Nothing beats the rush of training in your new swim fins. For a moment, you get to feel like an Olympic champion. To say the least, the speed and power that swim fins provide are simply amazing.
If you’ve gone swim fin shopping before, I don’t need to tell you how much of a hustle it can be. Browsing through hundreds of products while eliminating those that don’t suit you is the best and only way to guarantee that you acquire high-quality swim fins.
The problem with this method is that it often takes a lot of time and energy. The time that you would have otherwise spent getting better at your swim game or showing off your awesome pool skills. Another downside of going with this method is that if you don’t know what exactly to look for, you might end up buying a pair that will make swimming even less comfortable than it already is without fins.
So, we thought, why not make it simpler for you. After all, we have vast experience in everything that has to do with pools, you name it, and we’ll tell you about it!
In this post, we have reviewed ten of the best swim fins on the market, so without further ado, let’s jump straight to it.
Contents
- 1 10 Best Swim Fins:
- 1.1 1. FINIS Training Swim Fins
- 1.2 2. TYR SPORT EBP Burner Fin
- 1.3 3. Aqua Sphere Alphafin Eva Foam Fin
- 1.4 4. Arena Powerfin Hook Swim Training Fins
- 1.5 5. Speedo Biofuse Swim Training Fins
- 1.6 6. TYR SPORT CrossBlade Training Fin
- 1.7 7. Arena Powerfin PRO Swim Training Fins
- 1.8 8. Churchill Makapuu Swim fins
- 1.9 9. Sea Lion Junior Floating Fins
- 1.10 10. BPS Short-Blade Adjustable Swim Fins/Flippers
- 2 Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Swim Fins
- 3 Swim Fins FAQ
- 4 Conclusion
10 Best Swim Fins:
1. FINIS Training Swim Fins
- Made of durable, flexible silicone
- Designed to match the natural shape of a human foot
- Weigh only three pounds
- Come in different sizes
- Bold yellow colour
- Made of rubber
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
At the top of our list are these beautiful, bright yellow swim fins from Zoomer. Apart from the fact that they obviously look good, they are super comfortable on your feet, meaning you can train all day without straining your feet.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a newbie or expert swimmer. FINIS swim fins are ideal for swimming competitions and fitness programs too.
The fins have pretty short blades meaning you’ll be relying on shorter kicks to gain speed. Another awesome thing about these fins is that they are fitted so as you kick, your heel will be flexed, thus creating more hyper-flexion between your leg and foot.
Their design compliments the natural shape of the foot. That, along with their short length, makes them the perfect swim fins for practicing.
What are consumers saying?
Consumers are impressed by their design and functionality. There are, however, some complaints about the chart provided. Some consumers say that after following the chart and making their order, the fins turned up to be oversized.
Pros
- Match the natural foot shape
- Natural, soft rubber feel
- Excellent kick to thrust proportion
- Flexible
Cons
- The toe area van causes a bit of friction between the fin and your foot.
2. TYR SPORT EBP Burner Fin
- Closed heel design
- Short-blade design
- Feature a wall gripper
- The perfect fins for training at race cadence
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
If you are training to be a racer, then you better check out these swim fins. The short-blade design of these fins enable you to make shorter, faster kicks, thus mimicking the race day pace.
I mentioned training, so I bet you’re asking yourself, what makes them the perfect swim fins for beginners? Well, here’s your answer. The swim fins are short. This gives you the room to make flawless strokes while at the same time giving you excellent propulsion.
Are you worried about spraining your foot soft muscles? Well, don’t be. Their foot pockets help inhibit foot strains and at the same time, help you build your ankle strength efficiently.
These swim fins are made of highly buoyant ultra-soft rubber. The buoyancy provided by these swim fins assists you retain a raised body position in the water. It also maximizes the effectiveness of each swim stroke you make and reduces body drag, thus enabling you to go faster, easier.
Their closed heel design makes them fit more comfortably and securely, thus minimizing fatigue and pressure around your ankles and tendons during kicks. The fins also come equipped with a wall gripper footpad. It helps keep your foot in place during push-offs and flip-turns.
What are the consumers saying?
Consumers say that these swim fins are super comfortable and offer excellent propulsion, especially in speed training. There are, however, some concerns about the size being too small.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Highly buoyant
- Perfect for speed training
Cons
- If not sized correctly, they can cause blisters.
3. Aqua Sphere Alphafin Eva Foam Fin
- Made of non-absorbent EVA foam
- Designed to mimic the shape of the right and left foot
- The nature of the blade increases water resistance
- Offer an isolate leg workout.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
Do you regularly engage in other workouts and find your legs sinking while you swim due to exhaustion? Well, if you do, we present the Aqua Sphere Alphafin Eva Foam Fins. Their design and superb buoyancy make them among the best snorkelling fins on the market.
They are built from non-porous EVA material that is non-absorbent. These properties make them highly buoyant, thus enabling your feet to float on the water effortlessly. They also assist you better your kick and body position.
The design of the blade on these fins is meant to increase water resistance which makes you use more effort when kicking. This, in turn, help build your leg muscles. The blades also channel water in a way that enables you to focus on stability and maximize your kick power.
Unlike most swim fins out there, the Aqua Spheres are specially designed to duplicate the shape of your right and left foot, thus providing you with unparalleled support and excellent arch support. The blade design also decreases the likelihood of muscle cramping.
What are the consumers saying?
Many consumers find them very comfortable and great for exercise. Some consumers, however, find them too buoyant which makes them swim “weirdly”.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Super buoyant
- Help improve the strength of your legs
- Improve body position and foam
Cons
- They do not provide a much speed as other swim fins.
4. Arena Powerfin Hook Swim Training Fins
- Made of 100% silicone
- Perfect for sprint sets, freestyle and backstroke
- Soft silicone pocket for added comfort
- Diamond-shaped, short-blade design
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
It doesn’t matter what level of swimmer you are. These swim practice fins will help you advance your flutter swim kicks for speed and agility in the water.
The Arena swim fins have an aqua sole design that offers a very secure grip and propulsion. These short-bladed swim fins are built from pure silicone that prevents blisters and guarantees you absolute comfort.
The stiff, short blades create a lot of water resistance, thus exercising your leg muscles. Your kicks thus become stronger and more accurate. The short blade design also comes in handy when doing backstrokes, sprints and freestyle sets.
Another awesome thing about these practice swim fins is their diamond shape. It permits you to fortify your calves and ankles as you practice swimming at great speeds. Their soft silicone pocket also provides you with a comfortable fit so you can go about swimming as long as you want without exerting too much stress on your ankles.
What do consumers have to say?
Consumers like the amount of water resistance offered by these swim fins since its good for their leg exercises. They also like the bright colours they come in. There are, however, some concerns regarding the stiffness and weight of these swim fins.
Pros
- Comfortable fit and grip
- Great propulsion
- Suitable for both beginner and professional swimmers
- Great for leg and cardiac exercise
Cons
- Finding the size that fits you perfectly can be a bit challenging.
5. Speedo Biofuse Swim Training Fins
- Stiff toe edges
- Stiff blade material helps build power and strength
- Short-blade design
- Non-chaffed contoured foot pockets
- Latex-free
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
If you are a newbie or trying to advance your swimming techniques, then these might just be the swimming flippers you need to up your game. They are made from a soft and hard material that offers excellent resistance and great comfort for superb training sessions.
With these swim fins, you no longer have to worry about allergens and irritations. They are made from latex-free silicone which apart from being super comfortable, is eco-friendly.
The design of the silicon blade on these swim fins is amazing. It not only increases water resistance but also permits you to match-up your strokes accordingly, thus increasing your kick strength and speed.
If you regularly swim in open waters, then you’ll appreciate how resilient these fins are to chlorine and sunlight hence making them more durable in any environment. The swim fins foot pockets are very comfortable on your feet. Unfortunately, the stiffness of the toe edges can cause them to rub against your toes.
What do the consumers have to say?
Consumers love the water resistance offered by these swim fins. There are, however, a few complaints about the size chart being inaccurate and only featuring men’s sizes.
Pros
- Made of latex-free silicone
- Longer blade
- Snug fit
- Non-chaffed contoured foot pocket
Cons
- The toe edges are hard and stiff.
6. TYR SPORT CrossBlade Training Fin
- Mid-range size
- Multi-purpose
- Made of firm rubber
- Tight foot pockets
- Designed as a multi-purpose, all-around practice/training fin
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
When you look at these swim fins, the first thing you’ll notice is their classic simplicity. But don’t let that fool you. They are designed to perform well in all aspects of swimming strokes, thus making them perfect for practice.
The fins are built for several purposes. They come in a mid-range and mid sizes. With these swim blades, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds. They give you both speed and water resistance, thus enabling you to gather more leg power and better your swimming skills efficiently.
These swim fins from TYR Sports are made of a firm rubber that enables you to take quicker and potent kicks. Another impressive thing about these swim fins is their foot pocket. It moulds around your foot firmly and comfortably, thus eliminating ankle pain that is usually caused by low-quality pockets.
On the downside, the foot pocket is a bit tight hence not suitable for swimming for long periods. Also, since they are very tight, you need to put them on while you are in the water. Otherwise, these are pretty good swim fins.
What do the consumers have to say?
Consumers find them super convenient for swim workouts but are disappointed by their sizing.
Pros
- Build leg strength
- Provide great speed
- Flexible foot pocket
- Suitable for both beginners and experts
Cons
- Not very comfortable when worn for a long duration
7. Arena Powerfin PRO Swim Training Fins
- These are the fins all professional swimmers have been waiting for
- Innovative design for a faster leg kick and better control
- Made of 100% silicone
- Hydrodynamic slits
- The vertical leg kick allows you both to control your body position and make sure you are performing a proper leg kick
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
If you go shopping for all-around swim training fins, then these might just be the product for you. The swim fins feature a remarkable open-heeled design with a slanted surface. They also have hydrodynamic slits at the top that offer you excellent ankle flexibility, thus enabling you to move up quicker with more power and precise leg kicks.
They are made of pure silicone which makes them more durable and comfortable. The flexibility they offer also minimizes your chances of getting blisters. These swim fins from Arena will assist you to better your swimming skills as you use them for training your legs.
What do the consumers have to say?
Consumers find them very comfortable and convenient for training. They, however, have a design flaw that causes them to rip. Some consumers also say that that the fin size runs small.
Pros
- Great ankle flexibility
- Open heeled design with a sloping surface
- Durable
- Soft
Cons
- The fin size runs small.
8. Churchill Makapuu Swim fins
- Drain hole
- Made of 100% natural rubber
- Eco-friendly
- Dolphin-tail design
- CLASSIC Drainage hole on the bottom of the fins for water rocks and sand to escape, Men Small: 5 - 6. 5 - Women Small: 6. 5 - 8
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
This is our favourite pick for bodyboarders and body surfers. They come from a reputable brand, so you know that quality is guaranteed. These swim fins from Churchill are made from 100% natural rubber that is eco-friendly and very buoyant.
These open-heel swim fins have an exceptional dolphin tail design that provides you with more powerful thrusts and faster speeds. Their design also comes in handy when surfing as it provides you with enough speed for catching waves.
Both the right and left fins have different shapes and are labelled to avoid confusion. Their blade is firm enough for good kick power while the rubber that safeguards your foot is smooth for added comfort. They also have side rails that provide extra kick power.
Another notable feature in these swim fins is the drain hole that helps get rid of sand, water and seaweed. Considering all that they have to offer this is a pretty good pick.
What do the consumers have to say?
Consumers find them super comfortable and convenient. There are, however, a few concerns about the strap being too small.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Great kick power
- Excellent acceleration and control
- Buoyant
- Great quality
Cons
- When on a massive wipeout your toes can get stuck in the drain holes
9. Sea Lion Junior Floating Fins
- Closed heel
- Short blade
- Compact size
- Buoyant
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
If you have a kid that’s into swimming, you should probably consider getting them these swim fins. They are available in a variety of sizes ranging between 3 and 13. Also, their buoyance helps keep your kids afloat.
They have comfortable full foot pockets that provide your kid with a comfy and protected fit. Their sturdy, buoyant rubber helps improve their swimming performance, and the material is very durable.
Their compact size makes them easy to transport. You can throw them in your travel bag, and you’re good to go.
What do the consumers have to say?
Apart from a few complaints about the sizing of these swim fins, most consumers find them super comfortable and convenient.
Pros
- Compact
- Snug fit
- Made from a sturdy rubber
- Suitable for kids
Cons
- The size is a bit small, and the material tends to scratch easily.
10. BPS Short-Blade Adjustable Swim Fins/Flippers
- Made of thermoplastic and polypropylene rubber material
- Open heel design with an easy pull-and-click adjusting mechanism
- Lightweight
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
If you are searching for a pair of super-convenient swim fin at an affordable price, then you’ve got to check these out.
The swim fins come in an open unique design and also feature a click and pull mechanism that comes in handy when you want to adjust their size to fit your foot. The click and pull mechanism also makes it easy to put them on and take them off.
They are built from highly quantitative materials like thermoplastic rubber and polypropylene, which makes them very durable.
What do consumers have to say?
Consumer love how well they fit. There are, however, a few complaints about their comfort.
Pros
- Awesome adjustment mechanism
- Anti-slip soul helps delay fatigue
- Very portable
Cons
- They don’t come in many sizes.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Swim Fins
1. Comfort
You should know the type of swim fins that suit your preference best. Swim fins come in two designs; closed foot and strapped.
Closed foot designs enclose your entire foot while strapped design leaves your foot free and straps to your heel or ankle.
You should also take note that the contact between your heel and the fin has a direct effect on your foam and comfort.
2. Size of fins
The size of fins has a direct influence on your speed and the amount of water resistance. Swim fins come in three sizes: long, intermediate, and short-blade.
Long blades offer maximum speed while short-blades give you a more natural feel and maximum water resistance. Intermediate sized blades give you both worlds. You get both moderate water resistance and speed.
3. The type of swimming you want to engage in
If you want to go for casual swimming, you should go for short-blade swim fins. They offer comfort and don’t strain your legs too much. However, if you want speed, then you should go for long-blade swim fins.
4. Buoyancy
Buoyant swim fins help your legs float better. They are also harder to get lost since they don’t sink in water.
5. Quality
Blisters and chafing are major turn offs during a swimming workout. They mostly result from wearing swim fins made of low-quality materials. You should, therefore, go for those made of high-quality materials like silicone and rubber since they are more forgiving on your feet.
Recommended for read: The best swim paddles and best swim jammers
Swim Fins FAQ
Why are swim fins so important?
Swim fins help you learn how to swim faster. They also aid in leg exercises due to the water resistance they provide.
Do swim fins help in developing physical endurance?
The most straightforward answer here is an absolute yes! Swim fins, especially short-blade swim fins, generate a lot of water resistance. The water resistance causes you to use more effort when kicking. This, in turn, helps you build your leg muscles and also exercise your heart.
How fast can I go with swim fins?
Swim fins increase the surface area of your feet. This, in turn, increases your thrust force, thus making you go faster. Some swim fins can make you go as fast as 33 miles per hour.
How do I know the size of swim fins that fit me when ordering online?
All online stores and swim fin manufacturing website provide a chart that you can use to determine the most appropriate size for you.
Conclusion
Swim fins are an essential swimming accessory for all levels of swimmers. They not only help you swim faster, but also improve your swimming exercise.
In the article, we have reviewed ten of the finest swim fins on the market. We have chosen the FINIS Training Swim Fins as our top pick due to their comfort and convenience in functionality.
If they don’t suit your preference or budget, you can pick any other swim fin on the list especially the second and third or check out more options at your favourite store. When doing that, remember to keep the factors that we have discussed in the buying guide section in mind. Good luck in your shopping and remember always to keep safe!
