Proper fit for frediving fins

[sysdive]

Hello,

I was just about to buy Gara 2000 / 3000 fins. The size of my foot is 46 (European). Cressi manufactures only dual sizes 46-47 / 44-45 ... atd.

My problem is when using 2mm neoprene sock then the size 46-47 is little loose (a couple of millimeters) It appears that the fin is not really falling of my foot even when moving...

With the 44-45 size I am really tight but still I think OK (not really any pain at least in the shop).

I have tried the fins only in shop. The question is if I buy the 46-47 size
will it stay on me while in the water and when the neoprene sock gets wet... go deeper etc...

Could you please give me some advice?


Thanks a lot in advance.

 

[cmburch]

You may be able to use fin keepers. Spetton makes some. I am sure there are probably other manufacturers.

MAKO Spearguns - Freedive Fin Keepers


Or get a thicker sock.

 

[sysdive]

Thanks a lot for the tip! Should I then go for the bigger size 46-47?

Best

 

[Magpie]

Why not try using 5mm socks in the larger fins? You're better off loose than tight. Tight will make your feet cramp up.

 

[trux]

I had a similar experience. My feet have size 42, and I normally use Beuchat footpockets 41-42 with 5 mm socks. Once, when on holidays, I broke a fin a needed to buy new pair (I could not find a spare blade). The only choice in place were Dessaults, but the 41-42 felt very tight with a 2mm sock. 43-44 felt quite loose, but I told myself it will be about fine with 5 mm socks. It wasn't. I used fin-keepers too, but the the power transfer was miserable, and I could not fin properly at all. When back from the trip, I sold the fins, and bought new blades for my old fins.

So, I would advise going back to the store, and testing the fins with thicker socks. It the feeling is not satisfactory, rather choose a different model - the molds vary at each manufacturer, hence #46 will feel different at Cressi than at Beuchat, Sporasub, Mares, or other brands. Only buy the fins if they really fit well, otherwise you will regret it later.

 

[sysdive]

Thanks you all for the advices.
Will go back to shop an try them with thicker socks and if not good will look for some other manufacturer...

Best.

 

[fishindave07]

It depends on your feet!

I am a size 12 (44 European) and have FAT feet. I struggled throug gara 3000s for about a year and would get the WORSE foot cramps and even shin pain, think chainsaw enema :blackeye.

A couple weeks ago i tried on:

Omer Milleniums....no, still tight
Riffe Silent Hunters...nope
Mares Razor...BINGO!

Like i said before it all depends on your feet.

 

[Erik]

Even in cooler water you could get away with wearing a regular running sock in the tighter fins (I did this with my monofin in 8C water no problems). One benefit being that they do not compress at depth. Fin-keepers should be viewed as an emergency backup in case your foot pops out, if anything. Really they could get tangled in fishing line/plants, or make it difficult to remove the fin at depth in an emergency. Not great for power either.
I'd say get a fin that fits, whoever makes it. Same for suits and masks... don't compromise!

 

[K.Johansson]

Im using the gara 3000 and ive got 46-47 shoe size (eu) with 5mm socks, the fit is good but tight on the sides of the foot so after 30-60 mins they get be a real pain, even tho they are really tight on the foot, ive lost one fin twice now (lucky both times where in the pool, tho ruinied my PB dyn for 70m ).

so all depends how your feet looks like and what your personal preference is.