When the Rouquayrol-Denayrouze scuba unit went into production in 1865 divers were walking on the sea floor and not using fins, which were introduced in the following century.
The Groin mask attached to a dry suit and the system was very buoyant, requiring the diver to carry additional weight. This pair of original French Denayrouze diving boots weighed about 15 lbs. each, and would have been used by divers of the period. They are made of leather with lead soles and brass toecaps.