Ya I just need a nice pair of fins because the ones I got with my creek company float tube it’s a piece of garbage in my mind but still works find. Just adjusting it is a pain in the butt.
You know it’s funny. I got a set of those Caddis fins with the tube I got as a high school graduation present many years ago, and I never really gave much thought to upgrading them. I’m on float tube number three now, and I use it probably 40-50 times a year. I always figured that having to work hard to get around was just the way things were with float tubing. However, the buckles are beginning to break on my old Caddis fins, so I’m glad I read this thread as I think I’m finally going to upgrade. I do have to say that all this time battling the winds of Idaho has really given me some killer calf muscles though 
I too used similar for many years. I still have and still use these as well.
I also think the size of ones foot makes a difference. If you wear a #12 and up, there is less blade showing. Smaller feet present more fin.
Thanks MasterDaad, I guess I should have explained which tube I have. Well I have the round inner tube style. I love every second in it. .
In my opinion your tube is the first thing I would look at upgrading. I have had a square Browning tube, and a square back Cadis I think, and a round cadis. Then my Mother in Law got me a Sportsmans/ Fish Cat 4. My son used the Cadis square, and another friend had a similar Square back tube. The V shape float tubes are easier to kick. I did a 8 mile river float with my FC4 and my son and the other guys struggled trying to get around. I moved with little effort and I have cheepo cadis fins. There are plenty of V shape tubes that are going to be easier to kick. The Tubes with PVC bottoms are in my opinion easier yet to kick.
Ron
Good point, I wear a 12-13. I went ahead and ordered one of those Classic Accessories Thruster fins last night, so I’m excited to see how they work for me. Already this year I’ve had two days where I ended up ditching the tube and walking back to my car because the task of kicking all the way back to the car against the wind sounded far too arduous. Hopefully these help with that.
I agree with Idaho Ron about the tube being a huge factor too. My first one was the classic donut tube that was low in the water. I now have one with a the double pontoons and pvc on the bottom, and it makes a huge difference. It does however make you into a bit of a sail boat, especially if you’re tall like me, but it’s still much better.
I upgraded last year from a round tube to a big Creek Company 420. I like sitting up higher MUCH better as I don’t have to keep my arms out at 90 degrees while casting/retreiving spinning gear. It makes the backcast with fly gear a lot easier too. My advice is to upgrade when you can afford it. These tubes move through the water much more easily because there is lees of you to drag through the water. Also, I used the type fins you are using once, then tossed them aside. Way too much work. I have the Browning scuba style fins now and they work much better. I have to go stocking foot in them as I wear a size 15. My choices are limited.
Absolutely, tube design makes a difference. That is why the V shape was in the evolution. Also “ROCKERS” Ron knows, that while his little yellow boat does not accept a motor and extra weight on the back, by it’s self, it can turn on a dime. Small foot print.
I have never put much thought into the material however. PVC is better for scuffing ground or rocks, but Nylon is definitely slippery when wet.
I have had several debates on other forums over flat tubes like a donut or a U or in this case the Watermaster and Waterstrider, which are one large oblong foot print. Versus the same size Assault with rockers. The Assault is quicker on rivers, better manageability for sharper turns. The WM sluggish when rowing but pushed less in wind because of the sluggishness. Slower reaction as well.
So, with the idea that the OP has a tube and apparently that is what he has to work with. Adding a motor can be done with an extra flotation like the Power Float. But more expense involved, can he afford that?
Fins are the easiest fix and can be done for less money. Plus a little exercise can go a long way.
Just trying to come up with a solution for the problem at hand.
I have several old friends that still like their Donuts and swear by them. They fish pretty hairy waters too.
I love wearing my long scuba fins when I can, but that’s only when I can just wear shorts, and some rubber booties that fit into the fins nicely. Even the stocking foot waders won’t go into my swim fins.
Otherwise I just use Outcast fins, which will fit over just about any boots. They work fine.
I don’t really understand why anyone would want to walk around with fins on. I sit down on my tube seat, clip my fins on while I’m sitting in shallow water, and away I go. Same when I disembark, the first thing I do is get the fins off and toss them on shore. No walking around in fins!
I very recently put a 34# Minn Kota on my Super Fat Cat, and that changes everything! Highly recommended! Thanks TubeDude!