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What kind of socks can I wear with loose fitting swim/snorkeling fins?

So I bought some swim/snorkeling fins yesterday from a dive shop. My foot size is 11-13, but they only had 13-15 in stock so I tried them on and they seemed fine and I bought them. I went down to the lake right afterwards for 3 hours or so with them and they are great, but they seem a little loose and I got blisters on my toes. I have been told that you can wear socks with them to make them fit better and stop blisters, but what kind of socks?

Any help appreciated

Many snorkellers own two pairs of fins, one the wearer’s normal shoe size for barefoot use in warmer waters, another one or two sizes larger for use over socks or bootees for use in colder waters.

It’s quite common for fins to chafe, raising blisters, around the toe area, even when the fins in question are open-toed, properly sized and worn barefoot. You have quite a range of options when considering what to wear under your fins:

1. Lycra socks: thin and quick drying

http://www.wetsuitsonsale.com/product/deep-see-lycra-fin-sock.html

2. Latex drysocks: thin and waterproof, with calf seals, worn over ordinary socks

http://www.tidemaster.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?products_id=51

3. Neoprene socks: various thicknesses to suit different water temperatures, ankle or calf height

http://www.mikes-diving.co.uk/seac-sub-smooth-skin-boot-fin-socks-945-p.asp

4. Neoprene boots or shoes: rubber-soled to protect feet when walking

http://catalog.sandiline.com/index.php/diving/boots-neos.html

I have arranged these alternatives in order of their potential bulkiness when fitting them into fins. Neoprene boots are usually designed for roomy open-heel fins and may be too bulky to fit into full-foot fins.

Although you might consider changing your fins for a smaller size, there is no guarantee that a smaller sized pair will match your foot dimensions exactly. Like shoes, fins not only have to fit length-wise, but also in terms of width and arch height. Some length-wise fitting fins cannot be worn because their foot pockets are too narrow. Fins that are too tight are likely to reduce circulation and generate cramps. A snug fit is what you are looking for when choosing fins for size.

Finally, if you are using an oversized pair of full-foot fins, then consider purchasing a pair of fin grips, three-way rubber ankle straps worn over the arch, ankle and instep when using fins:

http://www.swimclub.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1950&d=1218726809

They will keep such fins securely on your feet, even in rough currents.

Happy snorkelling!