Short fins, long fins, adjustable fins – the fin comparison

Short fins, long fins, adjustable fins – the fin comparison

When you visit a swim gear shop, you quickly realize: not all fins are the same. Choosing the right fins is not just about finding the correct size. You need to decide whether you want short fins, long fins, a monofin, adjustable heel fins, or even a mermaid fin. We have gathered all types of fins and explain their differences and what each type is best suited for.

The Why and What For

Let’s start with how you want to use your fins. If your answer is simply, “Well, for swimming of course!”, it probably means you don’t yet know all the different fin types available. Because besides the usual, well-known swim fin, there are several others just for swimming.

Do you want to swim and be supported by the fins? Or are you more interested in swim training? Maybe your goal is to practice a certain swimming style, or you plan a relaxed snorkeling trip. If none of these match, perhaps you have a diving excursion planned or even freediving?

Besides the activity, other factors play a role: for example, consider whether you will be swimming in warmer or colder waters when choosing your fins.

To Each Their Own – A Wide Selection of Fin Types

Swim fins – the classic

Let’s begin with the classic, well-known swim fin. Also called a bathing fin or foot pocket fin, it is an ideal entry-level model. Usually made of plastic, as a swimmer you step into a full “shoe” attached or molded to the fin itself. Most people wear these fins barefoot. This means classic swim fins are better suited for warmer water and are not ideal for diving or cold water, as your foot may get cold inside. You can try neoprene socks to counteract this, but we only recommend that for short dives or cold water use.

If it’s your first time wearing fins and you swim casually, the classic swim fin is your choice. It is also suitable for occasional snorkeling trips.

Heel strap fins – the adjustable ones

Heel strap fins, also known as open-heel fins, resemble classic swim fins but are open at the heel and held by a strap. This strap is usually adjustable, allowing the fins to fit a range of sizes, so they can often be shared between people with similar shoe sizes.

The strap also makes heel strap fins easier to put on than classic swim fins and allows easier use of thermal socks. Therefore, heel strap fins are recommended for groups sharing fins or for snorkeling/diving in colder water with thermal socks.

The longest fins – long fins

Long fins are, simply put, the longest fins and are mostly used by competitive swimmers. They are usually less flexible than classic fins, making them more challenging to use. They are not suitable for beginners or casual swimming, snorkeling, or diving.

You mostly see long fins used in competitions and training, as the longer blade enables higher speeds and effective leg workouts when used skillfully.

Short fins – the "duck feet"

Short fins are often laughed at and nicknamed “duck feet” due to their shape: unlike classic, long, or heel strap fins, they have a shorter and usually curved blade.

Traditionally used mostly for training, short fins have gained popularity in recent years and are increasingly used for swimming or snorkeling. Their advantage lies in supporting the wearer with less effort because the shorter blade reduces resistance and makes kicking easier.

In short, “duck feet” aid buoyancy and stabilize the swimmer while being easy to use. We warmly recommend them to all our customers.

Not the longest, but the widest – monofin

The name says it all: a monofin is a single, large fin instead of two separate ones. The blade widens broadly, generating the greatest propulsion. The monofin is worn on both feet, and because the legs stay together, swimmers look a bit like a mermaid or Aquaman from a distance.

Because it generates a lot of thrust, swimming with a monofin requires more strength but can be very fun once you find the right rhythm. Monofins are often used in freediving, orientation diving, or fin swimming.

The most beautiful fin – mermaid fin

If you want the full authentic or dreamy experience, you get a so-called mermaid fin. You don’t just put it on your feet but slide your entire legs and hips inside. For many, wearing a mermaid fin is the fulfillment of a childhood dream. It has become increasingly popular in Europe in recent years.

There is also a mermaid swimming trend, known as mermaiding, which originated in America and is growing in Europe as well. The colorful, ornate, often glittering mermaid tails are often used in underwater photoshoots and appear in many Instagram photos.

We don’t necessarily recommend mermaid fins for snorkeling or diving trips, but they are ideal for fun and glamour in the water.

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