Unlike fish, divers get to select their fins. Make the right choice when you follow the advice below.

What They Do

Fins translate power from the large leg muscles into efficient movement through water, which is 800 times denser than air.

What to Look For

Comfort and efficiency. When trying on fins, look for a snug fit that doesn’t pinch your toes or bind the arches of your feet. If you can’t wiggle your toes, the fins are too small.

The efficiency of fins is largely determined by their size, stiffness and design. Divers with strong leg and hip muscles can efficiently use a bigger, stiffer fin. Smaller divers or less conditioned divers will be more comfortable with smaller, more flexible fins. Finally, make sure buckles and straps are easy to use.

Our Advice

Choosing the right pair is important to prevent muscle fatigue and cramping. Good fins will enhance your enjoyment of diving; bad ones can ruin it. So what type is right for you?

Full-Foot or Open-Heel Fins?

Full-foot fins don’t require dive booties and are best suited mainly for warm waters.

The straps of open-heel fins can be adjusted for the different booties you may wear or for different family members and children as they grow.

Open-heel fins require less effort to put on, especially if a pull tab is added to the strap.

The dive booties required with open-heel fins also provide foot protection and comfort while diving and walking.