Fins
We assembled a crack team of swimmers to test a range of swimming training aids to bring you our choice of the best kit to use in your training sessions
KIT TESTERS
Dan Abel
Swimmer and swim coach at Fit&Abel
Lisa Lloyd
English Channel swimmer
Jonathan Cowie OS editor
Alice Gartland OS contributing editor
LOMO SWIM FINS
£10, lomo.co.uk
They say: The fins have flexible rubber foot pockets married to a stiff short blade for good swimming action.
Jonathan: These top-value fins are more rigid than some. Fins are like goggles – they are as individual as you are and so try out a few to see what suits.
ZOGGS SHORT BLADE ULTRA BLUE FINS
£27, zoggs.com
They say: Short blade with dual density weight. The foot is soft for comfort while the blade is slim and rigid allowing for optimum propulsion.
Alice: I really like these! Snug and compact; nice resistance in the water and I can feel them helping maintain body position.
Dan: These have got the smallest surface area of any fins I’ve seen. I’m OK with that.
FINIS EDGE FINS
€48.29, finisswim.com
They say: Engineered to do it all. The Edge fins were designed to optimize training without interrupting a natural kick cycle or compromising on comfort.
Dan: As a coach, I like the short flipper, because it increases the surface area of the foot but the frequency replicates what you are trying to do with your stroke. This sits right in the middle, in the sweet spot, for rigidity. It’s really comfortable so you can just concentrate on your technique.
“Fins increase the surface area of the foot, get the legs working and therefore increase heart rate” Dan Abel
AQUA SPHERE ALPHA FINS
£29.99, aquasphereswim.com
They say: The EVA foam makes the Alpha Fins 70% lighter than traditional swim fins. The buoyancy of the material means these fins improve a swimmer’s body position while activating their kick.
Alice: An unusual design makes this and the Alpha Pro the swim fin provocateur. Very buoyant. Suited to a more advanced swimmer.
AQUA SPHERE MP ALPHA PRO FINS
£29.99, aquasphereswim.com
They say: 70% lighter than the traditional swim fins and designed to mimic a swimmer’s natural competitive kicking tempo. An asymmetrical short blade design.
Jonathan: Encourages lateral movement. Lots of foot space, very snug ankle strap.
BORN TO SWIM FINS
€24.95, borntoswim.eu
They say: Neon swim fins made with a short profile for beginners, leisure swimmers or even competition training. Anti-skid grip for safety out of the water.
Alice: Easy to put on and a generous fit. A nice, versatile fin. Not that rigid.
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Outdoor Swimmer
Outdoor Swimmer is the magazine for outdoor swimmers by outdoor swimmers. We write about fabulous wild swimming locations, amazing swim challenges, swim training advice and swimming gear reviews.
