H2O Odyssey Fin Socks

I use the 3mm version, and they're good. One pair developed a hole in the toe after a season, gotta keep those toenails trimmed.

 

ya, h20 booties are best for fitting your fins in... I dont wear anything else.
But, as Scarecrow mentioned they do get holes in them fairly easily if you aren't careful...
Good thing though is they are fairly inexpensive as compared to hard bottom boots.

 

I have a pair of 5 mm that I used through Decemeber last year and then again starting in April. They were good but my fins were a bit big in them so they always felt a bit loose. They also wore out in the bottom of the right one from just walking around in them on the sidewalk/concrete. I was considering this winter Jan-March doubling up on a pair of 3mm, or a 3mm and 5mm depending on which filled out the foot pocket of the fin better. My other thought was to use a pair of one of theses at 7 mm http://www.yazbeck.com/socks . I met a guy a few weeks ago who had them, and swore by them, but they have the same issue as the H20'S, the bottoms wore out. I've a couple idea's on how to solve that (involving super gluing some foot gels to the bottom of the sock), but I don't know anything about the seam construction. What would be awesome is for some wetsuit company to make a pair of socks with extra padding/rubber on the bottom where your foot presses against the concrete. So you get the flexiblity of a sock with a low foot profile, but the durablity on the bottom of a surf boot.

Rez

 

I don't put my fin socks on until I'm down on the beach, on the sand. No walking around on sidewalks and parking lots means they'll last a lot longer.

 

Ocmdsponger: Definitely on the flip flops or sandals or something this winter to protect the socks, esp if I end up getting the Yazbecks.

Scarecrow: I was thinking that, but then I have to mess around with rolling up the legs of the wetsuit. I think that screws up the seal on my feet, not to mention it stretches out the cuffs which I'm not to keen on doing.

 

I got em and i love them. They can rip easily but mine havent yet, but are super comfortable

 

Last year i went out on thanksgiving and the water was aboutt 54-55 and i was a little chilly but not to bad

 

OcmdSponger, I took my 5 mm h20's into 48-50 degree water last April. I think it was the first or second week of April last year. A bit nippy but not bad.

 

I actually have a rough time with fins. I have shorter but very wide feet so finding fins that fit right is difficult to begin with.All told, I probably went through 4 or 5 pairs over two years before settling on a pair of summer fins that work, and a pair of winter fins that work.. Adding regular 1.5 mm socks makes things difficult, and 3 mm socks are really tough. . I wear no socks and a pair of Large Hubb Churchhills, I glued the top of a 3 mm sock to the top of the fin, and another 3 mm section to the strap, no socks otherwise. It seems to be about right for my summer fins with no cramping. For my winter fins I wear a pair of XL MS vipers. When I used the 5 mm socks the fins were a bit loose, with my current 5 mm boots they are a bit tight on the outside of my foot but otherwise o.k. I think they may actually let more water in then my 5 mm socks..but I was more concerned with keeping the fin on my foot. Jay Reale from Ebodyboarding usually suggests going up at least one size when wearing 3 mm half socks. 2 sizes when wearing 5 mm socks. No recommendation on 7 mm. I'm figuring if the 5 mm boots that I have are a bit tight, then 7 mm soft socks may be just the right fit with the MS vipers. But since I may be done for the winter by mid Jan (new winter suit is not in my budget) I may just suck it up with the 5 mm boots and try for the 7 mm socks next winter.

Sorry, that was a bit winded. I'm a bit buzzed though Happy winter wave hunting.

Rez

 

I use Kicks fins. They've got a stretchy heel strap, so I can wear the same pair in the summer over bare feet, and winter over my 3mm fin socks. If the water got cold enough down here that I'd need 5mm fin socks, I just wouldn't go out for a while.

 

H2blows are what we call them. I think they are terrible, and I don't stand alone at least not in my circle of friends. I've bought brand new 3 mil booties and 5 mil gloves and they leaked on the same day. I used to wear the 3 mils all winter, usually two pairs a winter. I think they make the products to be obsolescent in the future so you have to buy more. It's ridiculous.

If you're experience has been like that, fear not, better fin socks exist.

I'm currently using 5 mil neosports, they are nice and sealed properly. The best ones I have used are the oneil heat socks. Only problem is I haven't found them in 5 mil, not even sure if they are made in 5 mil.

If you think h20s are nice, try the neosports or heat socks and you will be loving life.

The major difference is the bottom material. The bottom material is different on the h20s, and the stitching is not water tight, even when brand new. The bottom material is thinner than the rest of the bootie and it easily rips.

The neosports and the heat socks have the same material on the bottom as the rest of the sock, with the stitching on the side instead of around the sole of the boot.

They are a little more expensive, but only by about 50% so they are beyond worthwhile.

That's just my experience, take it for what it's worth.

 

I have big feet, and they are the only booties that fit comfortably in my xl churchills in the winter. The quality is not that good. I got a few holes in mine. But for the price and fit.... they get the job done.

 

I just got a pair of the 5mm Neosport. I have not tried them yet, but I am guessing in about a month they and my new 5mm Hyperflex AMP gloves will come in handy.

Bring on my 1st winter of BB'ing

 

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