Fins for small feet - need advice

[littleleemur]

I have small feet (UK size 3 1/2; US childrens size 4; Europe size 36 1/2) and have had a lot of trouble in the past with my fins coming off during dives, no matter how tightly I pull the straps beforehand. I now use children's full foot fins, but really would prefer bootees and strap fins, think it's safer.

Has anyone else had this problem? Could anyone recommend the best fins for small feet? Would appreciate advice!

If the XS don't fit, try the Junior Fins offered by Aqualung and Akona. They are exactly the same as their Adult versions. Sometimes just changing the type of bootie you wear may help in finding a pair of fins that work for you, as fit has a lot to do with the shape as well as the length of the foot pocket.

Also, if your straps keep sliding off, try spring straps [get the narrower ones].

I am a US 5.5/6 UK 4 and wear a XS Cressi's.

Good Luck.

[Diverdaniel]

i know that Scubapro make a very very small size jetfin, looks like a toy
i have a friend that has a pair.
she never complains abuot cramps or any other problems
also i agree about the Aqua-Lungs and AKONA

good luck

[Nuclear Girl]

Thank you all for your good advice - I will follow up! Chantelle - thanks for your kind offer, but I really do need to try before I buy.

I'm going to the Dive Show in London in March, so hopefully I'll be able to get some very small fins there - will look out for the makes you all have suggested.

Thanks again.

[DRW]

Full-foot fins are indeed considered by freedivers to be more efficient than open-heel ones. Closed-heel fins with foot pockets that are a little large for the wearer can be secured with the use of fin grips, a clever French invention from the early 1960s:

fingrips.jpg

There is a full-foot version of the jet fin called the Süper Jet, manufactured by the Turkish diving equipment company Free Sub:

7.jpg

Like the original Beuchat Jet Fin of the early 1960s, it comes with a heel strap as well as a closed heel, enabling a more secure fit.