Aquasphere Alpha Unisex Adult Swimming Fins - Lightweight Foam Unparalleled Comfort, Improves Posture, Strength, Technique, & Flexibility in Traininng & Competition

These fins are a very wise choice and have saved my ankles, knees, and back -- and preserved my ability to do something I love. Due to their flotation, light weight, and relative level of effect, compared to the super-short, heavier variety breast-strokers often prefer when forced to practice other kicks, they let me keep up doing something I love without too much strain but with enough extra strength to build more muscle and give me the speed to do longer series of kick drills. I was a professional swim coach for 20 years and a life-long swimmer. Started having back issues and my chiropractor banned fins with swimming, told me to water walk or something, which if what you want is pyramids and butterfly and isolation drills for an hour twice a week...i wanted to explain swimming to him but held my tongue. Anyway, I guy I'd coached had just found these due not being able to wear the heavy long ones on a sprained ankle. I borrowed them and realized they were just the balance. I've personally had his old pair in my car for two years straight and never had shrinkage or a break. One word of advice: With fins, it is always better to go a bit big. This is not like a wet suit. You do not want it really tight. With kids, you can even get a size too big and have them wear socks until they grow into them. As for kids on teams using these, I'm not as sure. Breaststrokers seem to do best with the super-short, square variety to practice flutter and dolphin kick. The traditional, bi-color, heavier, longer fins are best for learning dolphin, developing flutter endurance. But as soon as a kid is pretty good, switching to these might prevent some level of inflexibility caused by hyper-extension and protect their bones. Some can be disappointed in these because they are not as fast, but if you are truly kicking correctly, they give you just the boost you need, safely. If the buoyancy throws u off, i'd recommend swimming lessons. Your feet are supposed to be that high for everything but breast stroke, but it's not easy learning how to do this.

I have arthritis in my lower back and have a difficulty swimming because of my inability to use my legs. I have tried several other types of fins and my back hurts more when I'm using them than when I swim without fins. However, the Aqua Sphere fins were amazing. What sets them apart is that they float. Because of their buoyancy, they keep my legs afloat, even if I don't kick my legs. It's almost like swimming with a pull buoy, which also takes the load off my back. I am still making adjustments to my stroke and if I do an easy flutter kick it doesn't hurt my back. So my use of the fins is still a work in progress, but all my results are, so far, positive. Also, other fins that I have used require that I wear booties with the fins to prevent abrasions to my insoles. You don't need booties for these fins.One thing that I recommend is be careful about the selection of your fin size. According to the size chart, if you wear a size 10-11 shoe size, which I do, the LARGE size is recommended. However, before purchasing my Aqua Fins, a friend allowed me to use his X-LARGE fins. They were a snug fit and they felt like the correct size. I can't imagine that the LARGE would have fit correctly and probably would have been way too tight. My feet are average and are not extra wide, so if possible, borrow a pair of Aqua Fins of the recommended size and a size larger to see how they fit before purchasing. You can return them if the ones you got weren't the right size, but why go through the extra hassle?

I spend a lot of time in the water and have owned many fins. If you are an experienced swimmer you will likely HATE these fins. If you are a novice or beginner you may love them.They are extremely buoyant and impossible to kick with if you already have good body position. It's like trying to swim with floats on your feet. If you don't swim much these will likely position your body in a more flat orientation which is good. I bought them because I read a review that you can do breast stroke and frog kick. This simply was NOT the case. I wear a 10 1/2EE running shoe . The 10-11 L size I ordered fitted l2 sizes too small. "May" be sized right for a narrow foot. But "extremely" tight. I forced myself to put them on only because, "I had to try them" .In summary:If you are a novice swimmer they "may" feel great, but frankly "any" fin will feel great to someone who doesn't swim well. Avoid this product if you are a lap swimmer, or lake swimmer or have experience with fins. You likely be profoundly disappointed. I hate to give 1 stars, but don't want people to waste their time with this product, as there were many spectacular reviews, and a large influence in why I ordered them.

Fit my size 13.5 feet well. (size xxl) Construction is excellent. I have been swimming (with fins) since 1948. These light, soft, finsare perfect for pools or long distance surface ocean swimming. (not diving) I've used the Aqua Sphere fins for a month, six hours a week.Too soon to tell how they hold up. The only reason I didn't award five stars. Oh yeah, you'll love the buoyancy, keeps a person's body streamlinedfor faster, easier swimming. (keep those legs straight, paddle from hips, not knees) If you are new to fins, start slowly or you'll wake up muscles that will turn you into a temporary land cripple if overdone.THREE Months Later;I need to add a sad addendum. My light as a feather, high floatation fins shrank from XXL to a medium.There is no way I can get either foot into my Aqua Sphere foam fins. They look and feel normal. For a second I thought they were switched.I guessing leaving the swim bag in my hot car did the trick. Bought the little guys end of winter, just before posting this first review.If you decide to buy, make sure not to allow them to be exposed to sunshine or excess heat. Or, look for a swimmer with smaller feet.