One of the essential training tools for any competitive swimmer is a good pair of fins. There are three significant qualities to look for to determine the right fin for you.
Comfort Level
Propulsion
Body Alignment/mechanics
Get your pair on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2WJ1zH0
Pros:
Extremely comfortable
Lightweight
Buoyant (helps correct body position)
Small blades allow for tempo work
Not as much stress on the ankle due to small and use socks to adjust the fit
blades and lightweight
Can be used for all strokes
Cons:
Size runs small (Pro tip: buy fin one size bigger and if socks. As always Amazon has an excellent return policy, and you should be able to return with no questions asked)
Foam is very hard. Some swimmers will have a hard time adjusting to fit.
Pro tips:
Always warm up ankles before a fin set. I like to throw in fins during my warm-up to loosen my ankles.
Low cut socks are great if you have chafing and/or if fins are a tad too big.
Recommended for: High School, College, and Elite swimmers
Get your pair on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3eOATL8
Get your pair on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3jqX1yw
Pros:
Duck shape design allows for excellent propulsion
Suitable for swimmer of all skill levels
Short blade to achieve high tempo
Cons:
Does not work well with the breaststroke kick
The rim around foot entrance tends to go bad first
I've had many blisters with this (highly recommend using socks with this fin)
Pro tips:
Always warm up ankles before a fin set. I like to throw in fins during my warm-up to loosen my ankles.
Low cut socks are great if you have chafing and/or if fins are a tad too big.
Recommended for: High School, College, and Elite swimmers
Get your pair on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3jqX1yw
Get your pair on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3fVVAWU
Pros:
Durable
Open heel allows for a full range of ankle movement
Great to work on the upward motion of the kick
Extremely comfortable
Able to use for long periods without getting blisters and raw spots on your feet
Cons:
Does not work well with the breaststroke kick
Pro tips:
Always warm up ankles before a fin set. I like to throw in fins during my warm-up to loosen my ankles.
Low cut socks are great if you have chafing and/or if fins are a tad too big.
Recommended for: High School, College, and Elite swimmers
Get your pair on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3fVVAWU
Get your pair on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/32IMWa7
Pros:
V rail design allows for added thrust with each kick
2 large draining holes to reduce drag
Comfortable
Cons:
Does not work well with the breaststroke kick
Heavy does not allow you to reach a fast tempo like other fins. But the weight does help build leg muscles faster
Pro tips:
Always warm up ankles before a fin set. I like to throw in fins during my warm-up to loosen my ankles.
Low cut socks are great if you have chafing and/or if fins are a tad too big.
Recommended for: High School, College, and Elite swimmers
Get your pair on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/32IMWa7
Get your pair on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/32H3mQs
Pros:
Unique ellipsoidal blade creates correct foot position for every stroke including breaststroke
Heavy, teaches swimmer to use their hips to drive the power
Great to build strength
Cons:
Not a find that you can just pick up and do a hard set. Need to take it slow since it focuses on ankle mobility (not a con but good to know)
The rim around the foot is made of hard plastic and can lead to blisters
Pro tips:
Always warm up ankles before a fin set. I like to throw in fins during my warm-up to loosen my ankles.
Low cut socks are great if you have chafing and/or if fins are a tad too big.
Recommended for: High School, College, and Elite swimmers
Get your pair on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/32H3mQs