers who need 6.5mm neoprene dive boots with a protective sole for colder dives, shore entries and boat-deck use.
Warmth & Construction
Unique graphene fleece lining across all panels is designed to distribute warmth around your whole foot and ankle. Apeks reports an average temperature increase of 2°C, nice and toasty!
Grip & Protection
Vibram soles provide enhanced grip and protection- these boots help from sliding around on slippery surfaces. The bonded rubber areas help protect the heels and toes.
Apeks THERMIQ 6.5mm Dive Boots Overview
In our experience, cold feet can make an otherwise incredible dive very uncomfortable. The Apeks THERMIQ 6.5mm Dive Boots focus on thermal comfort, foot protection and grip, combining super-stretchy limestone neoprene with graphene fleece lining across all panels. This graphene fleece lining helps transfer warmth from warmer to cooler areas of the foot, with an average temperature increase of 2°C, and every extra bit of added warmth makes all the difference on cold dives.
The side zipper incorporates a water dam designed to reduce water creeping in to your boot and flushing. Underfoot, Vibram soles provide grip and protection, while bonded rubber areas reinforce the heels and toes, protecting your feet from any unexpected bashes and ensuring that the boots remain in a great condition for an extended amount of time. The integrated rear fin keeper also helps keep your fins in position during a dive, which we think is a fantastic addition.
Key Features & Practical Benefits
- 6.5mm neoprene: warm coverage for your feet, for divers that need significantly more substantial insulation than that provided by thinner dive booties.
- Graphene fleece lining: designed to distribute warmth across the foot, while remaining comfortable.
- Side-zip water dam: designed to reduce water ingress and flushing through the zipper area, as that is never fun on a cold dive.
- Vibram soles: provide enhanced grip and protection when walking around dive sites and boat decks.
- Integrated rear fin keeper: helps keep the fin strap in place.
- Bonded rubber heel and toe areas: add protection to parts of the boot that experience contact and abrasion.
- Super-stretchy limestone neoprene: improves flexibility and makes the boots easier to put on and take off.
Apeks THERMIQ 6.5mm vs. BARE Ultrawarmth 7mm Dive Boots
The BARE Ultrawarmth 7mm Dive Boots are another option for divers prioritizing warmth and a substantial sole. Both boots use thermal lining and a side zipper, but their lining technologies and sole designs are quite different:
| Feature | Apeks THERMIQ 6.5mm | BARE Ultrawarmth 7mm |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 6.5mm | 7mm |
| Lining | Graphene fleece lining across all panels | OMNIRED infrared inner fabric |
| Sole | Vibram sole | Heavy-duty sole |
| Closure | Side zip with water dam | Heavy-duty zipper with wide gusset |
| Additional details | Integrated rear fin keeper and bonded rubber heel/toe areas | Reinforced toe and heel caps, fin tab and full-stretch neoprene around the ankles and calves |
| Consider this option if... | You prefer the graphene fleece lining and Vibram sole combination in a 6.5mm boot. | You prefer a 7mm boot with BARE's OMNIRED lining and heavy-duty sole design. |
Neither boot is a universal winner. Compare fit, fin compatibility, lining, sole design and the conditions you dive in before deciding. Or ask our team which they would suggest!
Helpful Guides & Resources
The Best Scuba Boots for 2026
Compare scuba boots for different conditions, including choices for warmth, grip, protection and comfort.
Read our scuba boots guide →Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits
Learn how thickness, fit and construction can influence thermal comfort when planning your exposure-protection setup.
Read our scuba wetsuit guide →Explore Scuba Wetsuits
Find exposure suits to complement your boots and suit the conditions in which you dive.
Browse scuba wetsuits →Scuba Hoods & Gloves
Explore additional exposure protection when your dives call for more coverage.
Shop scuba gloves →Find the Right Fins
Browse scuba fins and check which open-heel models work with your chosen boot size.
Browse scuba fins →
Product Specifications
Construction
- 6.5mm super-stretchy limestone neoprene
- Graphene fleece lining across all panels
- Material made from recycled car tires and recycled bottles
Thermal Features
- Graphene fleece lining designed to distribute warmth with an average 2°C temperature increase
Closure & Reinforcement
- Side zipper with water dam
- Bonded rubber areas at heel and toe
- Integrated rear fin keeper
Sole
- Vibram sole
- Designed for enhanced grip and protection
Size Range
EU 37/38, 39/40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45/46, 47 and 48.
Use the size guide to compare the US size reference with the manufacturer's European boot sizes.
Included in the box:
- Apeks THERMIQ Dive Boots
Apeks THERMIQ 6.5mm Dive Boots Size Guide
Apeks lists these boots in European sizes from 37/38 through 48. The US-to-EU conversions below are provided as a reference; check the manufacturer's latest size guidance and the fit of your fin foot pockets before ordering.
| US Size Reference | EU Boot Size |
|---|---|
| 5/6 | 37/38 |
| 7 | 39/40 |
| 8 | 41 |
| 9 | 42 |
| 10 | 43 |
| 11 | 44 |
| 12 | 45/46 |
| 13 | 47 |
| 14 | 48 |
Sizing Advice
Boot sizing can differ from everyday footwear, and the thickness of your boots can affect how they fit inside your fins. If you're between sizes or unsure which option to choose, contact our team before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick are the Apeks THERMIQ Dive Boots?
These boots are 6.5mm thick. Their super-stretchy limestone neoprene and graphene fleece lining are designed to balance flexibility and thermal comfort.
What does the graphene fleece lining do?
Apeks says the lining across all panels helps transfer warmth from warmer to cooler areas of the foot. The manufacturer reports an average temperature increase of 2°C, but individual results can vary.
Are these boots suitable for cold-water diving?
The 6.5mm construction and thermal lining make them an option for divers who need substantial foot insulation. We would recommend that you choose your exposure protection according to your conditions and personal thermal tolerance.
Will these boots fit my fins?
Check that your fin foot pockets can accommodate the thickness and sole of the boots. If possible, try them together to make sure your heel sits securely and the foot pocket does not feel excessively tight.
How do I choose the right size?
Use the size guide as a reference. If you're between sizes or unsure how the boots will fit your fins, contact our team for help.
Lifetime Support
Fit Advice
Get help reviewing the available size guidance and choosing boots for your setup.
Real Diver Experience
We are all divers! Get practical guidance on exposure protection and matching your boots with fins.
Expert Support
Ask questions before choosing a size or after your gear arrives.
Help After Purchase
Contact our scuba team if you have questions about your boots or your wider diving setup.
Need help choosing your size? Contact Bluewater's scuba team.
