Whether you dive, snorkel or scuba, there is nothing like a good pair of diving fins designed so that you can swim longer distances with less effort and greater control.
There are fins that are suited to every diver and every situation. Choosing the right diving fins can be challenging, but this buying guide tells you what to look for when choosing diving fins. Included are some recommendations, like our comfortable and stylish Best of the Best Mares Superchannel Full Foot Scuba Fins.
What to know before you buy diving fins
Open heel or full foot?
Open-heel fins attach to your foot with adjustable straps that tighten to firmly grip your heel. Because they can be worn with dive socks, such as these made by Seavenger Tortuga, open-heel fins are the choice of cold-water divers and snorkelers.
Full-foot fins that are properly sized slip on and off easily while staying securely on your feet. They don’t adjust like open-heel models, so make sure you get the right size. Because they are not made to be worn with dive boots, full-foot fins are best for scuba diving or snorkeling in warmer waters.
Blade type
The large flat portion of the fin that looks like a frog’s webbed foot is called the blade. The larger the blade, the more power you can generate with your kicks. Stiffer blades provide more resistance, which increases the amount of forward push. They also require more energy to kick, meaning stiffer blades are not a good choice for less-strong people or beginners.
Paddle blades: Used mostly for snorkeling, standard paddle blades have a reasonable amount of flex in a short blade. Snorkelers use them because they don’t need to cover long distances and there is no need for speed.
Channel blades: This type of blade is made of alternating soft rubber and hard plastic strips. The blades reshape themselves as you kick, moving more water with less effort. They require more skill to use effectively, so they are not a good choice for beginners.
Split blades: Divided in two parts right down the center, these blades work best with a rapid kicking action and can quickly exhaust inexperienced divers.
Hinged blades: These blades are among the largest and most expensive of fin types. They are a combination of paddle blades and split fins. They are extremely efficient but take some getting used to.
Force blades: This type is shaped like a fishtail, with a pronounced V at the toe. They are expensive, highly efficient and have a steep learning curve.
Diving fin features
Sizes
Open-heel fins are sized only as small, medium and large. Full-foot fins come in size ranges, like 8 to 10 or 10 to 12. Just as with shoes, sizes run differently across manufacturers. If you are right between sizes, it is better to choose fins that are too big than too small because you can always wear dive socks.
Materials
Natural rubber and synthetic materials are used to provide flexibility and durability. Monoplane resin flexes like rubber but is much tougher. Because this material is more buoyant, it is easier to keep your feet up so they don’t stir up sediment on the bottom. Reef divers and snorkelers prefer fins made from monoplane resin, especially if they are taking pictures of undersea plants and animals.
Stiffness and flexibility
The best dive fins have the right amount of both stiffness and flexibility. The levels you need are determined by your strength, stamina and fitness.
Extras
Pull tabs on the heel of full-foot diving tabs make them easier to put on. Look for sturdy materials and construction.
Vents are designed to permit a small amount of water to flow through the fins. This allows divers to use larger fins to go faster and farther.
Diving fin cost
You can find cheap, mostly open-heel diving fins for scuba diving and snorkeling for $25 or less. Regular divers find fins that suit their dive conditions for about $45-$90. Special purpose fins cost $100 or more and very high-tech designs can cost more than $200.
Diving fin FAQ
Do I need to go to a dive school?
A. Not if you only want to snorkel, but absolutely if you intend to use underwater breathing apparatus. You will learn to not only dive safely but have more fun doing so. You will need to show your certification card if you intend to rent air tanks or take a commercial dive trip.
What is a dive plan?
A. It is a simple mental map of what your objective is, how far you are going to go, how much time you will spend in the water and what to do if an emergency arises. When diving in a group, everyone needs to know the dive plan.
Which diving fins should I get?
Best of the best diving fins
Mares Superchannel Full Foot Scuba Fins: available at Amazon
Our take: These diving fins are comfortable, flexible and stylish.
What we like: These true-to-size fins are made with an orthopedic foot pocket with variable thickness for superior fit and wearable comfort. Thermoplastic rubber delivers superior flex and thrust performance. Their Channel Thrust technology moves more water than other fins of the same size. The blades are designed with a large flexible central superchannel that propels water flow down the fin blade instead of allowing it to escape over the sides. Upper and lower stabilizers eliminate wobbling, keep your kicks stable and reduce power loss.
What we dislike: These snug fins take a while to get on and off.
Best bang for your buck diving fins
Oumers Travel Size Open-Heel Diving Flippers: available at Amazon
Our take: These adjustable diving fins with easy-click buckles are best for beginners and are comfortable to wear for hours.
What we like: The compact size makes these fins easy to bring on trips and outings. The adjustable design can accommodate a wide range of sizes so you can easily share equipment. The design has the ideal amount of flexibility to prevent fatigue and cramps and delivers speed and distance. You’ll never be stranded if you lose or damage a heel strap because each flipper comes with an extra strap for immediate replacement.
What we dislike: Shorter fin lengths require more effort.
Honorable mention diving fins
ZEEPORTE Mask and Fin Snorkel Set: available at Amazon
Our take: This grab-and-go set comes with fins, mask and snorkel, everything you need to start diving right away.
What we like: The flexible Trek fins have a long, lightweight and responsive blade for a fluid, effortless kick that is quite powerful. The panoramic 180-degree view dive mask has tempered glass lenses and a hypoallergenic skirt that creates a watertight seal. The snorkel has a dry-top valve that seals the breathing tube when submerged and the food-grade mouthpiece is safe and non-toxic. The quick-dry mesh storage bag for carrying all your dive gear has an open design that lets sand fall out and makes it easy to hose off your gear.
What we dislike: Some users report that these fins are a bit larger than the size indicates.
David Allan Van is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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