Let’s face it, we humans are simply not designed to swim effortlessly underwater. It takes tremendous energy and effort for us to move just a few feet.
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.
What fins work best for you will be determined by your swimming style, where you will be diving, dive conditions, and 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.
The right pair of fins will help you move through the water with greater control and more efficiency
What Are The Best Scuba Fins?
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 in three different fin designs.
Still not sure what fins best for you? Do you need buying advice? Take a look at our Buying Guide.
Best Scuba Fins for 2023
Below you find our pick of the best fins for scuba diving available right now. You are sure to find one that matches your finning technique, budget, and diving needs. You can read our reviews below to find out more about what we think about these fins.
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Compare Scuba Fins
Compare the key features of over 20 of the best scuba diving fins to find the right one for your diving needs
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.
Scuba fins should fit comfortably, they should feel like natural appendages – like they’re not even there
Best Paddle Fins
These are your traditional scuba diving fins. Over the years, they have undergone many developments to make them more efficient. Each has its own proprietary blade design and features to make them stand out from other fins.
Mares Avanti Quattro
Specification:
Manufacturer | |
Blade Type | Channel |
Length | 26 Inches |
Weight | 4.41 Lbs. |
Buoyancy | Slightly Negative |
Full-Foot Available | Yes |
These fins are excellent. The bungee straps makes them easy to put on/off. They work great with either frog kick or finning, and powerful enough to swim against strong currents.
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
These are some very simple yet effective scuba fins. Using the channel thrust technology system to maintain thrust while minimizing fatigue, the Mares Avanti Quattro Plus Fins are a great option to go with, plus they are not all that expensive. They might not be the most advanced fins out there, but they are awesome for casual scuba diving, even in some pretty fast-moving currents. They definitely have a whole lot of thrusting power.
Read Full Review: Mares Avanti Quattro Plus Review
Scubapro Seawing Nova
Specification:
Manufacturer | |
Blade Type | Hinged |
Length | 24 Inches |
Weight | 3.4 Lbs |
Buoyancy | Positive |
Full-Foot Available | Yes |
I used these fins on 22 dives in variety of dive conditions. They felt awkward at first, but after a short while I began to love them. I am prone to getting cramps, but didn't get any cramps after a week of kicking against strong currents. They deliver power when you need it. Some people say they are not good for frog kick, but I was able to frog kick with them easily. They are also easy to get on when on a crowed platform.
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The Scubapro Seawing Nova looks nothing like your traditional pair of dive fins. Its unique hinged design delivers power and acceleration you would expect from a paddle fin but with the efficiency, you would expect from Split Fins.
Read Full Review: Scubapro Seawing Nova Review
Mares X-Stream Fins
Specification:
Manufacturer | |
Blade Type | Hinged / Channel |
Length | 25.2 Inches |
Weight | 2.9 Lbs |
Buoyancy | Slightly Positive |
Full-Foot Available | No |
I've owned a lot of fins throughout they years but these are simply remarkable. They make snorkeling and diving effortless. The heal straps are a pleasure to use. Just set them to where they are snug and then flip the clamps for a firm secure fit. They are a little pricey but worth every penny when you see how effortlessly you move though the water will little kicking.
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The Mares X-Stream is a comfortable and lightweight pair of scuba fins. Hinged and Channel Technology delivers both stability and a lot of power for minimal effort, making them very efficient. A comparable foot pocket and quick release buckle make donning and doffing a snap. They also look really good look as well.
Read Full Review: Mares X-Stream Review
Scubapro Jet Fins
Specification:
Manufacturer | |
Blade Type | Vented |
Length | 21.8 Inches |
Weight | 7.4 Lbs |
Buoyancy | Negative |
Full-Foot Available | No |
There is a reason why these fins has been in production since the 1960s, Scubapro got them right the first time and left them alone. I have been diving for decades now and have not found a better pair of fins. They offer good control and incredible power. They can do any finning technique which would be impossible with lessor fins. They are also shorter and easier to pack. Being slightly negative they help in achieving proper trim. Try them for a while and you never use another pair of fins.
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The Scubapro jet fins have been around for decades and the reason is, they simply work. A simple vented design help reduce drag whiles increasing power and performance. They are also very durable and tough as nails.
Read Full Review: Scubapro Jet Fins Review
Hollis F1 LT Fins
Specification:
Manufacturer | |
Blade Type | Vented |
Length | 22 Inches |
Weight | 6.8 Lbs |
Buoyancy | Negative |
Full-Foot Available | No |
Amazing Fins! Got rid of my long fins, these perform great. When I am in wreck my fins don't hit anything when maneuvering. I find that just a little bit of movement is enough to get the desired result. They provide excellent propulsion too.
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The Hollis F1 LT Fins are, in our opinion, some of the very best scuba diving fins out there right now. They will cost you a pretty penny due to their advanced design, but they are well worth the investment. With angled straps for power, venting for drag reduction, and a high level of comfort, any avid scuba diver would undoubtedly be happy with the Hollis F1 LT Fins.
Read Full Review: Hollis F1 LT Fins Reviews
Sherwood Triton
Specification:
Manufacturer | |
Blade Type | Vented |
Length | 25.5 Inches |
Weight | 3.9 Lbs |
Buoyancy | Positive |
Full-Foot Available | No |
Hi have been diving with the old school Jet Fins for 30 years, but recently decided to buy these fins. They have the power and acceleration when diving in cold water and unlike the jet fins are positively buoyant making them great for diving on coral reefs. They are lightweight making them great for traveling and real comfortable to wear.
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
A very affordable pair of scuba diving fins to go with, the Sherwood Triton Fins come with a great mix of quality, functionality, and cost-friendliness. They may not be the most advanced or fanciest of all scuba fins out there, but they get the job done. It is surprising to see how high quality these fins are considering their low price. If you are a beginner or occasional scuba diver, you should check out the Sherwood Triton Fins.
Read Full Review: Sherwood Triton Fins Review
Best Split Fins
These fins are designed with a large slip in the middle for the blade. The inspiration for the design came from studying the fins of marine animals. The result is a pair of fins that delivers better propulsion with less effort, but this is debatable. Some divers swear by them, while other divers find them too floppy and not stiff enough. Find out more about Split Fins Here
Atomic Split Fins
Specification:
Manufacturer | |
Blade Type | Split |
Length | 24.4 Inches |
Weight | 5.02 Lbs |
Buoyancy | Negative |
Full-Foot Available | Yes |
I was used to a pair of inexpensive fins that worked great for me. However, I make the mistake of borrowing the Atomic Split fins from a friend. At first, I didn't like the feel because there was no push. But, after modifying my kicking style slightly, I realized that I was moving quickly with very little effort. I simply couldn't go back to my old fins.
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
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 Full Review: Atomic Split Fins Review
Scubapro Twin Jets
Specification:
Manufacturer | |
Blade Type | Split |
Length | 24.4 Inches |
Weight | 5.02 Lbs |
Buoyancy | Negative |
Full-Foot Available | Yes |
These are great fins, they let me swim more efficiently. After diving may calves are not as sore like with other fins. I am also more efficient with my air when using these fins, so now I have long dive times.
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The Scubapro Twin Jet split fins design requires little energy to propel you through the water, allowing you to cover the great distance with less air consumption. However, you will have to modify your kicking technique to a shorter flutter stroke to get the most out of the fins. They are also molded from a single piece for Monoprene, which makes these fins durable enough to last the lifetime of an active diver.
Read Full Review: Scubapro Twin Jet Review
Best Travel Fins
These fins are specifically designed for traveling. They are generally lighter, shorter, and easier to pack than your traditional scuba diving fins.
TUSA Hyflex Switch
Specification:
Manufacturer | |
Blade Type | Channel |
Length | 26 Inches |
Weight | 4.5 Lbs |
Buoyancy | Slightly Negative |
Full-Foot Available | No |
These are comfortable travel fins! These are my 8th sets of fins. They are great - I made a few dive with them and no problems. They are also small enough to fit in my carry-on, even with out disassembling them. the strap is also genius - they are easy to slip on and remove, but stays secure on your feet. Excellent power and control too.
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The Tusa Hyflex Switch Fins come with some pretty cool tech such as the awesome blade system, the vortex generator, a multi-compound high-performance foot pocket, and much more. Whether you are diving leisurely or swimming against strong currents, these Tusa Hyflex Switch Fins will provide you with a great thrust, performance, and versatility.
Read Full Review: Tusa Hyflex Switch Fins Review
Scubapro Go Travel Fins
Specification:
Manufacturer | |
Blade Type | Non-vented |
Length | 20.5 Inches |
Weight | 2.6 Lbs |
Buoyancy | Slightly Negative |
Full-Foot Available | No |
I bought these strictly for traveling. My jest fins work great for pushing a full technical kit though the water while my Twin Max fin work great in blue water and currents. However, both are difficult to travel with. The go fins are so lightweight I though that they would never push me through the water or work against current, but I was wrong.
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The Scubapro Go Fins are some of the best travel fins available. They are fairly small, lightweight, and compliant with airline regulations. The Go Travel Fins might not be the fanciest or most advanced fins out there, but you don’t always need the most advanced gear for some leisurely scuba diving.
Read Full Review: Scubapro Go Travel Fins Review
Cressi Frog Plus Fins
Specification:
Manufacturer | |
Blade Type | Channel/Non-Vented |
Length | 22 inches |
Weight | 4.85 Lbs |
Buoyancy | Slightly Negative |
Full-Foot Available | No |
I used these fins for several dives and they work great. I had no issues with a little current. However, they do require a little leg strength. They are easy to travel with, not too long and are fairly light. The only con is the buckle is not universal, so you will have to keep a spare one just in case. Overall, these are a good set of fins for recreation diving that should last a long time.
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
SUMMARY
The Cressi Frog Plus Fins blade mounted on top of the foot pocket and the channeling effect make these pair of fins very powerful while at the same time being very efficient with minimal strain on your legs. They are great for recreational diving and has excellent quality for the price.
Read Full Review: Cressi Frog Plus Review
A comfortable pair of diving fins is second only to a properly fitting mask.
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 scuba diving gear recommendations? continue reading these articles below:
Dive Computer | Scuba Regulator | Wetsuits | Scuba BCD | Dive Knife | Dive Mask | Scuba Fins
