How to Choose the Right Size for Scuba Fins

Scuba fins are an essential piece of equipment for a scuba diver. Fins are used to help propel the diver through the water. Sizing your fins correctly is extremely important. If your fin is too loose, you could end up losing it in the water. If your fin is too tight, it will chafe you. Luckily it is very easy to select the right fin size so long as you go to a qualified dive shop.

Things You'll Need

  • Dive shop attendant
  • Dive booties (if choosing open-heel fins)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select either open-heel or full-foot fin. Full-foot fins slip on like a shoe and protect the heel of the foot but are generally good only in warm tropical water. Open-heel fins have adjustable straps that can be adjusted to fit your foot exactly but must be worn with dive booties.

    • 2

      Ask someone in the dive shop to help you find a blade size and stiffness that is right for your swimming ability.

    • 3

      Measure your shoe size. Fins are sized the same as shoes. Typically, men's fins will match their shoe size and women's fins will be a size smaller.

    • 4

      Wear dive booties if you plan to buy open-heel fins. Your fin size will need to be one size higher if you wear dive booties.

    • 5

      Try on fins to see if the top of the fin lines up with your instep. If wearing open-heel fins, the back of your foot should not extend more than 2 inches past the heel of the fin.

    • 6

      Practice taking your fins on and off. Full-foot fins should fit snugly, but you shouldn't have trouble taking them on and off.

    • 7

      Shake your foot about. Does the fin feel too loose around the foot or heel area, as though it's about to come off? If so, go one size down. If it feels too tight and pinches, then try one size up.