How to Choose Swim Fins
Swimming fins are designed to help swimmers develop a more powerful kick, increase their kick tempo, and improve ankle flexibility. They also help swimmers move through the water faster, which makes them a very attractive piece of swim equipment. Since fins for lap swimmers come in a wide array of styles that vary in length, stiffness, and heel design, this guide helps swimmers choose the fins that best meet their swim practice needs.
Training Fins
The length of the fin blade has a big impact on how it will affect a workout. The longer the blade, the more resistance there will be in the water. That means that the legs have to work harder, but that the swimmers also kicks at a slower rate. Each fin blade length serves a slightly different purpose, explained below.
- Short fins create resistance in the water while forcing the swimmer to use a faster kick, making them ideal for freestylers and backstrokers. Short fins also help swimmers develop proper kicking tempo and technique. Most lap swimmers or swimmers on swim teams use these short "Zoomer" style fins.
- Notched fins (fin blades with a V-cut) are also intended for serious swimmers, as they mimic the natural path of the foot through the water. Most notched fins have the same short blade that promotes proper kicking technique.
- Mono fins and breaststroke fins are rarely used, but certainly have their benefits. Mono fins force swimmers to keep their feet together as they kick, enforcing correct butterfly/dolphin kick movements. Breaststroke fins are curved and allow swimmers to execute a correct breaststroke kick (impossible with traditional straight fins) while increasing resistance.
- The stiffer the fin blade, the more resistance it will provide. While this sounds appealing to those who want to increase leg strength, it also leads to a slower, ineffective kick without fins. Softer fin blade material provides a more natural movement through the water.
- Some fins include channels that direct the flow of water over the foot. The more the fin is designed to mimic the feel of swimming without fins, the more benefit the swimmer will get.
- Long fins are best for young swimmers who are still learning how to move in the water, snorkelers, and recreational swimmers. Long fins improve ankle flexibility and leg endurance.
Fin Heel Styles
Most lap swimming fins are "full foot," meaning they are designed to encase the entire foot like a shoe. However, some models come with an adjustable back heel strap instead. The attributes of different heel styles are explained below.
- Swim fins usually have a "full foot" or closed heel — a soft rubber pocket that helps keep the foot inside the fin while kicking. Because the foot is totally encased in rubber, an improper fit can lead to rubbing and blisters. Carefully look at the size chart before purchasing.
- Open heel fins use a strap across the back of the ankle to keep the fin in place. This usually results in less rubbing on the heel, but may not provide the same secure fit as a full foot fin.
- Some swimmers get blisters from fins. If this happens, wear fin socks. These are specially designed to prevent chafing.
Swim Fin Advice
The right swim fins help their users increase leg strength and develop proper kicking technique. Once you have the right fit and model, you're sure to enjoy the speed and variety fins add to swim practice. Remember, though, that swimming with fins all the time will make it that much harder when you have to take them off.
1 day ago.
1 day ago.
All our swim fins come with standard width measurement. It would be best to get the next size up and purchase swim socks as well. It would be easier to wear a looser swim fins and put on socks than tight swim fins.
5 weeks ago.
I'm 31 and would like to start swimming for exercise but I have a mild form of neuropathy and not strong in the water. Freestyle is difficult for me because I have to lift my arms over my head (unlike breaststroke which is much easier) but I would like to still practice kicking in the water. Which fins would you recommend to strengthen my leg muscles while using a board?
5 weeks ago.
You should check all the training fins that are designed for leg workout - https://www.swimoutlet.com/searchresults.asp?Search=training+fins&checkRealSearchInput=Y#page=1&search=training+fins&catlvl=1&sortby=Relevance&viewall=no
FINIS, Speedo and Sporti brands are our top brands you might want to consider.
1 month ago.
1 month ago.
We recommend pairing it with fin socks.
1 month ago.
Thanks!
1 month ago.
1 month ago.
1 month ago.
We would recommend the start with the longer floating swim fins. However, it is best to get opinion on your doctor first.
1 month ago.
Wear a size 9 shoe. I am swimming about a mile and a half every other day.
Have never used fins. Would like a fin recommendation for freestyle/breast/back stroke. Thank you.
1 month ago.
Since you swim a lot, we recommend the Arena Powerfin Pro Swim Fins with open heel design which does not put much ankle pressure and provides flexibility.
1 month ago.
1 month ago.
We recommend the FINIS Booster Short Blade Floating Junior Swim Fin.
2 months ago.
2 months ago.
We recommend the long fins for him. We have different brands for this kind of fins. You can search "long swim fins" on our website's search box.
2 months ago.
2 months ago.
We recommend the FINIS Z2 Gold Zoomers Swim Fins. Get a size E for him.
3 months ago.
3 months ago.
3 months ago.
3 months ago.
4 months ago.
Your recommendations here are so good. I'd like to get your advice on my need.
I am 57 years old and swim about 1.5-2 miles per workout, about four times a week. I use fins during my workout only for leg strength (and not when I am swimming strokes). I do flutter and fly kicks, mainly.
I had a pair of TYR Flex Fins that felt great (I wore fin socks), but they have finally given out and have tears where my toes press against the fin. Common occurrence. I tried the TYR Crossblades, but they are definitely more for stroke work. And I recently tried the FINIS Zoomers Gold. They also are geared for swimming, and not just leg strength.
My only other consideration is to not get a fin that is too long (you know, like for snorkeling or scuba diving) because they won't fit into my bag. :)
Since the TYR Flex Fins aren't available anymore (at least not at the moment), do you have recommendations on a good fin for my needs/wants?
Thanks.
Michael
4 months ago.
We have the TYR Flex Swim Fins 2.0 avialable here: https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/tyr-flex-swim-fins-20-8193545/?Search=sayt&color=9325
4 months ago.
I saw those and was a hesitant to jump right in on getting them being that they are new and have only a few reviews. I'll try them.
Thanks again.
Michael
4 months ago.
4 months ago.
We recommend that you use the longer swim fins. Here's the list of our best selling swim fins: https://www.swimoutlet.com/swim-fins-c9646/?rd=N&Search=swim%20fins
4 months ago.
5 months ago.
5 months ago.
We are recommending the "Sporti Floating Swim Fins" for you.
7 months ago.
Thank you
7 months ago.
7 months ago.
For more propulsion you will want to start out with Long Fins. These are going to help you with your technique as well as your kicks.
7 months ago.
5 months ago.
5 months ago.
For strong water currents, we advise to use a long-bladed swim fins especially the diving version ones.
8 months ago.
8 months ago.
Unfortunately, we do not carry wide version of swim fins at this time. However, you may try to check our adult swim fins on this link - https://www.swimoutlet.com/searchresults.asp?Search=mens+swim+fins&checkRealSearchInput=Y#page=1&search=mens+swim+fins&catlvl=1&sortby=Relevance&viewall=no.
In order to determine the proper fit. please take the necessary measurements/shoe size and then compare it to the appropriate sizing chart. Sizing charts can be found at the very bottom of any page you are on or above the Size menu on the product page.
8 months ago.
8 months ago.
We recommend a swim fin with wide and short blades like the FINIS Zoomers Gold Swim Fins or the Arena Powerfin Pro Swim Fins.
8 months ago.
8 months ago.
The longer fins are supposed to help with your technique and allow for longer kicks. The shorter blade will up your workout as you will kick more to go further.
9 months ago.
9 months ago.
9 months ago.
8 months ago.
8 months ago.
8 months ago.
9 months ago.
8 months ago.
We recommend the "FINIS Z2 Gold Zoomers Swim Fins" for you.
11 months ago.
My daughter will be turning 6 and is in swimming lessons. She can swim under the water now and they used fins in class. She loves them. I dont want to get the shoe slip on kind as her feet keep growing. What would you suggest for her? I dont want the normal snorkel long fin style like we use for when we scuba dive. thanks!
10 months ago.
We recommend the "Sporti Floating Swim Fins". The size is comparable to the shoe sizes.
https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/sporti-floating-swim-fins-color-23059