Are you planning a scuba diving trip? Getting out into the deep blue for a dive is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have in a lifetime. The abundance of life on the reef, the slow ebb and flow of the ocean’s currents, and the amazing coral diversity are just a few reasons why scuba diving is such a spectacular sport.
Your dive gear is a crucial part of your scuba experience. The BC, mask, and exposure suit are critical components of your kit, and you can’t do without them. However, you’re dead in the water if you don’t have any fins. Fins provide the propulsion you need to fight the current and reach your dive site.
Sure, if it’s calm, you’ll see instructors getting into the water without any fins. However, they have loads of experience and masterful control over the BC. A beginner doesn’t have these skills, and you’ll rely heavily on your fins to help you control your movement underwater.
There are dozens of top scuba gear brands and hundreds of fin models available. This post reviews the best scuba fins for your trip.
Contents
Our Top Picks
- The Best Overall Scuba Fins – Scuba Pro Seawing Nova
The Scuba Pro Seawing Nova brings you innovative design, effortless thrust, and a comfortable fit. They are expensive, but we feel they are the best choice for beginners and pros that have the budget. - The Best Premium Scuba Fins – TrueFin 110 Dive Fin
The TrueFin 110 dive fin is our top choice for professional divers. The rails on the edges of the fin come in three stiffnesses, allowing full control over your finning and plenty of thrust to suit any ocean conditions. - The Best Budget Scuba Fins – Kesida Scuba Fins
If you’re looking for great gear on a budget, check out the Kesida scuba fins. You get a vented blade design with a comfortable fit and an affordable price tag.
The Best Scuba Fins Reviews
Best Overall Scuba Fins- Scuba Pro Seawing Nova
The Scuba Pro Seawing Nova is our top choice for the best scuba diving fin available. This fin features an innovative design, with the articulated joint below the foot pocket. This design feature allows better pivot control and more of the blade surface, providing propulsion while finning.
- The fin’s unique articulated design enables the wing-shaped blade to pivot and generate thrust, helping you rocket through the water at top speed or ease in and out of tight spots.
- Made of a space-age Monprene elastomer, the Seawing Nova is virtually indestructible through years of hardcore diving.
- SCUBAPRO’s Pivot Control Technology maintains the most efficient 45-degree angle of attack no matter how easy or hard you kick.
- Don and doff the fins with ease using the marine-grade bungee strap, which is self-adjusting, comfortable, and durable.
- Driven to constantly innovate and improve the diving experience, SCUBAPRO builds flawless equipment for the work, sport, and lifestyle of people whose passion is found below the surface.
The clean water-movement technology on the blade features wide flukes for more surface area and channels for directing the water flow across the blade. The blade’s tip features a vented design, allowing the release of tension on the blade surface to reduce the energy required for finning.
The comfortable foot pocket features construction with silicone edging for reduced pressure on your feet and next to no pain from the pocket pressing on the top of your foot. The adjustable heel straps allow for a secure fit to your booties, and there’s a carry strap behind the heel strap, allowing easy fitment and adjustment of the fin. The Seawing Nova comes in seven colors to match your dive gear.
What We Liked
- Innovative articulated joint for better propulsion.
- Wide blade with channels and vented tip.
- Comfortable foot pocket. Easy to adjust heel strap.
- Available in seven colors.
Best Premium Scuba Fins – TrueFin 110 Dive Fin
If you’re a dive professional looking for the best fins available, the TrueFin 110 is our top choice. It’s expensive equipment but worth the extra money on the price tag when you consider the design and functionality of the fin.
The innovative design of the 110 features engineering designed to mimic fish fins. The blade’s sides on the fin feature modular spines, locking the fin blade to limit flexion and providing powerful swimming strokes while finning. As a result, the fin provides the optimal angle of attack when finning, allowing for unparalleled power and efficiency compared to spinless dive fins.
- INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY: Engineered to mimic nature, Truefin Model 110 swim fin is designed with modular spines that lock into the fin and limit the flexibility of the blade to an optimum ‘angle of attack’ at all kicking frequencies for unparalleled efficiency and power over spineless swim fins. SIZE LARGE which generally corresponds to men's US size 9-11 and women's size 10-13 depending on thickness of boot. SEE SIZE CHART.
- FASTER & MORE EFFICIENT: The patented fin technology creates a diving fin that is up to 2X the thrust, and up to 65% better efficiency than leading spineless fins. The upper surface of the foot pocket is made from a tapered thin wall of flexible Monprene to maximize comfort at the top of the diver’s foot.
- HIGHLY FLEXIBLE: Being highly maneuverable, Truefin is ideal for spearfishing. The artificial spines prevent the blade from collapsing during shore diving and provide fast acceleration when in surf, in rough seas, big swells, and in currents around reefs. Open heel design, booties generally required but not included in purchase.
- PORTABLE: Modular spines may be removed and disassembled for easy traveling and storing. Included is the Trident R559 Medium Standard Spring Style Fin Strap with Quick Release Side Tabs (Truefin is provided with a popular style of heel strap posts - 20mm flange/13mm throat).
- MADE IN THE USA: Limited Lifetime Warranty(excluding heel straps). Machine endurance tested to 1,000,000 kicks without failure. Truefin is shipped with standard Blue '412 spines installed. Standard Blue Spines articulate 60° 'toe down', and 20° 'toe up' and are suitable for all kicking styles.
The result is a fin that provides double the thrust over other models and 65% better efficiency than spineless models. The upper of the foot pocket features a tapered thin wall design with ultra-flexible Monprene to prevent pain on the top of the foot when finning.
The rugged spines on the sides of the blades make these fins ideal for finning in stronger currents, and they’re a great choice for spearfishing. If you want a more traditional feel to the fin, you have the option of removing the spines adding flexion to the blade.
The Trident R559 spring-style fin straps feature quick-release side tabs. The heel strap posts offer easy adjustment of the heel straps to suit your foot size. These fins feature design and construction in the USA.
What We Liked
- Suitable for professional use.
- Three different spines included for different blade stiffnesses.
- Soft Monprene construction for foot pocket comfort.
- 200% thrust improvement and 65% efficiency improvement over normal fins.
Best Budget Scuba Fins – Kesida Scuba Fins
Sometimes, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a pair of functional dive fins that work. The Kesida Scuba Fins offer you affordable equipment for your dive trip while maintaining good performance.
- Flexibility and Portability:The heel adjustment strap of this swimming fins comes in a wide range of sizes,allowing both men and women to choose from one of three sizes to suit their needs.Adjustable straps and snorkel flippers are connected by a flexible swivel clasp,so anyone can take flippers to the beach and enjoy the fun of diving.
- Proper Flexibility:As we all know,scuba fins are too soft to help divers move quickly,and overweight fins will quickly consume the diver's physical strength,so our freediving fins have passed strict softness tests and the use of light materials to avoid these two Disadvantages,it could help divers to enjoy the fun of diving maximally.
- Aboult Anti Slip:100% user satisfaction and safety is the goal we have been pursuing.Therefore,we have done anti-slip treatment on two aspects of this diving fins.The first is that the bottom of the flippers is equipped with multi-layer symmetrical anti-slip strips,and the inside of the shoe is arranged Many protruding rubber dots are added to further prevent the occurrence of slipping.
- Advantages of Using Fins:This scuba fins uses a streamlined design to make full use of the power transmitted by the leg muscles.At the same time,the opening of the toe part and the symmetrical drainage hole can drain the water under the fin in time,which greatly reduces the burden of diving.
- After-Sales Service:Providing high-quality products and perfect after-sales service are our company's consistent responsibility and obligation,and we are making continuous efforts for this.So if you have any questions about this product or after-sales problems,please do not hesitate to contact us,we promise to give you a satisfactory answer and solution.
The long blade makes swimming easy, adding to your propulsion through the water. The blades feature deep channels pushing the water towards the blade’s center for improved finning efficiency and power.
The tips of the blade feature a deep center channel, allowing for enhanced propulsion over the edges and better propulsion and turning in the water. The only drawback is that the foot pocket is a bit stiff, so they might not be the best choice for longer dives where you’re finning a lot.
These fins are a great choice for low-cost equipment, and they come with a carry bag included with your purchase. You have options for two colors to suit your dive gear.
What We Liked
- Very affordable and effective for finning.
- Channel blade design.
- Long blade length.
Atomic Aquatics Split Fins
If you’re a seasoned scuba enthusiast, you understand the difference between the different blade types on offer. This split fin design in the Atomic Aquatics model is a top choice for pros that want the best equipment available. Sure, they’re expensive fins, but you’ll know where you spent the extra money the first time you get in the water with them.
- Split Fins deliver more propulsion with less drag and kick with less effort
- EZ-Lok patented buckle system design for easy, one-handed quick release of the buckle from the fin, Re-attachment is simple and secure
- Internal Power Plate sole plate creates a rigid platform beneath the foot for greater power transfer to the blade
- The highly resilient Power Rails perform as the backbone of the splitfin, storing and releasing energy with every kick
- The split blade deflects with the slightest kick to form a pair of wings that slice through the water with reduced drag, propelling you forward
The split blade design improves finning efficiency, reducing the energy required when swimming. Each side of the split blade features raised edges funneling the water over the blade surface for optimal thrust. The wide, steep channels on the fin’s edges add rigidity to each blade, improving thrust.
The foot pocket features design and construction with lightweight, comfortable polymer materials that relieve pressure on the top of your feet while finning. The vented foot pocket reduces drag in the water, and the EZ-Lok adjustable clips on the heel strap provide a firm fit to your foot.
The heel post on the strap makes adjusting the fin easy, and the 316 stainless steel spring straps give these finds one of the best fits on the market.
What We Liked
- Professional split-fin design.
- Outstanding buckle system for the heel strap.
- Reduce energy required when finning.
- Comfortable foot pockets.
Apeks RK3 Military Scuba Fin
The Apeks RK3 features a design for military operators and professional rescue divers. These fins come with a premium construction and design finish, featuring a wide blade with large, raised channels that divert the water flow evenly over the blade’s surface. The blade’s tip features a vent for less drag and improved flexion of the fin when swimming.
- Traditional all-rubber design provides excellent performance
- Come standard with stainless steel spring straps
- Custom designed buckle holds spring straps in optimum position
- Custom buckle is attached with stainless steel nut and bolt
- Short wide blade provides maximum forward thrust while maintaining great maneuverability.
The large vents in front of the foot pocket enhance finning efficiency, reducing the energy required on longer swims. The short blade design allows for better control of the fins when you’re drifting over the reef, preventing you from making contact with the coral.
The soft foot pocket provides a comfortable fit, reducing pressure on the top of the foot. You get a 316 stainless steel rear foot strap with a rubber heel strap to distribute the pressure. It’s a similar design to the Atomic Aquatics model, but there’s no foot post offering easy adjustment in the water.
These fins come in six color options, and they’re a top choice for professionals looking for high-quality equipment.
What We Liked
- Professional military design for SEALs and rescue divers.
- Large blade vents.
- Prominent channels.
- Rugged heel strap.
Mares Volo Power Scuba Fins
Mares is another top drawer dive equipment brand, and they have an impressive range of fins. Our choice for the best Mares model is the Volo Power. This fin comes with an innovative design featuring articulation points on each side, known as the OPB system (Optimized Pivoting Blade). These reflex points provide more blade stroke with less finning.
- OPTIMIZED PIVOTING BLADE (OPB) SYSTEM - The Mares Volo Power Fins feature OPB technology, maintaining the optimal angle throughout each kick to deliver consistent thrust, reduce fatigue, and provide smooth, effortless movement in the water
- CHANNEL THRUST TECHNOLOGY - Designed with soft inserts that allow controlled blade deformation, these diving fins create a channel shape to move more water with each kick, giving divers greater thrust with minimal effort for enhanced efficiency
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN - These Mares flippers are exceptionally lightweight and easy to maneuver, offering high performance without heavy exertion, making them ideal for divers seeking effortless kicking power
- ABS PLUS BUCKLES - The Volo Power Fins come with Mares' durable ABS Plus buckles, making it easy to adjust the fit quickly and securely, even with gloves, for maximum comfort and convenience
- PERFECT FOR TRAINING - These unisex swim fins complement the SSI Waves, Tides & Currents training program, providing divers with reliable, high-performance gear suited for various water conditions
As a result, you get plenty of propulsion, requiring less finning. The blades feature vents to the inside of the articulation point, reducing stress on the foot pocket when finning hard. The deep channels that move through the blade help funnel the water over the edges uniformly, producing excellent power and thrust.
The vented foot pocket provides a comfortable fit that won’t place pressure on the top of your foot. The heel strap features quick-release clips and a heel post to easily adjust the strap in the water. These fins come in three colors to match your dive gear.
What We Liked
- OPB system for high-efficiency finning.
- Patented blade channel design.
- Comfortable fit.
IST Rubber Rocket Scuba Fins
If you’re looking for an affordable fin with advanced design principles, then the IST Rockets are a great choice. These fins have a similar design to the Apeks RK3 fin mentioned earlier. You get vents below the pocket to reduce drag and pressure on your foot while finning. The large channels running the length of the blades optimize thrust for effortless finning in the water.
- DURABLE DESIGN — Strong rubber design is longlasting and premium-grade.
- DURABLE DESIGN — Strong rubber design is longlasting and premium-grade.
- MILITARY CHOICE — #1 choice for Special Ops and U.S. Navy SEAL program.
- SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION — Curvature and tapered blade for better propulsion.
- JET STYLE — Deep grooves channel water backwards for a powerful kick.
However, unlike the RK3, the IST Rockets have a slightly firmer feel on the top of your foot while swimming. As a result, they might tire out your feet faster than the RK3s. However, they make a great choice for short dive trips in cold water.
The design and features of the fins are basic, and we can see this theme in the heel strap. It’s a functional quick-release strap, but there is no use of fancy stainless steel or heel posts for easy adjustment. You get a no-frills fin offering you excellent performance in the water at an affordable price tag.
What We Liked
- Military design.
- Vented blades with raised channels.
- Affordable.
Cressi Frog Plus Scuba Fins
Cressi is a premium scuba brand with affordable, high-quality equipment. The Frog Plus fins are a great example of a leading product in the Cressi range. You get a three-material injection-molded construction of the foot pocket, providing a comfortable fit with no pressure on the top of the foot when finning.
- Cressi has put more than sixty years of experience into designing this fin,
- using exclusive and patented moulding technology in three different materials.
- The engineering plastic used for the blade has been carefully chosen to meet the needs of Scuba
- With their easy kick they are a pleasure to use, regardless of the user's level of training.
- Along the perimeter of the blade there is a protective profile in elastomer and the adjustable buckle
The dual-density technopolymer design extends down the ribs of the blade, providing a contoured design that elevates the blade position when swimming for optimal finning and reduced energy expenditure. The design offers 20% extra surface area on the blade, improving thrust and efficiency. The softer materials in the blade’s center channel the flow to the center, enhancing thrust.
The adjustable heel strap features quick-release buckles and a wide heel point for improved holding on your foot and less need for adjustment. If the strap had a heel post, this fin would make for a serious contender at the top of this review. The Cressi Frog Plus fins are available in six colors to match your dive gear.
What We Liked
- Tri-material design with comfortable foot pocket.
- Curved rail design adds 20% extra finning efficiency.
- Indestructible blades.
Scubapro Jet Sport Scuba Fins
If you’re looking for an affordable pair of entry-level fins, the Jet Sport series from Scuba Pro offers you a great choice for your gear. These fins feature many of the top design elements of fins two or three times the price.
- Lightweight and comfortable, the Jet Sport Adjustable features a big, slightly stiff three-material blade that generates propulsive kicking power.
- The fin's drag-reducing vents substantially decrease resistance on up and down strokes, helping you save energy while providing good stability.
- Donning and doffing the fin is easy thanks to features like strap adjustments and quick-release buckles.
- Find your comfort zone with the ergonomic foot pocket, which molds to your foot for all-day ease.
- Driven to constantly innovate and improve the diving experience, SCUBAPRO builds high-quality equipment for the work, sport, and lifestyle of people whose passion is found below the surface.
The open vented design below to foot pocket reduces flexion and pressure on the foot pocket, easing tension on the top of your foot. The blades feature raised lines to channel the water along the body and edges of the blade for improved finning efficiency. The tri-material blade design makes the edges stiff while allowing flexion in the center for added propulsion and thrust with each stroke.
The ergonomic foot pocket and split heel straps with quick-release buckles provide easy fitment and adjustment. Overall, these find are a great choice for beginners, with an affordable price tag. You have seven color options to match your dive gear.
What We Liked
- Affordable kit.
- Tri-material blades with channels.
- Ergonomic foot pocket and vented design.
Other Best Selling Options
- Utilizes patented 3 material injection molding process that consist in a comfortable foot pocket rubber that extends up the side rails of the blade.
- The dual density techno polymer, which forms the blade, combined with the third silicone based material creates a channeling effect.
- The channeling effect enables a high level of energy to be transferred in both up and down strokes of the kick pattern.
- Cressi’s patented foot pocket positioned below the blade. This design increases the working surface area of the blade by 20%.
- Features many of the great characteristics of a traditional paddle fin introducing a revolutionary blade material extremely durable and nearly indestructible.
- The Pro Light is a generous fin that provides exuberant performance without too much physical effort. These fins are perfect both for beginners and for professionals and are very common among instructors and technical divers.
- Blade made in dual material: strong polypropylene and soft elastomer for ensure lightness and well-balancing.
- Full length side-rails help direct waterflow for improved thrust.
- Elastomer foot pocket improves comfort.
- Blade extends from the top of the foot for increased surface area.
- Adjustable Open Heel Design, Good for Sharing - The open-heel design means each fin can accommodate a wider range of sizes, so family members or friends can share equipment more easily. The best parts is the filter pads inside the fins can keep fins in shape when store it.
- Wears Comfortably, Support Various Way to Put On - Carefully select high quality material, soft foot pocket, flexible enough for barefoot, but can also be worn with fin socks or dive booties which help to protect a diver's feet from the cold, and blisters. (Reminder: Please purchase sizes up if wear with dive booties together)
- Compact Size, Perfect for Travelling - This short fins is an excellent choice for avid travelers as the short blade is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for packing with ease. And it is a useful swimming aid either for pool or sea swim enthusiasts, bodyboarders and snorkelers.
- Quick and Easy to Try it On and Adjust Size Up or Down - Soft heel straps with large thumb loops, giving you easy one-time adjustment and allowing you to easily put on and remove the fins.
- Kids and Adults Size - 3 unisex size choice for Kids, Children, Teens, Young Adults, Adults(women, men). Generally, kid’s US Standard Size 9-13 should pick size Kids JR 9-13, Young Adults or Adults whose size is between 4.5-8.5 should pick size S/M, and the size between 9-13 should pick L/XL. Just take the fins and enjoying your snorkeling or swimming.
- Balanced Flexibility: Blade made in strong polypropylene (PP) and soft thermo-plastic-rubber (TPR) to ensure lightness and well-balancing; These dual-material dive fins give powerful propulsion without too much physical effort
- Powerful and Efficient: The combination of the Channel Thrust Technology and the Below Blade Foot Pocket Design creates a very powerful and efficient fin with a minimal leg strain
- One-Finger-Release Buckles: With an advanced buckles release system design, this open heel easy-adjust scuba fins allow you to be more fully engaged in the dive
- Refined Style: These revamped diving fins with streamlined shapes are ideal both for beginners and for professionals and are very common among instructors and technical divers
- Product Performance: We deliver these high-performance diving fins to those who want to dive in confident safety
- Ideal fin for snorkeling and swimming. Designed for adult and youth.
- Blade made in soft and flexible polypropylene very light.
- Foot pocket is coalesced with the blade to form-as-one with the blade. Made in soft thermo-rubber material.
- Comfortable foot pocket with a heel pull-tab to make donning and offing easy.
- Easy to use, not too demanding on the user, and perform generously.
Scuba Fins Buyers Guide
Choosing the right scuba fins can either make or break your diving experience. Sure, if you look at divemasters, they often get in the water when it’s calm without any fins. However, they have a mastery of buoyancy, and they know how to regulate their BC to maintain stability in the water and stay on track with the dive path.
However, as a bigger, you need all the help you can get. Your fins are vital when you’re swimming in a current, and they can mean the difference between sore feet and a relaxed, enjoyable dive. In this section, we’ll unpack everything you need to look for in the best scuba fins.
Considerations for Scuba Diving Fins
When searching for the best scuba fins, you need to know what you’re looking at in a prospective set. The first consideration is the brand and the quality. If you’re buying fins from a reputable brand like Scuba Pro, Cressi, or Mares, you know you’re getting top-rated equipment for your dive trip.
These brands, and many others, have a long legacy of producing some of the best dive gear on the planet. Fortunately, all the brands in this review are top-shelf, and you’ll find they have top-tier construction with excellent materials and finishes.
When you fit your fins for a test drive on dry land, you’ll need to ensure they provide a snug but comfortable fit to your feet. If the fin pocket features rigid materials and a tight fit, the top will press down on your feet when you fin.
As a result, you’re going to end up with sore and tired feet, and you’ll find it challenging to walk around in the evening after two or three dives during the day. The blade is another consideration, and it’s usually where the technology in dive fins starts to separate the different models.
There are several blade designs, and each of them performs differently in the water. We’ll unpack these differences later, but let’s focus on the basics for now.
Next, look at the price tag. Top-level fins can retail for $250+, while entry-level fins are usually well under the $100 mark. Some people swear that the more you spend on fins, the better the performance, but that’s not always the case.
We recommend looking for a set of fins that fit within your budget. You never know, scuba diving might not be what you expect, and you could fall out of love with it after your first trip. So, spending all that money on expensive fins is a waste because you’ll never get what you paid for them in the secondary market, regardless of their condition.
What Do I Look for In Scuba Fins?
Use
There are two basic styles of scuba fins; split fins and paddle fins. The split fin design encompasses all blade and foot pocket designs, including hinges and split blades. Paddle fins have a solid blade, and they sometimes come with vents below the foot pocket.
Typically, paddle fins are the better choice for moving fast, but they are often uncomfortable to wear on long dive trips or when you’re doing two or three dives a day. Split fins offer you better propulsion provided you can adapt your swimming stroke; they are also more forgiving on your feet.
Fit
The fit of the scuba fin is paramount. If you choose the wrong size, it can dramatically decrease the fun you have in the water. Ill-fitting fins tire your feet out and make them sore.
However, a well-fitted fin feels like an extension of your foot, and the pocket will place no extra pressure on the top of your foot.
Durability
Look at the materials used in the fins design. The best models use two or three different materials in the design. The stiff materials are on the edges to provide rigidity to the blade, while the softer materials are towards the blade’s center to improve propulsion.
Understanding the Different Types of Scuba Fins
There are several styles of dive fins. You get variations in the design of the blades and the foot pockets on all scuba fins, and understanding the right setup ensures you get the best dive experience. When assessing a pair of dive fins, you’re looking at three components.
- Foot pocket – Open or closed.
- Heel strap – Ratchet, steel, or Bungee.
- Blade type – Split, hinged, vented, and more.
These three design elements are what you need to focus on when choosing the right scuba fins for your trip. Let’s look at each of the design features in detail.
Foot Pockets on Scuba Diving Fins
Scuba fins and dive fins come in two different foot pocket designs. You have options for closed or open heels to suit your dive needs. Both open-heel and closed-heel fins come in a wide variety of blade types to suit your underwater activities.
- Closed heel fins (suit use with fin socks or bare feet).
- Open heel fins (suit use with dive booties).
Let’s unpack the differences between these styles.
Closed Heel Fins for Scuba Diving
Closed heel fins aren’t popular with scuba divers. They are the preferred choice for freedivers and spearfishermen. Typically, closed-heel fins have longer blades and less adjustment for your feet, making them unsuitable for scuba.
If you’re diving with closed heel fins, the drop in water temperature and increased pressure at depth will cause your feet to shrink and the fin to fall off. Spearfishermen are only down at depth for a minute or so, so they don’t have to worry about this problem.
Open-Heel Fins for Scuba Diving
The open-heel design of these fins requires you to wear booties. Therefore, when you’re trying on the fins, make sure you bring your booties with you, or you won’t get an accurate fit and assessment of the foot pocket.
If you’re buying online, make sure you give yourself enough time to order the fins, have them arrive, and try them on. If they aren’t the right fit, you’ll still have time to send them back and exchange them for another pair.
Open-heel fins allow for rapid adjustment in the water. IF you feel like your fins are coming loose, reach down and pull the tab to tighten them up.
Heel Straps for Open-Heel Fins
The best scuba fins come with an open-heel design and straps for securing the fin to your foot. Here’s what you need to know when assessing the straps.
Ratchet Heel Straps
Most find have a rachet clip system that allows easy adjustment of the fin to your foot. Just pull on the tabs, and they click into position.
Heel Straps
The heel straps secure your foot to the fin. We recommend looking for models featuring quick-release buckles and click adjustment for easy setup. Some models come with steel heel straps for ultimate strength when securing your foot to the fin.
Pull Tabs
The fins should come with pull tabs or heel posts, allowing you to adjust the fin to your foot while you’re in the water.
Coldwater Compatibility
Some fins are only suitable for use in warm water. If you’re planning a dive trip to colder waters, we recommend checking to see if the fin has a cold water rating before you buy.
Specialty Fin Types for Suba Diving Fins
Scuba fins come in various blade designs. Each of the setups offers you a different experience in the water.
Hinged Fin Blades
These blades rely on an innovative design that allows a larger range of motion in the blade with every stroke. As a result, you get large amounts of thrust without the need to fin hard. They take some getting used to, but when you have your finning technique down, you’ll find they offer you the best dive experience.
Detachable Fin Blades
These fins are ideal for traveling. You can separate the foot pocket and the blade with a set of Allan keys. Fit them in your bag for compact transport.
Vented Scuba Diving Fins
These fins are shorter and wider than most models, featuring vents under the foot pocket. The vents help with wreck diving, preventing you from catching the fins on the edges. They are also a great choice for shore entries. As a result, they are popular with SEAL teams and military applications.
Split Scuba Diving Fins
The split fin is one of the most popular choices. They give you more power per kick, reducing the energy required to propel you through the water. These fins offer high efficiency, helping you conserve your energy and reduce your air usage.
Jet or Channel Scuba Diving Fins
Channel fins shuttle the water across the blade, providing excellent propulsion. They are the more popular choice with divemasters and technical divers. They are heavier than other models, and most of them have longer blades than other designs.
Force Scuba Diving Fins
These fins have a design that looks like a whale tail. They are lightweight, and they give you excellent propulsion. They are a common design choice on professional scuba fins.
Scuba Fins FAQs
Q: What is the difference between snorkeling and scuba fins?
A: Snorkeling fins have shorter blades than scuba fins. Some have closed-heel designs, while the majority have an open-heel construction. Snorkeling fins don’t have the blade strength to fin aggressively; they are better suited to diving shallows in the range of 15-feet to 20-feet.
Q: Do scuba diving fins suit freediving?
A: No, scuba fins are a poor choice for freediving. If you’re a spearo or free diver, you’ll need fins with very long blades to give you the best propulsion possible. However, these fins are difficult to manage when you’re on a scuba trip.
The extra length on the fins catches on the coral and surrounding debris at the bottom. When you’re freediving, you’re finning more than in scuba, and the longer blades help you reach the bottom and surface faster. Typically, freediving fins also feature closed heels, while scuba fins have an open-heel design. Using scuba fins when freediving will tire out your feet much faster.
Q: Is it worth buying expensive scuba diving fins?
A: Buying expensive dive fins gets you the best fin design and blade technology. However, if you’re a newcomer to scuba diving, you can start with an affordable kit to see if you enjoy the sport.
The last thing you want to do is drop hundreds of dollars on fins to find out that you have pressure problems with your ears and can’t scuba dive. Or, maybe you have a bad experience that puts you off the sport. Either way, you’re never going to recover your purchase price in the secondary market.
Q: Where should I buy my scuba diving fins?
A: We recommend buying your fins from Amazon. Amazon offers you fast delivery for Prime members and the best prices online. You get buyer protection on your order and the best range of scuba fins available.
Best Scuba Fins – The Verdict
After reviewing the best scuba fins, it’s time to pull the trigger and select the right pair for your dive trip. If you’re on the fence with your decision, why not go with one of our top picks? We have a set of scuba fins to suit any budget or dive conditions.
- The Best Overall Scuba Fins -Scuba Pro Seawing Nova
- The Best Premium Scuba Fins – TrueFin 110 Dive Fin
- The Best Budget Scuba Fins – Kesida Scuba Fins
