Let’s face it, we humans are not designed to swim effortlessly underwater. It takes tremendous energy and effort for us to move through the water.
But having the best scuba fins can save you energy, air, and unnecessary hassle. The right pair should feel like natural appendages, powerfully propelling you forward with each little thrust.
The fins that work best for you will be determined by your swimming style, where you will be diving, dive conditions, and your budget.
To make your choice easier, we’ve rounded up what we think are the best scuba diving fins available today, as well as a buyer’s guide to help you find the right fins to fit your diving needs.
Best Scuba Diving Fins for 2025
The best scuba fins for you will depend on your scuba diving environment, where you plan to dive, and dive conditions. With countless options to choose from, to make your choice easy, we’ve grouped our picks for the best scuba diving fins into different fin designs and use cases.
Still not sure what fits best for you? Do you need buying advice? Take a look at our Buying Guide.
1
Best All-Around
Mares Avanti Quattro+
2
Best All-Around
Scubapro MK25 EVO/S620TI
3
Best Power and Durability
Scubapro Jet
4
Best Split Fins
Atomic Aquatics Split fins
5
Best for Efficiently
Scubapro Seawing Nova
6
Best Barefoot Travel Fins
Aqualung Storm
7
Best Maneuverability and Power
Hollis F1 LT
8
Best for Beginners
Cressi Frog Plus
9
Best Modular Travel Fins
TUSA Hyflex Switch
10
Mares X-Stream
Scuba Fins Review
When it comes to choosing your fins, a comfortable pair of fins is just as important as a comfortable mask. It is one of the most important pieces of equipment you will own.
Below you will find our Scuba Fins Reviews, each pair of fins we’ve chosen is of the highest quality and work great for the type of diving they were designed for.
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Best for Travel
Overall Score:
4.5/5
Manufacturer: Scubapro
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Scubapro Go Sport at these recommended retailers:
Comfort
Comfortable boot-fit design, ergonomic foot pocket, secure bungee strap
Performance
Strong thrust for a travel fin, handles moderate currents well
Build Quality
100% Monprene® construction, very resistant to wear and damage
Ease of Use
Easy don/doff with bungee strap, travel-friendly, customizable skegs
Value for Money
Higher price but justified by durability and performance
The Scubapro GO Sport Fins are a dependable option for divers who want gear that travels well without compromising on durability or comfort. Their compact size and lightweight build make them easy to pack, while the Monprene® construction ensures they stand up to repeated use in both tropical and temperate waters.
The open-heel design with a bungee strap makes them versatile and comfortable with boots, adding extra stability and protection that full-foot travel fins can’t match. Features like the power bars and optional skegs enhance efficiency and tracking, giving the fins more control than most travel-friendly models.
They don’t deliver the raw thrust of larger fins, and the price is higher than some competitors, but for traveling divers who value reliability and performance, the GO Sport stands out. These fins offer a smart balance of portability, comfort, and durability, making them a trusted companion for dive trips around the world.
Read the Full Review
What We Like:
✅ Lightweight and travel-friendly
✅ Comfortable open-heel foot pocket for boots
✅ Durable Monprene® construction
✅ Easy bungee strap system
✅ Optional skegs for stability and customization
What We Don't Like:
❌ Less thrust than larger, heavier fins
❌ Higher price compared to some travel fins
❌ Bulkier than full-foot travel fins
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Scubapro Go Sport at these recommended retailers:
Best Barefoot Travel Fins
Overall Score:
4.2/5
Manufacturer: Aqualung
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Aqualung Storm at these recommended retailers:
Comfort
Comfortable barefoot use, snug bungee strap, smooth pocket.
Performance
Good in calm water and training, less power in strong currents.
Build Quality
One-piece Monprene is tough, long-lasting, and low-maintenance.
Ease of Use
Lightweight, compact, easy strap system, very travel-friendly.
Value for Money
Well-priced for travel fins, best for warm-water and recreational use.
The Aqualung Storm fins are a lightweight, compact option designed for warm-water divers, travelers, and snorkelers. Their standout feature is the barefoot-ready open-heel pocket combined with a tough one-piece Monprene build. They’re easy to pack, easy to use, and durable enough for repeated dives in tropical conditions.
Strengths include their comfort, travel-friendliness, quick bungee strap system, and wide range of sizes and colors. On the flip side, the short blade limits power in strong currents, and they aren’t a fit for cold-water diving with thick boots.
For divers who value convenience, simplicity, and reliability over raw performance, the Storm fins deliver excellent value. They’re best suited to casual and recreational use, training, and trips where space and weight matter most.
Read the Full Review
What We Like:
✅ Comfortable barefoot fit
✅ Lightweight and compact for travel
✅ Durable one-piece Monprene design
✅ Quick bungee strap system
✅ Wide range of sizes and colors
What We Don't Like:
❌ Limited thrust in strong currents
❌ Not suitable for cold-water diving
❌ Short blade limits performance for deep or technical dives
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Aqualung Storm at these recommended retailers:
Overall Score:
4.2/5
Manufacturer: Mares
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Mares X-Stream at these recommended retailers:
Comfort
Soft foot pocket, secure bungee strap, comfortable with booties
Performance
Strong thrust, efficient across different kicks, holds well in current
Build Quality
Solid tri-material build, maintains stiffness over time
Ease of Use
Easy don/doff, lightweight for travel, versatile in conditions
Value for Money
High price, but worth it for frequent or advanced divers
The Mares X-Stream fins are designed for divers who want a mix of performance and comfort without adding bulk. Their OPB blade system provides steady thrust, the riddled foot pocket reduces drag, and the bungee strap makes them easy to handle in and out of the water.
Strengths include efficiency, comfort, and durability. They handle different kick styles well and hold up to frequent use. The lightweight build also makes them travel-friendly.
On the downside, they come at a premium price and require a short adjustment period for divers new to stiff blades.
Overall, the X-Stream fins are best for experienced recreational and technical divers who log regular dives and value reliable gear. They deliver efficiency and comfort that can make a noticeable difference across different dive conditions.
Read the Full Review
What We Like:
✅ Efficient power with OPB blade system
✅ Comfortable foot pocket and bungee strap
✅ Lightweight for travel yet durable
✅ Works well in various dive conditions
What We Don't Like:
❌ Higher price than most recreational fins
❌ Takes a few dives to adjust to the stiffness
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Mares X-Stream at these recommended retailers:
Best All-Around
Overall Score:
4.6/5
Manufacturer: Mares
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Mares Avanti Quattro+ at these recommended retailers:
Comfort
Secure fit with boots, comfortable pocket, flexible bungee strap. Slightly snug for wider feet.
Performance
Excellent thrust in all kick styles, reliable in strong currents and long swims.
Build Quality
Strong Tecralene blade and durable rubber. Holds up well under frequent use.
Ease of Use
Bungee strap makes donning/doffing easy. Moderate weight works well for travel and diving.
Value for Money
Higher price than entry-level fins, but long-lasting with professional-level performance.
The Mares Avanti Quattro + stands out as a fin that blends power, efficiency, and durability. Its four-channel blade design delivers reliable thrust, while the bungee strap system adds comfort and convenience. The materials are built to last, and the fin adapts well to different kick styles, giving divers flexibility in varied environments.
Strengths include strong propulsion, long-term durability, and an easy-to-use strap system. Weaknesses are its heavier weight for travel, a foot pocket that may feel snug for wider feet, and a higher price compared to entry-level models.
These fins are aimed at recreational and advanced divers who want a balance of performance and comfort. They’re also trusted by professionals for their reliability in challenging conditions. For divers who need fins that can handle both everyday dives and demanding situations, the Avanti Quattro + offers excellent overall value.
Read the Full Review
What We Like:
✅ Strong thrust from four-channel blade
✅ Comfortable fit with secure bungee strap
✅ Durable materials built to last
✅ Works well with multiple kick styles
What We Don't Like:
❌ Heavier than lightweight travel fins
❌ Foot pocket can feel tight on wider feet
❌ Higher price compared to entry-level fins
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Mares Avanti Quattro+ at these recommended retailers:
Best for Efficiently
Overall Score:
4.6/5
Manufacturer: Scubparo
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Scubapro Seawing Nova at these recommended retailers:
Comfort
Comfortable foot pocket, secure bungee strap, minimal fatigue on long dives
Performance
Excellent thrust, smooth kicks, strong in currents
Build Quality
Monprene® construction, reinforced hinge, long-lasting under heavy use
Ease of Use
Easy donning/doffing, stable grip pads, versatile in different conditions
Value for Money
Higher price point but justified by performance and longevity
The Scubapro Seawing Nova combines unique design with reliable performance. Its hinged blade produces strong thrust while keeping effort low, and the comfortable foot pocket with bungee strap makes it easy to wear throughout long dives. Built from durable Monprene®, it’s designed to last for years of heavy use.
Strengths include excellent propulsion, comfort, and versatility across different kick styles. Weaknesses are its higher price, slight buoyancy, and the fact that it’s not the lightest travel fin.
These fins are best suited for divers who log frequent dives and want gear that balances power, efficiency, and durability. If you value long-term reliability and smooth performance in the water, the Seawing Nova is a solid investment.
Read the Full Review
What We Like:
✅ Strong propulsion with less effort
✅ Comfortable fit with bungee strap
✅ Durable Monprene® construction
✅ Easy donning and doffing
✅ Versatile across kick styles
What We Don't Like:
❌ Premium price
❌ Slight positive buoyancy
❌ Not the lightest travel option
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Scubapro Seawing Nova at these recommended retailers:
Best Power and Durability
Overall Score:
4.4/5
Manufacturer: Scubapro
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Scubapro Jet at these recommended retailers:
Comfort
Wide pocket fits thick boots well; spring strap adds security. Can feel loose with thin boots.
Performance
Strong thrust and precise control in frog, back, and helicopter kicks. Less efficient for long flutter swims.
Build Quality
Solid rubber build lasts for decades with heavy use
Ease of Use
Heavy to carry, but stable underwater. Spring strap makes donning and doffing simple.
Value for Money
Not the cheapest, but excellent long-term investment for serious divers.
Scubapro Jet Fins are not just another piece of dive gear. They are a classic design that has stood the test of time for more than 50 years and continue to be trusted by military, commercial, and technical divers. The heavy-duty rubber construction and vented paddle blade provide a combination of raw power and precise control that few fins can match.
Their strengths are clear. They excel in challenging conditions, whether you are fighting strong currents, running a dry suit, or navigating inside wrecks and caves. The negative buoyancy keeps your feet planted and stable, while the rugged build ensures they last through decades of diving. Many divers report using the same pair for years with little more than cosmetic wear.
These fins are not perfect. They are heavy to travel with, less efficient for long flutter kicks on the surface, and the wide foot pocket can feel oversized for thinner boots. But for serious divers who prioritize reliability and underwater performance over lightweight convenience, they remain one of the best investments you can make in fins.
Read the Full Review
What We Like:
✅ Strong thrust and precise control
✅ Extremely durable rubber construction
✅ Stable with dry suits and heavy gear
✅ Quick and secure spring strap option
What We Don't Like:
❌ Heavy and not travel-friendly
❌ Less efficient for long surface swims
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Scubapro Jet at these recommended retailers:
Best for Beginners
Overall Score:
4.0/5
Manufacturer: Cressi
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Cressi Frog Plus at these recommended retailers:
Comfort
Soft pocket fits well with booties, secure strap, no major pressure points
Performance
Solid thrust on both kicks, efficient for recreational use, less powerful in strong currents
Build Quality
Strong materials, reinforced rails, holds shape with frequent use
Ease of Use
Quick-release buckles and heel tab make them easy to handle, travel-friendly
Value for Money
Excellent balance of price and performance, great choice for recreational divers
The Cressi Frog Plus fins are a solid option for recreational divers who value comfort, durability, and efficiency without paying premium prices. The open-heel design, soft foot pocket, and quick-release buckles make them easy to use, even on busy dive days. The dual-material blade adds extra thrust while keeping energy use low, which is helpful for longer dives and surface swims.
Their biggest strengths are fit, reliability, and value. They perform well in most recreational settings, though they don’t match the raw power of stiffer fins in strong currents. They’re also bulkier than compact travel fins, which may matter if space is limited.
Overall, they’re best suited for beginner and intermediate divers looking for fins that are comfortable, easy to handle, and built to last without stretching the budget.
Read the Full Review
What We Like:
✅ Comfortable foot pocket with good fit
✅ Efficient blade design for energy-saving kicks
✅ Quick-release buckles and large heel tab
✅ Durable build that withstands frequent use
✅ Great value for recreational divers
What We Don't Like:
❌ Not as powerful in strong currents
❌ Longer blade makes them less compact for travel
❌ Limited suitability for technical diving
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Cressi Frog Plus at these recommended retailers:
Best Split Fins
Overall Score:
4.2/5
Manufacturer: Atomic Aquatics
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Atomic Aquatics Split fins at these recommended retailers:
Comfort
Comfortable foot pocket, works well with booties. Standard straps secure but slower to use than spring straps.
Performance
Excellent with flutter kicks, reduces leg strain. Less effective with frog and back kicks.
Build Quality
Strong construction, reliable EZ-LOK buckles, materials hold up well to frequent use.
Ease of Use
Easy to adjust, consistent performance. Standard straps limit convenience compared to optional spring straps.
Value for Money
Higher price, but efficiency and durability justify the cost for recreational divers.
If you are looking for new scuba diving fins, the Atomic Split Fins are a great option to go with. They are designed for comfort and ease of use but don’t sacrifice any performance because of it. These fins are specially designed to increase lift and propulsion while eliminating drag and fatigue at the same time. Read the Full Review
What We Like:
✅ Efficient split-blade design reduces leg strain
✅ Comfortable anatomical foot pocket
✅ Durable build with quality materials
What We Don't Like:
❌ Less effective with frog and back kicks
❌ Heavier and not travel-friendly
❌ Spring straps only available as an upgrade
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Atomic Aquatics Split fins at these recommended retailers:
Best Maneuverability and Power
Overall Score:
4.2/5
Manufacturer: Hollis
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Hollis F1 LT at these recommended retailers:
Comfort
Wide foot pocket fits both wetsuit and drysuit boots; spring straps add security and ease.
Performance
Strong thrust and precise control for technical kicks; less suited for long surface swims.
Build Quality
Tough SEBS material and stainless steel straps hold up well under heavy use.
Ease of Use
Easy donning/doffing, compact blade, multiple strap positions; not as light as pure travel fins.
Value for Money
Priced above average but justified for technical diving performance.
The Hollis F1 LT fins take the proven power of the original F1 and rework it into a lighter, more compact design. They stand out for their control in confined spaces, comfort with both wetsuit and drysuit boots, and tough build that holds up to heavy use.
Strengths include maneuverability, durability, and a secure fit. Their slight negative buoyancy adds stability for divers who need to maintain trim. On the other hand, they are not as efficient for long surface swims, cost more than many recreational fins, and weigh more than true travel models.
These fins are aimed at technical divers, wreck explorers, and underwater photographers who want precision and reliability. For those who dive primarily in open water and cover long distances on the surface, other fins may be a better fit.
Overall, the Hollis F1 LT offers excellent value if you need a compact fin that delivers control, power, and durability in demanding dive environment
Read the Full Review
What We Like:
✅ Compact design for tight spaces
✅ Durable SEBS material and stainless steel straps
✅ Comfortable, wide foot pocket
✅ Negative buoyancy aids trim control
What We Don't Like:
❌ Less efficient for long surface swims
❌ Higher price than many recreational fins
❌ Heavier than most travel fins
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Hollis F1 LT at these recommended retailers:
Best Modular Travel Fins
Overall Score:
4.5/5
Manufacturer: TUSA
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the TUSA Hyflex Switch at these recommended retailers:
Comfort
Foot pocket is supportive, secure with booties, easy adjustment using the bungee strap.
Performance
Strong thrust and smooth kicking, efficient in both flutter and frog kicks, reliable in currents.
Build Quality
Polyurethane blade is tough, detachable system is solid, strap and pocket hold up well to frequent use.
Ease of Use
Quick donning and doffing, travel-friendly detachable design, versatile strap system.
Value for Money
Higher price point, but performance and travel convenience justify it for serious divers.
The TUSA Hyflex Switch is a versatile fin that blends strong performance with travel convenience. Its detachable blade system makes it easy to pack, while the polyurethane construction provides responsive thrust and efficient kicking. The angled blade and vortex generator help reduce drag, giving you smoother propulsion in different conditions.
Comfort is another strong point. The multi-compound pocket fits well without creating pressure spots, and the bungee strap system makes donning and doffing effortless. These details make the fins practical for frequent divers who value both function and ease of use.
On the downside, they cost more than many paddle fins and weigh a bit more than ultralight travel models. Still, the durability, travel-friendly design, and reliable performance justify the price for divers who want a long-term fin solution.
Overall, the Hyflex Switch is best suited for recreational and advanced divers who travel often and want fins that deliver both power and convenience.
Read the Full Review
What We Like:
✅ Compact travel design with detachable blade
✅ Strong thrust and efficient performance
✅ Comfortable multi-compound foot pocket
✅ Easy bungee strap system
✅ Durable build and reliable materials
What We Don't Like:
❌ Higher price than standard fins
❌ Requires quick assembly before use
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the TUSA Hyflex Switch at these recommended retailers:
How To Choose The Best Scuba Fins: A Buying Guide
Choosing a new pair of fins is not as simple as purchasing the first set you see. There are a few things you need to consider before making your choice.
Open Heel Vs Full Foot
The first thing you will need to consider when making your choice of fins is whether you will need Open Heel Fins or Full Foot Fins. This is generally determined by the temperature of the water you plan on doing most of your diving. Many of the most popular fins can be found in both full foot and open heel versions.
Open Heel Fins
By far the most popular of the two. They are designed to be worn with dive boots and are secured around the heel using a strap. These are great for cold water diving because the boots provide isolation.
Full Foot Fins
Full foot fins are designed to be worn barefoot or with thin neoprene socks. They are excellent for diving in warmer waters. These are generally lighter and a little bit shorter than their full foot counterpart which also makes them perfect for snorkeling as well.
Type of Blade
The blade of the fins are the most important aspect of your diving fins, they transfer the energy from your legs into a forward motion. They are basically two types of blades, split fins and paddle fins.
Split Fins
With split fins, the blades are cut in two down the center and designed to mimic those of marine animals. When fining they create a vortex that propels you through the water giving you more propulsion with less effort.
Paddle Fins
Paddle fins have been around the longest and by far the most popular. They work by pushing water backward creating trust. Over the years they have undergone many improvements to make them more efficient resulting in different types of blades.
- Channel Fins – These are generally made from two or more different kind of materials which change the shape of the blade on the fin stroke. This channels water backward which helps you move through the water more efficiently.
- Hinged Fins – These have a hinge just in front of the foot pocket. This allows the blade to bend, giving you a greater angle of attack on your downstroke, requiring less energy to move you forward.
- Vented Fins – These types of fins have been around since the 1960s. They have vents just in front of the foot pocket which allows water to vent through the fins increasing efficiency and decreasing the dead zone just in front of the foot pocket.
Today’s modern fins sometimes combine a couple of these features to make a more efficient pair of fins.
Comfort
Overall comfort should definitely be on top of the list when it comes to choosing the best scuba diving fins for you. They should feel like natural appendages – like they are apart of you. To get the best if you should ask yourself:
- Are they too loose?
- Are they too tight?
- Do they pinch or rub anywhere uncomfortably?
An improper fit can cause leg cramps and an unnecessary hassle. They should feel like they are apart of you – like they’re not even there.
Do you have a pair of favorite Fins? Share your experience with them in the comments below.
Continue Reading
Do you want more recommendations for scuba diving gear? continue reading these articles below:
Dive Computer | Scuba Regulator | Wetsuits | Scuba BCD | Dive Knife | Dive Mask | Scuba Fins