As with all products it obviously depends on what you're specifically looking for, but if you're looking for the same things that I was you'll like these fins. I swim purely for fitness and do not compete. These are more for fitness swimming than for competition training. I wanted a very flexible fin with a closed heal. I find that the fins with the straps around the heal tend to rub and irritate. If you want a stiff or semi-stiff fin this is not it. I also didn't want a split fin - I have a pair for scuba and snorkeling but I don't like them for lap swimming. I don't know why they don't include fin length in the product details, but if this is something that's important to you this fin measures about 7.75 inches (approx 19.5cm) from the toe to the tip of the fin, and 7.5 inches (approx. 18.5cm) from edge to edge at the tip of the fin (which is perfect for my needs). I like the resistance that they provide and get a good leg work-out.
As for sizing, they do run small. I wear a woman's size 8 and so I ordered the medium which is supposed to be a 7-8. It's more like a 7-7.5. If you are a true 8 go up a size. If you're a men's 7-8 you really want to jump up because these sizes seem to be based on the women's size scale and there is no way these would fit a man's 7-8 size foot (I wear a men's 6 - 6.5). This size squeezes my toes a bit; but because I was too lazy to send them back for the next size up, I crammed a pair of sandals into them to stretch the toe and it worked; but definitely go a size up if you are on the higher end of the size scale or are a man. I also have a regular width foot with a slightly high arch. The width is perfect and one of the reasons that I really like this fin is that it "molds" with the movement of my foot and stays in-line with my arch. Now that I've stretched them to fit right they really do form to my foot. The foot pockets feel very soft against my feet and there is no stiffness or rubbing anywhere. I can't speak for how it would feel on flatter feet, but they're good for a high arch.
One other thing that may or may not be relevant but that I find interesting is that I have scoliosis (curvature of the spine) - not terribly and not noticeable to the naked eye - but one of my legs feels shorter than the other when I do certain exercises like the backstroke. Normally when I do the backstroke I tend to zig-zag all over my lane no matter how hard I focus on my form. The "longer" leg (that is really just the curve in my spine) tends to send me towards the right and then when I try to compensate I just end up swimming to the left, and back and forth I go. It's very annoying. I've used many fins and for some reason this does not happen with these fins. It wasn't a solution I was looking for, or ever expected, it's just an added benefit. I assume it's because the foot pockets truly are orthopedic. I feel like I have more control and I now swim straight down the middle of my lane and get a far more productive workout.
If these are your same requirements I believe you will be very satisfied with this purchase. I love mine. Speedo Rubber Swim Fins (Small, Yellow)
Wasn't sure what size to get....I wear a size 12 mens shoe, so it appeared the "XXL" would do the trick. PERFECT. Shipping by Amazon was immediate and I had the fins in about 2 days (they were shipped from an adjoining state). Oh, and of course, they work just peachey too.
Have had these fins about a month now and have no complaints. Am using these for snorkeling and swimming in a local lake. They are comfortable during my 30-40 minute swims. The blade is fairly large and provides good propulsion, but also requires a lot of leg strength if you want to push them hard. For easy swims they seem to be about right and you will still work your legs plenty. I have a size 12 foot with a high instep and do fine in the XXL size (green). These fins do not float. I think they are a good item for the price provided you order the correct size.
The fins are great, they propel you through the water at high speed. They were worth the price and perform to meet all my needs.
However...
- Stand on rocks under water scrape them pretty easily so I'm worried about their lifespan.
- The flippers over constant use morph so they may not fit right or look like they use to.
- They are not as snug as you would feel comfortable to use, but they have yet to fall off.
That's my review, if you want a good cheap pair of flippers I would recommend these.
These fins are great! They aren't huge like the ones you always saw when you were a kid. In fact they look so short that you might wonder if they'll do anything for you. Well, swim a few laps, then take them off and it's like night and day! The power they give you makes swimming laps a breeze! I bought some Speedo swim socks to wear with the flippers, and between the two the comfort level is so great you barely know you're wearing them.
I had looked up the sizing chart on this product and had purchased a large according to what I had found. The fins were way too small! Toes were pinched and were sticking out of the top. My recommendation is to order a larger size than the chart says.'
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