I bought a pair of 3mm neoprene socks with gators from Cabelas to wear with my wading boots during "wet season". I have only worn them once and they worked well - once I got them on.

However, they are a real bear to get on and off. I have even created a small split in one of the seams due to the required tugging. The most hazardous part of the trip was putting the socks on and taking them off. I can just see it now - tell me again how you tore up your knee?

It seems to me that there must be a better product available - maybe with a velcro closure? I have done a cursory Google search and did not uncover too much.

Has anybody tried the Simms 2.5mm neoprene socks? If so, how do you like them?

Any input greatly appreciated!

Use of Talcum powder on your skin, and dusting the inside of the socks will substantially ease getting them on.

Most latex gloves worn by medical personnel are pre-powdered to ease putting on.

I wonder if it might be a matter of needing to buy a size or more larger? I looked at the item on Cabelas website though and they come in small, medium and large. Not a lot of room for adjustment. Perhaps the talcum powder idea really is the very best. Just don't plan on taking them off until you really are done fishing for the day.

One more idea, contact Cabelas and talk to a product specialist. They can be quite helpful and its free!

The talcum powder solution might help for putting on the socks. However, the water will wash off anything on your feet so it wouldn't help with the removal process.

As for a larger size - I have a size 9 foot. The medium is listed as 9-10 and large is 11-13. The medium fits fine in the foot.

I also spoke with a Cabelas' product specialists. He didn't have any suggestions other than a larger size. They also do not carry the Simms version of the socks. I suggested that they might consider having a small split at the top that might close with velcro to help with entry.

I will be at BPS over the weekend and they carry the Simms version (at least on their website). I will check them out and see how they compare.

Thanks for your input.

One website on neoprene socks recommended wearing a pair of thin "liner" socks under the neoprene socks, I would guess like a pair of dress socks.

The talcum suggestion I gained from a long ago friend that did a lot skin diving using a full neoprene body suit. He would liberally powder himself all over with the talcum.

One website on neoprene socks recommended wearing a pair of thin "liner" socks under the neoprene socks, I would guess like a pair of dress socks.

The talcum suggestion I gained from a long ago friend that did a lot skin diving using a full neoprene body suit. He would liberally powder himself all over with the talcum.

I have the Simms wet wading neoprene socks and they work awesome. I have never had any trouble taking them off.

I went to BPS over the weekend and they had the Simms socks. Tried them on and the fit was MUCH better than the Cabelas sock (they ought to be for 2X the price). They were easy to get on and off and they are better shaped to your foot. Another case of paying for what you get...and maybe getting what you pay for.

I purchased the Simms at BPS and will be returning the Cabelas. Time to get on with the fishing!

You'll find that is the norm with Simms products. Everytime you'll say "Damn! this IS much better stuff!" and "Damn! this stuff is expensive!" www.sierratradingpost.com has closeouts on Simms stuff fairly often.

I've got a pair of the Simms Guard socks I haven't yet worn out and can tell you yours will continue to fit well, easily go off and on, and hold up. Just be sure to dry them completely every time to prevent mildew, etc.