so flygoddess then you wear booted waders with force fins over them regularly while tubing? (or dont you have a toon)
If that is the case, which is the way it sounded, how comfortable are they? originally I pictured them being bulky and weighing me down..is that the case? The x3’s should be here any minute so I’ll be able to post tonight how they fit with a booted wader but no tube so no “on the water” testing. I am hoping that I do not have to buy new waders as I already have 2 pair with boots so we will see…whew force fins ain’t cheap I just got the x3’s for $60 shipped.
Chivalry is not dead…though badly wounded.
You are right. I sympathized with her, helped her up and then acknowledged that nasty old algae that had made her slip. Doesn’t mean I wasn’t snickering inside. But, I would never openly laugh at her. I have a strong self-preservation instinct.
so flygoddess then you wear booted waders with force fins over them regularly while tubing? (or dont you have a toon)
If that is the case, which is the way it sounded, how comfortable are they? originally I pictured them being bulky and weighing me down..is that the case? The x3’s should be here any minute so I’ll be able to post tonight how they fit with a booted wader but no tube so no “on the water” testing. I am hoping that I do not have to buy new waders as I already have 2 pair with boots so we will see…whew force fins ain’t cheap I just got the x3’s for $60 shipped.
DO I HAVE A TOON?! 
You don’t know me very well LOL
Yes I have a few.I even had one of the first Donuts many years ago.
My boot foot waders are Breathable HIPPERS. So, in a pontoon they are the choice as I only get wet at mid calf. They are Orvis Hippers.
When I use my H3 or the Navigator, or even the Echo, my seat does get a little wet so then I wear either my Breathable Chest, or my Breathable waist highs. Both had Neoprene sock/bootie. Then I wear my Simms wading shoe (same ones I wear when fishing rivers, or as you say, the shore line).
I have to make the flipper a little tighter with the BOOT FOOT for some reason. I guess the Simms have a Higher profile.
Force Fins are Heavy, but not in the water…nothing is, in the water[;)]
I prefer the WIDTH and the SPOON shape. In a pontoon, I think a more rigid fin (like a shovel) works much better as you don’t have as much leg in the water.
PLUS, I will stand up out of my boat and walk at times. With Force Fins, you can walk forward.
Think FF are expensive…my next fin will be the Omega for the reason I just mentioned.
I do plan on doing rivers with my new toon.
Well the X3’s showed today and I got a chance to throw on my breathable pair of waders with a size 11 boot foot. They seemed to fit fine and my boot was almost to the end of the foot.
Question..There is a plastic insert in the fin I tried them on with and without that piece, should it be removed, is it just a matter of comfort, or does it even matter? It seemed that without the plastic insert it was a tad more comfortable as when you tighten the straps over the boot foot, with the piece, it kinda squishes everything since they are attached to the waders. Without the piece there was less squishing of the boot and wader as my boot was a tad farther in.
It does seem pretty heavy but I know that will all change on the water. Anyone think it will be a big pain to wear them this way…least for the summer?
AKA, I had a pair of Browning way back that look like the Avanti’s. They too had a plastic insert. I am 99% sure that that insert is just an adjustment thing. If they fit better without, then that is what they wanted. To be able to accommodate several sizes in one flipper.
The main reasons I got rid of the Browning, one they were uncomfortably long. and two, the strap in the back was a pain to adjust and broke at the most inconvenient time. Lastly, they wore out my boots. One pair of hip waders…the fin and strap literally cut into the boot.
That was the BIG reason I went with the Force Fins. My hippers are close to $200. and my Simms well over $100. I want them around for awhile.[;)]
Now u got me looking at those croc shoes! I have one and would see if my fins would fit it… Your wife has a good idea!
Lots of thanks to those who’ve contributed their thoughts. What I believe I’ve learned so far:
- Probably do not want to get one of the thick-soled, narrow booties to try and fit over my already neoprene clad feet.
- I’ve been wading the shorelines too long…got to “let it go”.
- Glad I checked in with you folks on this board…rather than trying to reinvent the wheel on my own. Could have wasted a few $$ unnecessarily.
I really like the looks of the low-cut booties TD is using after the modification (what brand name is on em, TD?). Think I’ll begin heading in that direction.
Rather than shopping at a general sporting goods outlet, or even a fishing-oriented store, go online and spend some time looking at the options and comparing them…and prices. A good place to buy booties is:
http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear/Boots.html
You don’t need the more expensive 3mm. 2mm will work fine for our needs. Get a good sole, and preferably with a heel ridge to keep the fin straps from sliding off easily. The low cuts work better for pulling on over waders and it does not hurt them to make a cut in the top. I fished one pair for several months, with a cut in them, without ever seeing any further tearing. The main reason I finally put a strap across them was to keep them from coming off in snow or mud, if I had to walk in them without having my fins on. Once the fins are on, they aren’t going anywhere.
As I mentioned, I have size 13 feet. I found that I could get by with either a size 15 or 16 bootie, over fully loaded waders. The size 16 works best. I suspect that most models will vary slightly in cut and fit. Hope you guess right on the first try. After you cut them, you own them.
Here is a picture of the booties I currently use, with cut and flap modifications. I had to pay more for the large size models, but I think standard price is about $30.
The plastic insert is like a “shoe tree”. It is there to insert into the soft foot pocket between uses to keep the pocket open and easier to put on. It does not hurt anything to discard or save it. The fins are not supposed to be worn with the insert.
Thanks everyone plenty of info here think I made a good choice on the black x3’s and they sure look nice. Wont be using that plastic insert though thanks tubedude
The plastic insert is like a “shoe tree”. It is there to insert into the soft foot pocket between uses to keep the pocket open and easier to put on. It does not hurt anything to discard or save it. The fins are not supposed to be worn with the insert.
REALLY?!
Yep.
Well, you could wear them if ya wanted to.
I thought as it is MOLDED rubber boot in the flipper and the insert is a perfect fit piece of plastic that fits fairly easy into the boot. With MY Browning, the plastic was more a HERS and with out HIS. But it did have a purpose.
The literature that came with my X3’s support TD’s theory… Sorry Goddess!
By the way TD… Great book!
Steve_IA
Then why did you ask?
I asked 
Some fins come with a plastic insert in each foot. Store your fins with the insert inside, so that you can maintain your fins’ shape.
Live and learn Oh well, my Force Fins didn’t come with all these instructions[;)]
Thanks…on both counts.