Increase Your Speed with the Best Swim Fins in 2022
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Mares Italian Design Clipper Snorkeling Swim Fins -
Hydro Tech 2 Ocean Swim Fins -
Mares Razor Pro Spearfishing Freediving Long Blade Swim Fins -
AERIS Mako Adjustable Strap Swim Fins -
Mares Avanti Quattro Plus Open Heel Bungee Strap Swim Fins -
Buyer's Guide
Finding a good pair of swim fins really comes down to a matter of personal preference and need. Some are built for speed, some are made to be strapped over scuba boots, some are full-footed or open-heeled, and some are designed with a split-fin instead of a traditional non-split fin. So when searching for your pair of swim fins, keep in mind what you'll be using them for. Also, always choose a pair that is snug but without pinching your toes or heels. If you intend on wearing them over scuba boots, try purchasing your boots at the same time you buy your fins so you can try them on together.
We've put together a list of what we think are the top swim fins on the market. There is also an additional buying guide at the bottom to help you pick out the right swim fins for you- check it out now!
Our Top Five Swim Fins On the Market
Mares Italian Design Clipper Snorkeling Swim Fins - Best Swim Fins Overall
While most quality fins are developed for specific water conditions (i.e. warm water, heavy waves or smooth surfaces), the Mares Avanti Superchannel Full-Foot fins are designed for all situations. Take them anywhere and you can't go wrong. It may be true that there are some that are more powerful or more luxurious but none are nearly as versatile without sacrificing pure quality. Featuring Mares' Channel Thrust Technology, this new blade is created by combining a large central superchannel with two smaller lateral channels to maximize thrust and efficiency while reducing leg fatigue. These fins are made of Tecralene and Thermoplastic rubber for durability and an orthopedic foot pocket for superior comfort. Experience the full advantage of the Avanti Superchannel Full-Foot fins to understand the true meaning of versatility.
Hydro Tech 2 Ocean Swim Fins - Runner Up
Self-proclaimed "World's Best Swim and Surf Fin" but with good reason, Da FIN is an open-heel fin that is the official swim fin of the United States Lifesaving Association. These fins are arguably the most durable on the market as they are capable of handling the most rugged surf with relative ease. The side rails on Da FIN angle halfway down the blade to force the fin to bend at a critical point for optimum acceleration. The v-shaped foot pocket and the rigid blade work together to create more thrust per kick for maximum acceleration. This innovative design allows Da FIN to be surprisingly powerful for such a lightweight fin. Another added benefit is that as there's no left or right footed fin, they can be interchanged between each foot. If Da FIN is good enough for lifeguards to use then it shouldn't be overlooked.
Mares Razor Pro Spearfishing Freediving Long Blade Swim Fins - Honorable Mention
This full-foot dive fin from Mares is fast, comfortable and stylish. Designed specifically for warm-water scuba diving, you will appreciate the sheer power these swim fins will generate. The Instinct Pro features a tapered-section technopolymer blade that is made to create a channeling effect with the water. Micro-ribbing along the blade allows for maximum efficiency while the "V" blade prevents slippage. Not only will you attain optimum speed but you'll feel good wearing these as Mares takes it's time perfecting comfort before and during a dive. Trust your instincts and give the Mares Instinct Pro Dive Fins a try.
AERIS Mako Adjustable Strap Swim Fins - Consider
One of the best for simple value alone, the Aeris Velocity Full-Foot Swim Fins are for those who want an exceptional fin without breaking the bank. Not as powerful as any of the others on this list, however, these fins are an affordable option for those wanting to start up in the sport at water level. These fins include Aeris' unique Power Enhancing Vents which redirects water flow to reduce leg stress and optimizes velocity. The advanced composite materials are ergonomically designed for ideal fin flexibility. And at only 2.5 pounds per pair, they are extremely lightweight. For a fast and light fin that gives you your basic diving needs, look no further than the Aeris Velocity Full Foot Fins. Also, these come in an Open-Heel version for those wanting to put them over scuba boots.
Mares Avanti Quattro Plus Open Heel Bungee Strap Swim Fins - Best Swim Fins
Best for swim boots, these open-heel fins are designed to maintain power and comfort while reducing exertion. Split fins allow for less strain on the legs than traditional fins and, as such, improves a diver's endurance and subsequent air consumption. The Raptor's innovative hydrofoil design made of elastic materials with double layered construction is the ultimate in fin technology. Mares' own Adjustable Binding System allows users to release these fins with one finger. These fins come with Mares Full Manufacturer's Warranty. Hunt down the Mares Raptor Split Fins and you won't be disappointed.
Buyer's Guide
What Are Swim Fins?
Swim fins, or flippers, are a type of swimming accessory that is shaped like a fin and are designed to enhance your swimming experience and make you move more smoothly in the water. They are known to greatly enhance the speed and reduce the time it takes for you to complete a lap in the swimming pool.
Swim fins are useful for people who are training for professional or college-level swimming competitions, and they are also beneficial for people who swim as a means to stay fit or build endurance for playing sports.
Why Is It Important to Have Swim Fins?
Swim fins are known to help people experience much higher speeds as they are swimming, mainly due to their streamlined design. One of the major benefits of using swim fins is that they reduce the pressure exerted on your shoulders as you swim forwards. By using swim fins during a workout, you experience less pressure and in the long run, this helps you develop more endurance and shoulder strength.
Another reason why swim fins are important is that they shape up your legs and help you develop more overall strength. By combating the resistance felt due to water pressure, you can perfect your kicks and down kicks, which propel you forward with much more force and help you complete your lap in the least time possible.
Last but not least, swim fins are highly useful in enhancing your swimming technique and body position, which will help you swim better even without them. Therefore, swim fins are very important if you want to improve your performance and win every tournament that you participate in.
History of Swim Fins
Swim fins have been around for nearly a hundred years now, but their earliest version was invented by Benjamin Franklin in the early 1700s since he was an avid swimmer from his childhood. However, his version of the swim fins was made from thin pieces of wood and they were worn on the hands.
The swim fins were given a modern redesign by the French inventor, Louis de Corlieu, in 1914. He manufactured the first prototype of his design for a couple of navy officers, who found these swim fins to be particularly useful while swimming. After leaving the navy to work on his invention, Louis registered a patent in 1933.
By 1939, swim fins were already in mass production and became largely popular. Soon after, different versions and designs of swim fins were being produced throughout the world. The first full-foot swim fin was designed by Luigi Ferraro, who developed it in collaboration with Cressi-sub, an Italian company that made diving gear.
Today, certain international standards are used to manufacture swim fins, and they are an essential part of every swimmer’s gear.
Things to Consider Before Buying Swim Fins
When you are looking for the best swim fins to help you bring your A-game in swimming, there are numerous factors that you must keep in mind to evaluate each of the options you come across. Here are the main factors that come into play:
Type
Since their invention and mass production, swim fins have taken numerous shapes and designs, each of which is suited for swimmers and divers of different kinds. If you read the product description of a certain pair of swim fins, you would find which type they belong to. Some of the common types are fins, monofins, full-foot fins, open heel fins, paddle fins, split fins, and many others.
Apart from these, you can also find a few variations made to the standard types of swim fins, and you can easily decide which one is more suited to your weight, body position, and swimming technique.
Length
When you are training with swim fins, their length plays a major role in the process. This is why you need to evaluate this factor closely when you have to choose between different products. Nearly all of the fins look the same and their purpose is to make you swim faster in water, their length determines how well you will be able to kick up and down.
You might think that the longer the fin, the more speed or lightweight it will be, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule. Longer fins may make it difficult for you to kick without feeling a lot of pressure or turning over. For professional swimmers, shorter fins are much more effective for them to train properly.
Heel type
Swim fins come with both open heel and closed heel types, and each of them has its distinct advantages and downsides. Usually, competition-grade swim fins have closed heels, but that is slowly changing, as you can see swim fins with open heels and an ankle strap to adjust it around your foot becoming more and more common.
Open heel swim fins are adjustable and give your feet some space to breathe and feel comfortable. Plus, the closed heel variants can dig into your skin, especially when the swim fins are too tight.
Fin stiffness
Another factor that comes into play while choosing the best swim fins is their stiffness or rigidness. If you are looking at different products on the internet, you wouldn’t be able to feel them for stiffness, but you can make use of the product description and customer reviews to find out about this.
Having very stiff swim fins can be detrimental to your training, as they will make it harder for you to kick underwater. Plus, stiffer fins will dig into your feet and become really uncomfortable after some time. However, the stiffer the fin, the more it will help you in developing strength and endurance.
Material
As is the case with most products, you also have to take the materials from which the swim fins are made into consideration. Typically, high-quality swim fins are made from either silicone or rubber. Silicone is much softer and more durable than rubber, and it also has a good feel, which prevents you from getting blisters on your feet.
Rubber swim fins are also durable and can help you develop your technique over time, but they are comparatively less comfortable to wear.
Some Fin Buyers Also Ask
How should I take care of my swim fins?
One of the most important care tips is to never wear your swim fins when you aren’t in the water. If you walk while wearing them, they will be more prone to damage.
Can I find swim fins that are made for kids?
Yes, you can, and they are designed to help your child feel comfortable as they learn how to swim for the first time.
How do you store swim fins?
Swim fins are supposed to be stored in a room or closet that isn’t exposed to direct sunlight. Plus, they should be stored separately from other swimming gear.
