Foot Pocket Sizing?

[SKJ_SBP]

Hey, everyone. I'm an avid swimmer - I love recreational freediving and just being in the water. I'm looking into getting my first monofin (on a pretty tight budget) but have run into a slight problem.

I was looking into getting one of these two fins:

http://www.waterwayfins.com/index.p...&category_id=4&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=4

SpecialFins Monofins & fins for Freediving,Spearfishing,UW Games

But my bare foot measures exactly 24cm long. That is the largest size foot the small size from SpecialFins will fit, and also the upper bound for size 37-38 from Water Way. So I guess my real question is, how are the footpockets supposed to fit? Will either or these sizes fit, or will they potentially squeeze my feet to the point of extreme discomfort? I'm pretty sure I could get a larger size and use them with neoprene socks, but I've never used neoprene socks with fins and am not sure what the pros and cons are for those.

I apologize if I sound like a total noob, but I appreciate any help with this!

 

[neurodoc]

Foot pocket sizing is always an interesting subject. The answer to your question also depends on your intent and goals. If you intend to go as fast as possible, a sprint fin will have a stiff blade and a very tight foot pocket. Tight means you may not feel your feet if you keep it on longer than 30 minutes, and I've heard as little as 15. Same rule if you want maximum performance for a very deep dive. A little bit looser will allow much more comfort, at the cost of a little performance. If you want to swim for a few hours with it, a full foot pocket like a Nemo Wings from Waterway, or a Dol-Fin X-20 would be the best (x20 is much better I would think). I've used a mono with neoprene fin socks for some time, and this makes it more comfortable. It is tricky to get the right size, because you may not be able to try them out. If you know someone that has one you can try that would be good. Bogdan at Waterway is very helpful; tell him your foot size and see what he recommends (helps if you tell him what you want to be able to do with it also). Good luck!

 

[*yadunnoeaeron*]

Go along to a freediving training session and try some on with and without socks. I found that some of the footpockets gave me cramp without socks and some with. I went along to a Notanx session and they have a variety of fins there. If you find some you like ask for the name and make of them and find them online, or you may be able to purchase them directly from the center "second hand" if their feeling generous. Also check out Fins4U, they make great fins at an affordable price! Good Luck and Dive Safe!

 

[SKJ_SBP]

Thanks for the replies! I actually just caved and ordered the freediving flyer from Fins4U. I sent a question about foot pocket size with my foot measurements last night and David had already responded this morning with a size suggestion, so I went ahead and ordered. (I also found his site to be the easiest to send payment because I could use Paypal.) I can't wait for them to get here!

I will definitely look into doing some training sessions, especially if it will allow me to try some fins for when I'm ready to upgrade. I realize I didn't mention to David what I'm looking to do with a monofin, but I re-measured both of my feet and one of them is 24cm, the other is just over 25cm. That's what I told him and he suggested 37/38, and I decided to go with that. I bought some neoprene socks too so I can play around with those. I figure even if the foot pockets end up a bit snug, I'm sure I can deal with it and then I will have a better idea of what works or doesn't work next time.

 

[*yadunnoeaeron*]

Awsome. They have great customer service dont they! I ordered my Bi Fins from there, but in the wrong size:duh, so when they got here they were way to big. I contacted David and he asked me to send them back and get some 45-46's....He even paid for half the postage!

 

[SKJ_SBP]

Yeah I was really pleased with how soon I got a response. I'm hoping they will fit in the size I got, but in the case that they don't, it sounds like an exchange might be possible, unless the monofins are dealt with differently. But either way, I'm not going to worry about that yet. Not unless I have to.

 

[SKJ_SBP]

It arrived today!!! I'm going to have to squeeze into my wetsuit tomorrow and try it out! Has anyone had any issues with their foot pockets (Leaderfins) running a bit large? Assuming they sent the size I ordered, the smallest size is still at least 1/2 inch longer than my feet. I didn't realize they are sent with a pair of neoprene socks so I ended up with two pairs because I also ordered some, but I think it will be best if I wear both anyway.