My mornings are where the magic happens, with what I believe to be the best swim fins on my feet. I live close to a long stretch of beach along the North Fork of Long Island, and I greet it each day with a long, luxuriously free swim.
The ritual goes something like this:
Up at 7am
Coffee while suiting up
Goggles, swim cap, fins/flippers, and rash guard
Cycle to beach
Short meditation to set intention
In the water
The Best Swim Fins for Getting Stronger and Sleeker
TYR vs Laguna Fin Co
After a lot of research online, and considering brands like FINIS, Speedo, Arena, and even Nike, I narrowed my choice of flippers to two brands: the TYR Hydroblade (a top brand for competitive swimmers, $59.99) and Laguna Fin Co (a specialty company, promising to be the most comfortable fins on the planet, also $59.99). For me, the clear winner is Laguna Fin Co. Here’s why:
A hand-stitched neoprene foot pocket
When I think of fins, I think of blisters and foot cramps. So did Laguna Fin Co. It’s part of the problem they set out to solve. Their fins have double stitched neoprene foot pockets that are soft and mold perfectly to your foot. You can kick away without cuts, cramps or blisters. In contrast, the TYR Hydroblades are made of stiff silicone, and with each kick my toes would smack up against the hard surface. The longer you are in the water the softer your skin gets, so it seemed to just get more and more uncomfortable.
Super adjustable fit (and customizable if you like)
Attached to the foot pocket of Laguna is an adjustable neoprene heel strap for sizing. There is also a hidden adjustable arch strap built to fit foot width. I have extremely narrow feet, so this feature makes a difference for me. The straps are also easy to adjust in the water until you get it just right. The Hydroblades are not adjustable, which means you have to get the size right. The ones I tried were slightly short, so I would have had to size-up a size.
Built for training
The Laguna fin can be used for all four competitive strokes, including breaststroke. While I’m not competing, I do like to switch it up between freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke.
On this measure, the Hydroblade also scores high. The fins have channel side rails and also include an angled blade surface for upward kick resistance as you move. I like the propulsion, but the Laguna fin seemed like a more natural extension with similar power.
Lightweight for travel
Right now travel is on my bike, but I aspire to pick up my long-distance swims in faraway places once we can travel again. The Laguna fins weigh in at 1.4lbs, compared to TYR’s 3.2lbs. I can fit them in my small backpack and still have room for towel, sunscreen, goggles, etc. When I go to teach in Greece next spring, these will be with me. TYR, on the other hand, would fill a good portion of a suitcase and add a lot of weight.
Brand Identity
There is also something really appealing to me about who Laguna Fin Co is as a brand. They are swimmers, surfers, people who love water, athletes, adventurists. They work with Olympic medalist Kaitlin Sandeno, as well as well-known open-water swimmer Bryan Mineo (known as “The Swim Mechanic,” he leads large, weekly, open-water groups). As I slip my fins on for my morning swim, I like to think I belong to their club.
I aspire to pick up my long-distance swims in faraway places once we can travel again. some other detail about long swimm fins you can check here
my name Is Billy Beamer,my whole life I’ve aspired to go to Tawatawi Philippines and recruit a few “Bajue” A Sea People
And Outfit these chosen few with the most advanced Diving Equipment, Scuba to Sea Doos,more importantly bring them the ability to drink clean Water an introduction to filtration Devices and systems.I was thinking to have them choose and rate the Diving Equipment,I like your post,your swim routine rocks.People like you are super grounded,I can tell your “of the good people” the ones who care…May I ask you for advice via email ,My passion is the search of Lost Spanish Galloons around the San Bernardino straits.
Hello from UK! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this article. Extremely helpful. I am coming back from broken neck from RTA etc and fortunate to be walking and talking. Swimming is my main rehab now but wanted some fins to support this in the open water. Much apprecaited, Geoff.
Hi Geoffrey! Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I wish you so much so much vibrancy and strength in your recovery. Your story and commitment is so inspiring. In addition to all the physical benefits, swimming/water is good for the soul. I meet you here in spirit. I do still love Laguna fins. My best, Patricia