12 Best Scuba Fins in 2023

The best scuba fins are imperative dive equipment that all divers should have in their gear kits. They play a critical role in providing you power for your kicks as well as helping to control buoyancy better.

For these reasons, the desire to own a pair of fins is second only to purchase comfortable scuba masks. A perfect model varies among distinct divers because it relies much on their personal preferences, diving environments, and the frequency to dive.

Hence, you may find choosing the most suitable item is not a walk in the park, especially when there are thousands of options on the market today. However, do not worry, as I have selected and reviewed this article’s top 12 best scuba fins.

Also, a buying guide and other useful tips are added for your consideration as well.

My Top Picks

If you really want to improve your performance in diving, owning a scuba fin will be a worthy investment. For a quick browse on the market, below are some of the best scuba fins you should consider.

• Best Overall: Cressi Frog Plus
  “Customizable buckles, 3-material molding technology, channeling effect, easy to use.”
• Best Budget: Atomic Aquatics Full Foot Split Fin
  “Pull tab, split blade design, inspired by fish fins, ultra-lightweight, ideal for experienced scuba divers.”
• Best for Frog Kick: Mares Avanti Quattro Plus
  “Updated version, four channels, Channel Thrust technology, anatomical foot pocket.”
• Best for Travel: Mares Volo Race Full Foot
  “Orthopedic foot pocket, optimized pivoting blade, easy to kick, reduces leg fatigue.”
• Best for Strong Currents: TUSA SF-22 Solla
  “ForcElast Technology, 20-degree angled blade design, maximizes propulsion and speed, brings divers premium comfort.”
• Best Tech Diving Fins: Apeks RK3 Military
  “Traditional all-rubber design, stainless steel spring straps, cold water compatible, provides you with forward thrust.”
• Best for Beginners: Mares Superchannel Full Foot
  “Three-channel blade, heel pull tab, comes with superb efficiency, effortless to put on and off.”
• Best for Small Feet: Scubapro Seawing Nova
  “Pivoting wing-shaped blade, an ergonomic foot pocket, an oversized finger loop, suitable for rough diving conditions.”
• Best Under $100: Cressi Reaction Pro
  “Rigid panels, an elastomer foot pocket, lightweight and compact for dive travel, anti-slip design.”
• Best for Wide Feet: Scubapro Go Travel
  “Self-adjustable heel strap, the Piggy Back Stack System, comes with numerous sizes, easy for packing.”
• Best for Speed: Scubapro Go Sport
  “Boot-fit design, attachment points, ideal for cold water diving, suitable for heavy-duty use.”

Comparison Chart

Buying scuba fins doesn’t come easy except by luck. Every item will present itself to be the best if you go shopping without any clue on what to look out for.

Trying to save time? You can see a glance at the basic features of the top 12 best scuba fins on my list. Below is a comparison table to facilitate your reference.

The 12 Best Scuba Fins Reviews

Although I have created a short review section for you, I recommend that you have in-depth knowledge of the top 12 best scuba fins for better accuracy in choice-making. Thus, I have provided comprehensive reviews combined with highlighting their pros and cons.

All you need to do is read the following section and find out what is your dream gear.

1. Cressi Frog Plus

(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)

See the Price on Amazon

Having a simple design combined with the excellent functions of a traditional paddle fin, the Cressi Frog Plus is an ideal selection for both inexperienced and professional divers. The exclusive molding technology makes it easy to construct the fins by using three different materials.

Thanks to that, the Cressi Frog Plus can offer you a rugged and indestructible construction for long use. Along with the open heel design, the fins provide you with adjustable buckles as well.

Besides, the Cressi Frog’s non-vented blade also comes with flexible channels, which gives you a high level of power. Thus, your propulsion is greater, and you can move underwater more quickly.

Key Features:

• Customizable buckles
• 3-material molding technology
• Channeling effect
• The foot pocket is below the blade

Product Specifications:

Here is a Youtube video of the incredibly comfortable and lightweight Cressi Frog Plus Fins. Check it out and learn how you can get the best out of your workout with them.

2. Atomic Aquatics Full Foot Split Fin

(Best Budget)

See the Price on Amazon

Considering the competitive price tag that it offers, the Atomic Aquatics’ top-quality is truly formidable. The fins provide you with a streamlined appearance which is particularly designed to optimize speed and power.

That’s why the model allows you to achieve high performance effortlessly. In addition, the Atomic Aquatics features a closed heel design, which means that it’s much more lightweight and can be packed in a suitcase easily.

But the most remarkable advantage of these fins is their split blade. Unlike standard fins, split fins can give divers greater thrust with less water drag. What’s more, they require less effort to create a kick, thereby preventing leg strain and cramping.

Read more: Top 9 Best Budget Dive Computers Picks in 2023

Key Features:

• Pull tab
• Split blade design
• Inspired by fish fins

Product Specifications:

Check out the following video of the Atomic Aquatics High Performance Full Foot Split Fins and see for yourself how good-looking and efficient they are.

3. Mares Avanti Quattro Plus

(Best for Frog Kick)

See the Price on Amazon

The Mares Avanti Quattro Plus impresses divers with its simplicity and comfort. Being renewed from its predecessor – the Avanti Quattro, this model is lighter and softer but ensures higher efficiency thanks to flexible materials.

Besides, the Mares Avanti Quattro Plus applies Channel Thrust technology for its blade, which contributes to creating immediate responsiveness and exceptional propulsion. Therefore, the fins can work well regardless of diving conditions.

Furthermore, the Avanti Quattro Plus is integrated with a bungee strap. This feature enables divers to take on or off the fins smoothly. Additionally, the belt can be adjusted automatically to fit your boot size when you dive deeper.

Key Features:

• Updated version
• Four channels
• Bungee strap
• Channel Thrust technology
• Anatomical foot pocket
• Stabilizers included

Product Specifications:

Here is a video review of the Mares Avanti Quattro Plus Scuba Fins. Check it out to decide whether you bring them for your next diving workout.

4. Mares Volo Race Full Foot

(Best for Travel)

See the Price on Amazon

The Volo Race is another fantastic model from the Mares brand. An outstanding benefit of these fins is allowing you to wear them with your barefoot, thereby often preferred by tropical-water divers.

In addition, the Mares Volo Race features an optimized pivoting blade system that facilitates fluid movement. The vented design helps control the water flow smoothly, thereby increasing the fins’ efficiency. Therefore, you do not need much effort when making a kick.

Besides, the vented blade is a good choice for diving in small spaces like wrecks and caves as well.

Key Features:

• Orthopedic foot pocket
• Optimized pivoting blade
• Super channel technology
• Tecralene and thermoplastic rubber construction
• Rubber covered stabilizers

Product Specifications:

Watch the video below of the fantastic Mares Volo Race Full Foot Dive Fins to get some tips on kicking properly with them.

5. TUSA SF-22 Solla

(Best for Strong Currents)

See the Price on Amazon

For years, the TUSA SF-22 Solla has been well-known for its finest quality, awesome thrust, optimal speed, and great stability. At a glance, you can find out its angled blade combined with three channels, creating incredible performance despite giving minimal effort.

Besides, the fins are integrated with a quick-to-adjust buckle system and an anatomic strap. These customizable buckles offer you a perfect fit and facilitate removal under emergencies. Meanwhile, the bungee spring strap enhances foot comfort as well as reduces heel slippage.

Additionally, the TUSA SF-22 Solla also comes with a reasonable price tag. Thus, you can save a lot of money spent on buying other essential dive gear. For example, you can use the fins with an air-integrated dive computer to make your adventures into the deep ocean more fascinating.

Key Features:

• ForcElast Technology
• 20 Degrees Angled Blade Design
• Anatomic foot pocket
• Anatomic Fin Strap
• Three-channel blade

Product Specifications:

The video review below will give you detailed information on the benefits and functionality of the TUSA SF-22 Solla Open Heel Scuba Diving Fins. Let’s check it out!

6. Apeks RK3 Military

(Best Tech Diving Fins)

See the Price on Amazon

The Apeks RK3 is superb for technical divers thanks to its reliability, ruggedness, and high performance. The blade is made from a thermoplastic rubber material to serve purposes of use in harsh environments.

Moreover, the short wide blade is also helpful in offering forward thrust as well as maintaining excellent maneuverability. Additionally, the Apeks RK3 features stainless steel spring straps, which help hold the fins in place. They come with adjustable buckles for your great fit as well.

Another huge advantage of the Apeks RK3 is its open-heel design combined with a spacious foot pocket. This enables you to wear the fins with drysuit boots, making it ideal for diving even in the coldest conditions without freezing your feet.

However, although the fins can keep your feet warm, you still should control your dive time through a dive computer to avoid being submerged too long. Since icy diving can cause your body to lose heat, thus resulting in health problems.

Key Features:

• Traditional all-rubber design
• Stainless steel spring straps
• Short wide blade
• Adjustable buckles
• Coldwater compatible
• A sizable foot pocket

Product Specifications:

See the amazing features and capabilities of the Apeks RK3 Military Rubber Fins and learn how to use them by watching the video below.

7. Mares Superchannel Full Foot

(Best for Beginners)

See the Price on Amazon

The Superchannel Full Foot Scuba Fins is indeed a worthy investment for entry-level divers from the brand Mares. It includes a blade whose design is the perfect combination of efficiency and power.

That’s because the Mares Superchannel’s blade offers you a three-channel system that optimizes water flow to provide excellent propulsion and eliminate leg fatigue. What’s more, its blade also uses first-rate materials, guaranteeing the fins are highly durable for a long time.

The full-foot pocket is super soft to prevent blisters when you have to wear the fins all day. Besides, an easy-to-grip pull tab allows for effortless donning and doffing even when you are in the water. Additionally, the Mares Superchannel can be operated smoothly by free divers as well.

Read more: The 15 Best Dive Computers Picks for Beginners

Key Features:

• A massive versatile central super channel
• Two lateral channels
• Orthopedic foot pocket
• Heel pull tab
• Channel thrust technology
• Upper and lower stabilizers

Product Specifications:

Here is a Youtube video review of the Mares Superchannel Full Foot Scuba Fins. Check it out and see if they fill the gap of what you are looking for.

8. Scubapro Seawing Nova

(Best for Small Feet)

See the Price on Amazon

The Scubapro Seawing Nova is designed to take advantage of a blade fin’s power, acceleration, and maneuverability, as well as a split item’s comfort and efficiency.

Firstly, the fins include a wing-shaped blade, which helps to bring you not only excellent stability but also magnificent propulsion. Thanks to that, you are effortless to propel yourself through the water and optimize your speed.

What’s more, this design makes it perfect for diving in small spaces without causing leg fatigue as well. In addition, the Scubapro Seawing Nova also offers divers an elastic heel strap accompanied by a handy loop for smooth adjustment.

Key Features:

• Pivoting wing-shaped blade
• Ergonomic foot pocket
• Extended heel plate
• Marine-grade bungee heel strap
• Grip pads
• An oversized finger loop
• One-year warranty

Product Specifications:

9. Cressi Reaction Pro

(Best Under $100)

See the Price on Amazon

The Cressi Reaction Pro is an all-rounder fin because it can be suitable for scuba diving, freediving, and snorkeling. Its construction is made from three different materials, ensuring powerful and smooth kicks regardless of diving conditions.

Also, the fins’ blade offers differentiated thickness areas to bring higher efficiency as well as exceptional rigidity. Plus, the elastomer foot pocket also gives you a sense of comfort and convenience. Besides, it is positioned beneath the blade to provide additional thrust.

See Also: Top 15 Best Dive Watches Under $100 in 2023

Key Features:

• Reinforced side-rails
• Rigid panels
• Extended blade
• Elastomer foot pocket
• Anti-slip materials
• 20% increased surface area

Product Specifications:

To see the Cressi Reaction Pro Snorkeling & Scuba Diving Fins in action, watch this Youtube review.

10. Scubapro Go Travel

(Best for Wide Feet)

See the Price on Amazon

The Scubapro Go Travel Fins are specially designed to meet various use requirements of divers who usually transport by plane. Therefore, it’s obvious that the fins are one of the most lightweight models on my list.

Some people wonder whether the Scubapro Go Travel can be highly durable after many years of use. Don’t worry because the fins use natural neoprene for the material, giving them the ability to resist wear and tear.

Additionally, the travel-friendly feature of the Scubapro Go is another real bonus. Accordingly, the fins allow you to stack them together for packing in a carry-on suitcase. That’s why you will not encounter issues in weight restrictions when traveling.

Key Features:

• Self-adjustable heel strap
• A 25-degree angled blade
• Power bars
• The Piggy Back Stack System
• A central power panel
• One-year warranty

Product Specifications:

Check out this video of the Scubapro Go Travel Fins for more information on their benefits and usage.

11. Scubapro Go Sport

(Best for Speed)

See the Price on Amazon

In terms of icy water compatibility, the Scubapro Go Sport surpasses its cousin – the Scubapro Go Travel, thanks to the open-heel design. This feature enables the fins to be worn with dive booties for keeping your feet warm, which most full-foot fins cannot.

Along with the boot-fit design, the Scubapro Go Sport also comes with a customizable bungee spring strap. This helps to put the fins on and off at ease as well as bring you a secure fit no matter your feet size.

Additionally, the angle blade is worthy of much attention. Unlike other scuba fins I have reviewed above, the Scubapro Go Sport offers attachment points on its blade to maximize performance.

This means that these spots are used for mounting skegs that reduce sideslip and give excellent stability, thereby helping the fins achieve high efficiency.

Key Features:

• Boot-fit design
• A marine-quality bungee spring strap
• An angled blade
• Power bars
• Attachment points
• One-year warranty

Product Specifications:

Watch the following video of the Scubapro Go Sport Diving Fins to see how they pass the performance test excellently.

12. Seac Talent Camo

See the Price on Amazon

Although the Seac Talent Camo features a closed-heel design, it’s still roomy enough for divers to wear with their booties. Furthermore, the fins offer an ultra-soft foot pocket made from thermoplastic rubber, which ensures bringing you premium comfort.

Also, to help you donning and doffing smoothly, the Seac Talent Camo provides divers with the heel tabs built in its non-vented blade. Notably, the fins give various sizes to fit snugly for both men and women.

The manufacturer said that the Seac Talent Camo could be used in strong currents. Nevertheless, I suggest you should use it in shallow water areas. Because of the fins’ medium blade length, you can achieve higher efficiency when freediving.

Key Features:

• Medium-long blade
• Camouflage Effect
• Injection Color System Technology

Product Specifications:

Choosing the Right Scuba Diving Fins

There are numerous scuba fins with various features, designs, sizes, and price tags. Therefore, it can be more stressful when you are a new diver and have little knowledge.

To help you make the best purchase, I have researched the market and compiled those critical factors you need to consider.

1. Full Foot or Open Heel Fins

Full foot fins feature a foot pocket that encompasses your heel. They are particularly designed to serve tropical-water divers who will wear them with their bare feet.

If you want to use the full foot fins for icy-water destinations, you can still wear them with booties, but keep in mind to buy a slightly larger size to get comfortable. In addition, these fins fit perfectly with travel needs.

They include flatter blades, and thereby, are lighter and easier to pack in a suitcase. I make sure that if you own a pair of full foot fins combined with a travel BCD, your transportation to anywhere is a breeze.

Check out my picks of the best scuba BCDs in 2023 here.

Besides, the open heel fins’ design allows them to be worn with dive socks and can be adjusted to fit your feet snugly by using adjustable straps. That’s why these fins can work well with a wider range of foot sizes compared to closed heel ones.

Additionally, open heel fins are effortless to take on and off, facilitating movement underwater when your scuba regulator makes you more cumbersome.

2. Usage

Although a few designs enable scuba fins to operate in different environments, the most popular models on the market now are designed for diving for exclusive situations.

Open heel fins are the best choice for shore diving. Meanwhile, full foot fins are usually preferred by freedivers and snorkelers if they offer stiff blades. Moreover, rough diving conditions like wrecks and caves require a scuba fin with a short rigid blade.

3. Heel Strap Type

Open heel fins provide you with two major types of straps, including ratchet and spring belts. Ratchet heel straps are standard or traditional ones that give you adjustments through clips and buckles.

They often tend to be harder to put on and off. Moreover, these straps are less robust than their counterpart – the spring belts.

The spring heel straps are much simpler to take on and off as well as offer you a more rugged construction. They also come with a handy loop for you to remove the fins underwater effortlessly.

Depending on the price point, scuba fins will contain bungee or metal spring straps. Affordable models often include the former, whereas high-end items will give you the latter.

4. Blade Style

Scuba fins have three main blade styles. They are vented, non-vented, and split blades. Vented models contain a few holes that let water pass through, which provide divers with better propulsion. This design enables for creating more efficient kicks and reducing the effort to move underwater.

Vented blades are a great option to dive in overhead environments like wrecks and caves. However, non-vented items are not limited to diving conditions, thanks to their flexible panels. This design allows for channel water smoothly for facilitating the frog and flutter kick.

Meanwhile, split blades are highly favored by seasoned scuba divers due to their superb maneuverability. These style fins look like fish ones and are created with a middle split, which helps reduce water drag.

Features Explained

This section will present you with common terms that all divers must know to use their scuba fins efficiently. Please do not skip it if you are an entry-level one. I believe understanding these special features will help you a lot in improving your diving skills.

Bungee strap

Open heel fins are held in place by a bungee strap. This belt allows you to get in and out of your fins smoothly, although you are in the water. The bungee strap overwhelms the standard one because of its automatic adjustability.

Pull tab

Full foot fins fit like a shoe, and you can wear them with your barefoot or neoprene socks. To put your fins on and off at ease, you need a pull tab. This tab gives you something to grab firmly without tearing your fin’s foot pocket.

Flexible channels and panels

Non-vented blade fins often come with versatile channels and panels to increase thrust. This feature enables you to create a flutter kick with great ease. Furthermore, because of its bendable design, it’s easy as a piece of cake to pack your fins in a piece of luggage.

Coldwater compatible

Although some full-foot fins can support diving in warm and cold water, you still need to purchase a pair of open-heel fins. That’s because you can wear the latter with your booties while the former cannot.

Besides, the open heel fins provide you with a variety of foot sizes, which means that you can use thick socks but still ensure a sense of comfort.

What Is the Difference Between Snorkeling Fins and Scuba Fins?

A pair of fins is crucial dive gear that divers of all levels should buy, whether they tend to do snorkeling or scuba diving. With so many items available on the market, you surely need to grab the fabulous features and functionality that different types of fins offer.

This helps you make the right decision and get the utmost satisfaction. Therefore, I attached the following section that compares snorkeling and scuba diving fins to clear your thoughts.

Keep reading: Snorkeling vs. Scuba Diving – Which One Is Suitable for You?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you are seeking answers to your questions about scuba fins, this is the right place. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions for your clarity.

Are Short Fins Good for Scuba Diving?

Scuba divers need long fins to move underwater conveniently, and they are a good selection for freediving as well.

However, shorter blade items will be the most suitable to dive in small spaces like wrecks, caves, and shallow water areas. Therefore, short fins are still an excellent choice for novice divers.

Why Are Scuba Fins So Long?

Scuba fins are long since longer blades can create greater propulsion for your kick while requiring less effort. Hence, you can propel yourself through the water more rapidly.

Can You Freedive With Scuba Fins?

Scuba fins are not highly recommended for freediving. Because most of them are not long enough, they cannot provide you much thrust. You will find yourself consuming a great amount of energy but not moving very far.

How Long Should My Scuba Fins Be?

The length of scuba fins is usually between 25 to 30 inches which give you enough power for kicks to propel yourself underwater. Besides, this length range helps to reduce the water pressure when you dive deeper.

Can You Use Snorkel Fins for Scuba Diving?

Snorkeling fins may not be powerful enough for scuba diving because they are designed for diving in shallow environments. Additionally, since they lack some essential features, they cannot operate properly in strong currents and deep diving.

Final Thoughts

Scuba diving is an interesting recreational sport but also contains many safety risks. Therefore, owning a pair of scuba fins will help you feel more secure when immersed yourself in exploring the magical underwater world.

Of all the 12 models I selected, the Cressi Frog Plus is the best overall. The basic design, rugged construction, and great acceleration are their plus points.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, the Atomic Aquatics Split Fins should be your consideration. At this affordable price point, I believe you cannot find a second model that can provide high efficiency and magnificent thrust as the Atomic Aquatics does.

Have you bought any of these scuba fins? Feel free to share your experience in the comments section. You should also share new ideas that you obtain via this article with your friends and family on Facebook or Twitter by clicking on the buttons below.