How to Size Dive Fins

Avoid underwater mishaps with custom fitted fins.

Scuba fins are an essential piece of diving gear. Propel yourself forward by kicking the elongated flippers up and down. Purchasing appropriately sized fins will prevent them from sliding off your feet during underwater maneuvers. The sizing system for scuba fins is quite similar to the sizing guide for athletic shoes. The diving experts at Scuba Diving Smiles recommend performing a simple shake test to ensure the fins provide a snug fit that does not pinch your skin.

Things You'll Need

• Diving booties

Instructions

1. Examine the inside of the tongue to determine the size of your athletic shoes. Pick a fin size that corresponds with your shoe size if you're male. Select a fin size one size smaller than your shoes if you're female.

2. Upgrade the fins one size if they feature an open-heeled construction. Wear a pair of neoprene booties while trying on open-heeled fins to ensure a custom fit. Tighten the fin straps around the back of your heels to guarantee a snug fit.

3. Insert your bare foot into the pocket of a full-foot dive fin. Wiggle your toes to ensure you have adequate room within the fins. Upgrade the size if you're toes make contact with the edge of the pocket.

4. Perform a shake test with both open-heeled and full-foot diving fins. Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Rotate your feet from side to side to guarantee the fins don't pinch your skin.

References

• Scuba Diving Smiles: Diving Fins Scuba - Get the Right Pair
• Dicks Sporting Goods: Determine your Diving Fin Size by Shoe Size
• Simply Scuba: Help With Choosing Diving Fins

Resources

• Sport Diver: The Ultimate Gear for New Divers
• Force Fin: The Truth About Swim Fins