Two Types of Scuba Flippers

Scuba Flippers, have two main types - Full Foot and Open Heel.

Both types of fins greatly improve your ability to move through the water faster and more efficiently than with feet alone, however, they definitely have their differences. Deciding between these two types of flippers should be your first stop on finding your ideal fin.

Full Foot Flippers

Full foot flippers (say that five times fast!) refer to the pocket on the fin in which your foot sits. With the full foot flipper, the whole foot, including the heel, is encompassed by the pocket on the fin.

This type of flipper is best used with bare feet; although, to prevent chaffing and blisters, it can be paired with a very thin neoprene sock.

Because it is used with bare feet, it is best to only wear full foot flippers in waters that are warmer than 70 degrees (so - go try out your full foot flippers in the tropics, call it… “Research”)!

The most common use for full foot flippers is snorkeling. They are great for this activity, as well as for beginners and children, because they requires little instruction – just slip your feet in and you are off! Another great aspect about full foot flippers is that they are usually the least expensive fins you will find.

Full foot flippers are typically smaller in size than open heel flippers, which usually means you’ll be exerting more effort per kick than their counterpart. Another disadvantage of full foot flippers is that since they are not adjustable, they can’t readily be shared with friends or family members (unless, of course they have the same size feet!).

Open Heel Flippers

Open heel flippers are similar to the full foot flippers, except that instead of the pocket that wrapped around the heel on the full foot fin, there is an adjustable strap (some have bungee cords or a similar fabric that allows some flex).

This type of flipper needs to be worn with neoprene boots (at least with a 3mm thickness), and are the mainstream fin used for scuba diving.

One great thing about the adjustable strap on the open heel is that you can vary the thickness of your boots for the temperature of the water and not have to change scuba flippers (just take in or let out your strap a bit!). This is also nice if you are going to be sharing with friends or buying one pair for the kids.

Open heel scuba flippers are typically larger and a bit stiffer than the full foot flipper. Because of their design, they allow you to glide through the water with less effort.

Both the full foot and open heel flippers will truly help you to maximize each kick. Just choose the type that best suits your needs!

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