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
Out 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
Reviews updated June 2024
Lomo Swim Fins
£16.00 – £29-99
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
£24
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
€62.40
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 Zip VX – Swim Fins
£31.00
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.
Born to Swim Fins
€31.46
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.
About Swimming Fins
What is a Swimming Fin
A swimming fin is a footwear accessory designed to increase propulsion and efficiency in the water. Fins work by providing additional surface area to your feet, allowing you to displace more water with each kick, resulting in greater thrust and speed.
Benefits of Using Fins
Using fins offers several advantages, including increased speed, improved leg strength and endurance, better body positioning, and a more efficient swimming technique. Fins reduce strain on the lower back and legs, making longer swims feel more effortless.
Types of Fins
Common fin types are blade fins (stiff, streamlined blades), split fins (flexible with a split toe pocket), and zoomers/travel fins (compact and versatile). Designs utilize different materials like rubber, silicone, or composites to balance power and flexibility.
How to Choose Fins
Key considerations are fin stiffness (stiffer for more power, flexible for comfort), size (fins slightly longer than feet), foot pocket design (pockets vs. full foot pocket), and intended use (training, fitness, open water exploration).
Fins for Different Swimming Levels
For beginners, shorter and more flexible fins ease the learning process. Intermediate/fitness swimmers often prefer longer zoomers or blade fins for increased propulsion. Advanced open water swimmers may want stiffer, robust fins for maximum power.
Caring for Fins
Rinse fins with fresh water after saltwater or chlorinated pool use. Allow to fully dry before storage. Use gentle soap and water for periodic cleaning. Avoid excessive heat/sunlight exposure. Replace any cracked, torn, or excessively worn fins.
Find all the gear you need for open water swimming, from adventure bags and swimming togs to tow floats and changing robes, at the Outdoor Swimming Shop. Read more gear reviews. If you buy a product through a link on this page we may receive a commission. Last updated June 2024.
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.
