Update: the various patches and tape have been doing a good job as have the 2mm fin socks. During this next week I plan to test out the awning material affixed with aqua seal. All methods have proved successful thus far and I have no reason to believe the awning material/aqua seal won't.
Fin socks off-the-rack with tough flexible sole/heel material:
1) NRS Sandal Socks, 2mm, Large. The socks run larger than the size chart at NRS which would indicate that I need an XL. The socks slip right into my DaFin swim fins as easily as any 1mm/2mm/3mm fin sock. Tough weave sole has been trod over parking lots, grassy paths, gravely dirt roads, hot sand. You will feel the texture of gravel and rocks underneath but certainly much better than bare foot.
2) Mares Classic Socks, 3mm (his are called UltraStretch, about 3 yrs old). Company description:
Super stretch 3mm neoprene soft diving socks. Ideal for avoiding abrasions or for extra warmth when combined with your drysuit. PhillyViking (on the paipo forums) has been very pleased with these socks in fitting easily into swim fins as any other 2mm/3mm fin all-neoprene would. These fin socks were for the same purpose I mention above. The interior seemed to be flaking neoprene but three years of steady use make these a definite buy again in the future.
Both of the fins above have not resulted in clammy, overheated feet in the tropics and have provided foot protection on the very hot midday sun on the beaches.
Swim Fin Socks, All Neoprene, Heel/Sole Patching Materials
A problem with my otherwise good swim fin socks has been the soles wearing out so easily when walking across fields, parking lots, and the like. The soles begin wearing through, developing holes, allowing shell fragments and grainy stones come between my bare foot and swim fins. So, I decided to explore patching materials with peel off adhesive material in addition to awning material + aqua seal where I cut out a heel and sole pattern. All these materials have been very flexible, light and thin. At home, I used some clamps, wood slats and pressed the material and fin sock for at least several hours for a solid adhesion, but I'd feel confident in jury-rigging a patch under a table leg with a book, catalogue or such--whatever when you are out and about and not in the 1st World. An alternative to awning material could be used bicycle inner tubes.
Some of the waterproof patch products I experimented with on my damaged fin socks are listed below.
- Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Repair Tape, Black
- McNett Gore-Tex Fabric Repair Kit II - Taslan, Black
- Noso Patchdazzle Gear Repair Kit, Black
For the awning or inner tube full sole patching I would recommend aqua seal for a good bond. Don't forget to mask off the perimeter of the patch and the interior so the aqua seal does not bleed through and glue the inside shut.