Waders/Boots/Fins - Having Hard time fitting comfortably

[dakicka]

I'm rather new to float tubing and I've gotten a whole new 'setup' and bought:

Cabelas 3mm Lightweight Neoprene Chest Waders (Stockingfoot)
Cabelas 3mm Neoprene Felt Sole Wading Boots
Creek Company Float Tube Fins

The problem is that after 15 minutes on the water my feet are cramping up and it feels like my toes are squished together. After taking off my gear my toes and feet are all red and hurt. So I have only given it 2 tries out on the water and had to call it quits because of being uncomfortable.

I'm trying to figure out if maybe the fins are just too heavy and tight with the strap? I am a size 9.5 shoe but the fins are supposed to be one size fits all however I have them strapped all the way to the end and they barely fit. Or could it be maybe wearing the neoprene stockingfoot waders inside the boots is just too crammed? The only reason I got the felt sole boots is because my buddy was adamant about me not just using the stockingfoot waders and fins in fear I'd tear the bottoms and get leaks.

Is there some other solution out there that would allow me to protect my wader bottoms but not have such a 'heavy setup' or bulky setup? Could I do some sort of light aqua sock over the waders? Do I NEED any boot over the neoprene waders? Are there any fins out there that are very comfortable AND still allow for waders and/or boots? Most of the ones I've seen are designed to just place foot in and don't account for the thickness of the waders. And the ones that ARE for waders tend to be so dog'on bulky and heavy!

Sorry for asking 1,000 questions and I appreciate your time in responding. Thank You!
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Sorry to rain on your parade but you should have popped in here and got some advice first. For example, we usually tell newbies that the fins are the last thing to buy. First, get some waders...after trying them on first...with a couple of pairs of socks and the clothing you will be wearing under them on fishing days...warm and cold. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Unless you have the adjustable lace up fins, you should not wear the heavy wading boots. They are way too bulky. Instead get a pair of neoprene divers booties that will fit over the waders...with your socks, etc. You can also buy the inexpensive "water shoes", "reef walkers", etc. at most water sports supply places. They will fit over the waders, inside the fins, with less bulk than the boots. Again...try before you buy...or at least know how many sizes larger you are going to need. NEVER buy in advance by shoe size alone. Too many variables. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Now you are ready for fins. Forget foot size or "one size fits all". Foot comfort on the water is critical. As you have discovered, nothing puts a bigger damper or chill on the day faster than cramped or cold feet. And fins that are too small or improperly adjusted are the single biggest cause of foot discomfort.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]It is not uncommon for somebody all caught up in the new float tubing thing to rush out and buy all the gear they think they need...and to discover later that they got the wrong stuff. A lot of things WILL WORK...but it it much better to put together a well planned system that will have you fishing comfortably under all conditions...for a long time.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Welcome aboard. I am sure you will get some other input. We are glad to help when we can.[/#0000ff]
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[dakicka]

TubeDude,

Thanks for the quick response. Let me give you a little more info to see if this can help us figure out my dilemma:

Here's the boots I have now:
http://www.cabelas.com/link-12/product/0...erralID=NA

When you say neoprene diving booties, do you mean something like like these?:
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/BLRS.html...ource=ITEM

If you look at the reviews on Cabela's, the felt sole wader boots I bought are supposed to be great for float tubing with fins but they just seem too heavy for me. I don't like the hard felt sole on the bottom, plus they get so dirty on the bottom. It's weird- instead of a rubber bottom, it's a thick hard white felt material which holds all the algae, dirt, mud, etc. Is there any particular fins that you or others recommend? I did see one you mentioned a few months ago but any others too? I'm going to try on at the local shops: Mares Avanti X3 (you recommended):
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/MRSFAX.ht...ProInfoTab

I think you're right on about finding a set-up actually in the store and trying it on. Somethings you can't just 'eyeball' and order online like sneakers, snowboarding boots, football cleats, and I guess wading boots/fins too!
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[TubeDude]

A;[cool][#0000ff]The Cabelas boots will work...but not as well as others might. A thinner sole will keep your neoprene wader booties safe and your feet more comfortable. You don't need felt soles. In fact they are not recommended by many serious anglers anymore because they have a potential for carrying water borne fish diseases...among other reasons.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The divers booties are just the ticket. If you are putting them over stuffed waders figure on a size about 3 sizes larger than your shoe size. Usually about right. But be sure you can exchange them if need be. Also, don't get the high tops. Get the least expensive and thinnest (2mm) low tops you can find. And then you might have to make a short slit in the tops to get them on easily over your waders...see attached pic. Also attaching a pic of some inexpensive water shoes from "Wally World".[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Also, I am PMing you a copy of a writeup called "Dress for Success"...a chapter from my tubing book that deals with options and guidelines for getting your tubing wardrobe together...minus the fins. That's in another chapter.[/#0000ff]
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[dakicka]

Also, I am PMing you a copy of a writeup called "Dress for Success"...a chapter from my tubing book that deals with options and guidelines for getting your tubing wardrobe together...minus the fins. That's in another chapter.

TubeDude, invaluable information. Thanks so much man! I see you invested a lot of time and money into float tubing and your experience shows through in the eBook snippet you sent me. Very nice info and I appreciate it. Another quickie: If I go with the diver booties/cheapo neoprene socks/shoes where would you recommend wearing the fins? High up on the achiles? Low on the boot? Any ideas? I know the cheaper boots won't have the guides on the back to strap on so I was just wondering what is best to prevent fins from falling off and also provide all day comfort and optimal propulsion.

I've determined from your information that I'm going to return the felt sole wading boots and go get some cheapo diving boots or water socks at Walmart or the likes. I can't believe Cabela's doesn't sell those float tube booties anymore- bummer! They seem perfect and exactly what I've been searching for. I guess like you, I will have to improvise and devise my own solution that works best for me.

I may purchase your eBook in the future. Thanks for your tips and time.
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[flygoddess]

My feet were getting cramped in my boots as well. It wasn't the flippers though as they are usually made to cover a large variety of sizes.
My problem was my waders although breathable, had a thick neoprene stocking foot. I do wear wading boots and always have.
I even went as far as to buy my boots two sizes larger.
I finally realized, the neoprene booty in the wader was way bigger than my foot. SO, I pull up on the heel and slide my foot in the boot....no more pain at all.
No offense to TD, but I know he wears a large shoe, so chances of buying waders with a booty that is too big is probably not an issue, but it is an issue if you say wear a size 9 and the booty is for a 9 to a 12. It is too much material.
I wear Force Fins and Omega Diving fins and like I said, I don't think it is the fin, but with a soft booty it could be squishing.

Have you thought of regular wading boots?

One other thing, do not EVER eat beans before putting on your waders:


[laugh][laugh][laugh][laugh][laugh][laugh][laugh]
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]One of the keys is having the fin straps properly adjusted. If they are, and your feet are shaped right, the strap should ride comfortably and securely on the achilles tendon. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Just to be sure...and safe...you might want to invest in some tethers to secure your fins to your ankles in case they slip off. That can be a bummer if you lose a fin. Almost worse than having no fins at all.[/#0000ff]
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[WeeFolk]

I have the same setup as you, except it wasn't purchased from Canelas. I wear 8 1/2 to 9 shoe depanding on the style. My wading boots are big 10s and by the time I get everything stuffed in there is pretty snug. Try some bigger foot wear, and use as many socks as neededto get the the same thickmess as your waders.. Also as TD suggested get the tethers, iy lose a fin, you better have OARS..
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[cpierce]

Thanks for the cartoon. That is the best wader advice I have seen in a long time!!
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[flygoddess]

Thank you....it cracked me up.
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[macfly55]

at least the guy in the cartoon looks to be wearing force fins... [laugh]
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[Hammer1]

I've got a pair of Glacier Glove booties over my stocking foot waders and Creek Company fins. The combination works great, buy the boots a size bigger than your actual shoe size. [url "http://www.causewaybaitandtackle.com/Glacier_Glove_303Bk_Neoprene_Float_Tube_Bootie_p_1603.html"]www.causewaybaitandtackle.com/Glacier_Glove_303Bk_Neoprene_Float_Tube_Bootie_p_1603.html[/url]
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