Best Fins and Scuba Booties for You
In the market for a new pair of fins or scuba booties? From full-foot to open-heel fins, you have a lot of excellent choices. There are even travel-friendly styles to help you save on baggage fees. Which fin is right for you? Here’s the best of the best to ensure you get the most out of each kick.
Sport Diver Staff PhotographerEditor's Pick: Atomic Aquatics Bladefin
A design that combines power, acceleration, maneuverability and comfort has made the BladeFin a favorite. The tapered side rails and supple blade combine for excellent thrust with minimal leg strain; the foot pocket is stable but comfortably padded; and the easy-release buckles are secure. atomicaquatics.com, $179
Sport Diver Staff PhotographerFull-Foot Fins (Clockwise from Left)
MARES WAVE
The Wave uses a pliable insert panel to create a large water channel that scoops and directs water for efficient flow. The result is a powerful kicker that’s easy on the legs and calves. The foot pocket is made of soft, supple material for a comfy fit. mares.com, $50TUSA F-23 SOLLA
The Solla’s design uses alternating panels of soft and stiff materials across the blade to create a three-channel pocket. Combined with a pair of vents and reinforced side rails, the Solla allows the user to get the most out of every kick. The patented 20-degree angle between heel and blade keeps the fin at the optimal angle to boost propulsion. tusa.com, $79SCUBAPRO SEAWING NOVA
With a design that allows the whole blade to pivot for maximum thrust and speed, the Seawing Nova became a quick favorite when the open- heel version hit the market a few years ago. This new full-foot version offers up that same level of top performance for warm-water diving. scubapro.com, $139
Sport Diver Staff PhotographerOpen-Heel Fins: Clockwise from Left
CRESSI FROG PLUS
The Frog Plus positions the blade above the foot pocket to maximize the blade’s working surface in the relatively compact fin, which also provides good maneuverability. The wide, comfortable heelstrap is attached with buckles that lock securely into the fin. cressi.com, $99.95CETATEK AQUABIONIC1
The aquabionic’s innovative Y-frame uses articulating joints at the base of the blade that spread and cup the membrane across the fin’s tip, maximizing the drive from each kick. The clever new buckle is adjustable — just pop off the strap and spin it to fine-tune the length. cetatek.com, $199.95SHERWOOD SCUBA ELITE
The Elite packs a lot of power into a lightweight, compact fin. The long power rails and a soft, flexible central channel work together for efficient drive, and the soft, high-stretch, silicone heel straps provide a comfortable, secure fit. sherwoodscuba.com, $120
Sport Diver Staff PhotographerTravel Boots: Mares Equator 2 mm Boot
Perfect for travel to warm-water destinations, these featherweight boots pack into a tiny space. They’re a comfortable fit inside open-heel fins and have nonslip soles that offer good protection on rough ground. mares.com, $25.50
Sport Diver Staff PhotographerLightweight Boots: Akona 3.5 mm low-cut boot
Akona’s redesigned boot is glued and blind-stitched for warmth, while the side panels allow water to drain once you’re topside. The deeply grooved soles provide excellent grip whether on a boat deck or ashore. akona.com, $32
Sport Diver Staff PhotographerMedium-weight Boots: BARe 5 mm boot
The heavy-duty zipper has a wide internal gusset to seal out water, extending nearly to the sole, so the boots are easy to get on and off. The textured soles are flexible yet offer protection against rugged terrain. The brand’s “Sanitized” anti-microbial agent even offers odor control. baresports.com, $43.95
