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The 8 best monofins 2024?

by Laura

monofin
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Are you looking for a monofin but can’t decide which one is right for you?

Avoid buying mistakes:

BeyondSurfing has reviewed over 23 of the most popular monofin models 2024 and now presents you with the best offers.

The best:

The buying guide also gives you valuable tips on what you should definitely look out for when buying a monofin.

In a hurry? Our monofin favorite:

FINIS monofin*
Why is it better?

  • Adjustable heel strap
  • Quick release technology
  • Flexible fin blade
  • High-quality workmanship

“Anyone looking for a good monofin for swimming is well advised to choose the Finis monofin. The price-performance ratio is convincing. Tip: Write your name on the fins with a sharpie so that you can still clearly identify them in the pool.” – Tim Lehmann (★★★★★)

Monofin Checklist

  • Getting dressed: Soap or oil makes it easier to get into the tight foot section.
  • Material: The monofin is made of plastic, fiberglass or carbon and fiberglass composite.
  • Mermaid set: Monofins are also available as a set with a mermaid costume.
  • Swimming: The paddling motion is different from conventional fins. You can’t run with monofins.

Also interesting: The most popular swim fins 2024.

The top 4 monofins in 2024

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

Best performance monofin

1. finis monofin

Advantages

  • Adjustable heel strap
  • Quick release technology
  • Flexible fin blade

Disadvantages

  • Only available in one color
  • Not suitable for costuming
  • Not suitable for children under 12

Summary

The monofin from Finis comes in a sporty design. Because that’s what it’s built for: real swimming! The fin is ideal for learning to swim with dolphins and the manufacturer offers a guarantee incl. German contact person in the event of any defects.

The Finis fin is designed to support an effective swimming movement, generate power but not overload. So you can train without provoking cramps!

Those who place less emphasis on looks and more on performance are well advised to choose Fini’s model. This monofin more than lives up to sporting ambitions. Mermaids had better make a different choice!

Product details

Size: 32 -44 | Material: n/a | Weight: 720 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 72% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The product does what the manufacturer promises: to help you swim effectively with butterflies. Customers praise its efficiency and simple design. The whole body is trained.

Around 13% are neutral about the product, while only 15% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Some customers criticize the quality of the material. The size specifications have also been criticized several times – make sure that there is a children’s and an adult version!

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Should you also wear foot protection?
Neoprene socks increase comfort enormously, but the fins can also be worn without them.
Does this model fit into a mermaid costume?
No, it is purely a piece of sports equipment.

Best robust monofin

2. adjustable Sweam monofin

Advantages

  • Robust monofin bag free of charge
  • Warranty + spare parts available
  • Wide range of colors and sizes

Disadvantages

  • Higher price segment
  • Stiff foot section
  • Not suitable for dressing up as a mermaid

Summary

The adjustable monofin from Sweam is a real piece of sports equipment. The extremely robust material comes with an additional guarantee. Spare parts are also available so that you can have a companion for several years.

The model is available in all rainbow colors and sizes. The manufacturer includes a free mesh bag on top. The harder material trains your muscles effectively and allows you to reach high speeds. This in turn is less suitable for beginners. The effort is greater than with other models.

If you are looking for a sporty and robust monofin as a loyal training partner, the Sweam model is the perfect choice! There is also something for every taste.

Product details

Size: 34 – 48 | Material: n/a | Weight: 780 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 85% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Customers praise the robust material and perceive the model as very high quality. The sizes are easily adjustable. For example, a mother and daughter could share the fins. The fin stroke is described as extremely effective!

Around 15% are neutral about the product, while only 0% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

A piece of the fin blade broke off for one customer. Another criticizes the high price, but finds it appropriate for the quality.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Are spare parts available?
Yes, if you write to the manufacturer you will receive this under warranty.
Are there also matching mermaid costumes?
No, this monofin is intended for sporting use.

Best all-round monofin

3. Fin Fun Monofin Pro

Advantages

  • Available for children and adults
  • Particularly soft feel
  • Quick release technology for extremely fast donning and doffing

Disadvantages

  • Only available in one color
  • One size does not always fit perfectly
  • Seams of the neoprene cover not very robust

Summary

The Fin Fun Monofin Pro scores with its extremely soft feel. The foot pocket has been fitted with durable polypropylene inserts. The fin comes with a neoprene cover that additionally protects the material from wear and tear. It can be easily removed for drying and washing.

There are two standard sizes for children and adults. This allows couples or families to share a model. The highlight: a unique quick release technique ensures that they can be put on and taken off in a flash. This gives beginners and children in particular additional safety in the water in the event of panic or other problems.

The Fin Fun Monofin is a real all-rounder and is very suitable for children and beginners thanks to its safety system. But sporty users also benefit from the high-quality material during training!

Product details

Size: One size for children and adults | Material: Neoprene and polypropylene | Weight: n/a

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 87% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Customers praise the high-quality and soft material. Some parents love the quick release system – even their youngest children can learn to swim with monofins safely. The fin sits perfectly on the feet without pinching.

Around 0% are neutral about the product, while only 13% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

One customer criticizes the quality of the seams.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

I have a shoe size 37, will this fin fit me?
The fins are manufactured in such a way that the shoe size does not matter. Please note that there are two different fin sizes. The smaller one is for children under the age of 12.
Why is shipping so expensive?
The fins are shipped directly from the factory in the USA. Unfortunately, there is no plant in Germany yet.

Best monofin for women and children

4. body glove mermaid mono fin

Advantages

  • High quality material
  • Easy Out loops for more safety
  • Flow channels ensure greater efficiency

Disadvantages

  • Only small sizes available
  • Few color choices
  • Not intended for effective training

Summary

The Mermaid monofins from Body Glove look like a real fish tail. They come with an Easy Out loop system, which provides additional safety. In the event of panic or other circumstances, they can be removed within a few seconds.

The special feature: the fin blade is equipped with flow channels that guide the water particularly effectively. So every fin stroke is efficient. They are available in blue and purple.

Due to the small sizes, more suitable for women’s and children’s feet. Anyone looking for an inexpensive but effective leisure partner is well advised to choose this model!

Product details

Size: 27 – 39 | Material: Rubber | Weight: n/a

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 92% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The reviews are mainly from enthusiastic parents. Your children have been using these fins for years, have a lot of fun with them and the material proves to be extremely durable. Some mothers use their children’s fins at the same time and describe how they feel like a fish.

Around 3% are neutral about the product, while only 5% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Some buyers describe that the material loses color over time. In addition, some of the straps on the foot section broke under low loads.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Do these fins fit into a mermaid costume?
Yes, various costumes fit easily on these fins.
How hard is the material?
Not hard. It is very flexible and soft, almost like a fish tail.

These are the top 3 monofins with mermaid costume in 2024

Best monofin with mermaid costume

1st BOSKRU mermaid set

Advantages

  • Lots of color choice
  • High-quality monofin can be used separately for training
  • Wide range of children’s sizes

Disadvantages

  • Sizes do not always fit
  • Vulnerable seams

Summary

The mermaid set from BOSKRU includes a high-quality monofin. The manufacturer also includes a mermaid costume on top.

Many different colors and sizes are offered so that every child will find what they are looking for. The costume is made from the same material as bathing suits and is therefore resistant to chlorine.

The monofin mermaid set combines design, quality and efficiency. If you don’t just want to play mermaid but also swim effectively with it, you can simply remove the monofin from the costume.

Product details

Size: 110 – 150 | Material: 82% polyester, 18% elastane | Weight: n/a

Customer ratings

What customers say

There are currently no customer reviews on Amazon.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Are there matching tops?
Yes, a matching top is included in the set.
Is it possible to buy just the cover?
No, Fin Fun only offers the costume as a set with the monofin.

Best quality monofin costume

2nd Fin Fun Limited Edition – Mermaid fin for swimming

Advantages

  • For children and adults
  • Wide range of colors

Disadvantages

  • No matching top

Summary

The mermaid set from XonyiCos comes with a monofin made of polyester and spandex. The small sizes make it very suitable for children, but adults can also find a suitable model up to size L. The costume comes in unusual color variations.

Product details

Size: 10 – 14 years, M – L | Material: 80% Polyester, 20% Spandex | Weight: N/A

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 100 % of all customers rate the product as good with four stars.

There are currently no reviews of this product on Amazon.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Does the chemical odor dissipate?
Yes, it disappeared after one wash.
How is the size measured?
Based on body size. The manufacturer offers an extra table on the Amazon page.

Best mermaid costume for children

3. DN FUN mermaid tail costume

Advantages

  • Incl. Bikini
  • Wide range of colors
  • Low price

Disadvantages

  • Vulnerable seams
  • For children only
  • Cut of the bikini bottoms uncomfortable

Summary

The mermaid set from DN FUN comes with a matching bikini. The look is complete and the mermaid adventure can begin. It is only suitable for children and is available in creative designs. From constellations to fish designs, everything is included.

If you’re looking for a complete set with a bikini and creative design, this monofin mermaid model is for you: bikini, costume and monofin in one, with a very good price-performance ratio!

Product details

Size: 100 – 150 | Material: 82% polyester, 18% spandex | Weight: n/a

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 82% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The customers are mainly parents who bought the costume as a gift. They describe the great joy of their children. The costume is beautiful to look at and proves to be robust. It holds tight in water and does not dissolve. The look is very realistic.

Around 10% are neutral about the product, while only 8% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Some people describe the bikini bottoms as uncomfortable. The entrance to the monofin in the lower part of the costume is also very narrow. Unfortunately, delivery from Asia usually takes a little longer.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can the costume be washed at 40 degrees?
Yes, you can. However, 30 degrees is gentler.
Is the size specification appropriate?
Yes, the sizes correspond to the specifications.

Bestsellers: The most popular monofins

What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

(**Last update 2024-11-21)

Buy monofins:
How to make the right decision

mermaid_fin_test

Monofins are based on the fastest marine animals and combine both feet into one fin. They allow you to glide elegantly and swiftly through the water while exercising your whole body.

Monofins have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly due to so-called “mermaiding”, i.e. dressing up and swimming as a mermaid.

Not sure whether monofins are right for you?

The advantages and disadvantages of monofins at a glance

  • More effective training for dolphin swimming
  • Significantly more efficient than two separate fins
  • Joints are spared
  • More fun through more speed
  • The entire musculature is trained
  • Mermaid costume possible as an add-on
  • Very elegant sequence of movements
  • Ideal for freediving
  • Purchase price
  • Transportation to training
  • You can’t run with monofins
  • More sore muscles
  • Technology must be learned

The best is yet to come:

BeyondSurfing shows you which features are essential when buying monofins and how you can recognize real quality. A well thought-out purchase will pay off 10 times over in the end!

What you need to consider when buying monofins (incl. Checklist)

When looking for the right monofin for you, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics:

  • Material
  • Size
  • Model
  • Durability
  • Comfort

You will also receive valuable tips for use and an insight into the history of the monofin!

The best material for monofins?

The fin blade is made of plastic, glass fiber, carbon fiber or carbon and glass fiber composite. The material is thickest at the foot pocket and becomes thinner towards the edge of the fin blade.

The different layers of the fins are designed in such a way that the fin blade remains flexible but dimensionally stable.

Note: The thicker the fin blade, the more water is displaced. A higher speed can be achieved, but the strain on the muscles is correspondingly greater.

The right monofin size?


“Putting on the tight monofin is not that easy. It’s very important that you wet the fin and your feet first before you slip in. And you can’t do without the soap. Without it, we usually can’t get into the tight monofin at all.”

Wencke Orth ★★★★★
Orientation diver from Rostock


Which size is right for you depends on whether you want to use the monofin for leisure (e.g. in combination with a mermaid costume) or purely as a piece of sports equipment for water sports:

  • Recreational: Unlike “normal” fins, monofins for recreational use are often available in one size. Many manufacturers offer adjustable straps. There are also neoprene foot pockets that securely enclose several shoe sizes at once. This is particularly practical if you want to share the fin within the family.
  • Water sports: However, the sportier versions should be tailored to your foot. A well-fitting monofin tends to exert pressure on the foot. This is necessary to transfer the power ideally to the water.
Pro tip: neoprene socks increase comfort enormously and reduce pressure on the feet!

Which is the right model for me?

monofin_mermaid
Many factors determine the best, individual monofin. Everyone has different preferences in terms of swimming style. The fitness you bring with you also plays a role.

Important:

Never neglect the fit of a monofin – it must be snug to prevent loss of power transmission while paddling.

BeyondSurfing recommends:

It is best to test fins from other swimmers first! This allows you to determine which foot pocket comfort, hardness and angle of the fin blade you prefer.

If you can’t find a rental monofin, it makes sense to buy a cheap fin with soft material first. Less effort is required with flexible fins, making it easier to work on the correct swimming technique.

If you or your children just want to play a little mermaid, then you should choose a model that fits into a costume. Complete mermaid sets are often already available to buy.

How can I recognize comfort and durability?

A monofin is not a slipper. You will inevitably feel some pressure on your feet. This is the only way to paddle effectively. However, the fin should not leave any blisters or other injuries. Make sure the material of the foot pocket is soft and snug, so that it wraps around your foot like a second skin.

The durability is 50% influenced by your handling and care of the fin. Observe the following care instructions so that you can enjoy your monofin for a long time:

  • Chlorine and salt water must be rinsed off after each use!
  • Never store in direct sunlight.
  • Only use mild cleaning agents.
  • Do not scrub.
  • Use a protective bag during transportation.

The other 50% of the shelf life is due to the quality of the manufacturer. It is worth taking a look at our list of renowned brands and sellers.

Well-known brands and manufacturers

The best-known and most popular monofin brands and manufacturers include:


Fin Fun, Mares, Mahina, Finis and Body Glove


Monofins for professional sport?

Mares manufactures monofins for professional sports. The price segment here is well over €500. BUT: If you don’t want to become a professional freediver, then the other manufacturers are perfectly adequate for hobby sports.

Monofin tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test

Unfortunately, there are currently no tests from renowned companies that can be mentioned here.

In general, however, the same applies to monofins as to all water sports equipment:

Look for high-quality and non-toxic material without plasticizers. It is worthwhile using renowned manufacturers.

A brief history of the monofin

The largest marine mammals, such as whales, move with natural monofins. Animals known for their strength and speed have flat, horizontal, semi-rigid fins. A Russian swimmer first took this as her model in 1971.

Svetlana Uspenikaia competed in the 1971 EU finswimming championships with the world’s first “artificial” monofin. It attracted a lot of attention but also skepticism with its design. In the end, she was far superior to all the others in the competition with the monofin and won by a large margin.

Nowadays, these fins are often used for a variety of competitions. Especially for the sport of apnea diving, which involves deep diving without oxygen equipment. Power, speed and control are important. Once mastered, the monofin is more efficient than two separate fins.

Monofin technique: How do I use monofins correctly?

You don’t learn the right technique overnight. You should first practise the movements on land before going into the water. In this video, orientation diver Wencke shows you what this movement sequence looks like:

It can be difficult to find the position where your whole body works together. Please note the following points when swimming with the monofin:

  • The correct posture is a straight line with your arms stretched out above your head.
  • One hand must be placed over the other and the arms held as close together as possible.
  • The aim is to minimize the surface area that the water encounters.
  • The more fluid and compact the movement, the less resistance!

You’ll soon be swimming like a dolphin with the monofin:

With monofins, the paddling movement is not just limited to the legs. It must extend from the center of your chest to your feet. Imagine a dolphin! Dolphins glide through the water in a streamlined fashion, using their entire bodies.

It is easier to paddle from the knee to generate power. However, this is nowhere near as effective as using the whole body. Almost every muscle from your shoulders down should work.

Tip: Only train for a short time at the beginning. Muscle cramps can quickly become a problem for the inexperienced. So proceed slowly and pay attention to your body signals. If your muscles feel tense, it’s time to rest.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about monofins

What is a monofin?

A monofin is a water sports device that makes swimming more efficient and faster. In appearance, it resembles the tail fin of a dolphin. Both feet are attached to a semi-flexible fin blade in a narrow foot pocket.

It helps professionals to perform better in freediving. It is also used by deep, distance and orientation divers and for butterfly and dolphin swimming.

In recent years, the monofin has become increasingly popular thanks to mermaiding. For this, she is incorporated into a mermaid costume.

How much does a monofin cost?

You can expect to pay between €20 and €60 for leisure activities. There are even some sets with mermaid costumes. Depending on what you are looking for. Professional fins for apnea sports(e.g. from Mares) cost a good €600.

How do you swim with a monofin?

A good role model is the dolphin. The entire body is used in a streamlined manner. Unlike other fins, you don’t just paddle from your legs and knees. All muscles must work together to perform a flowing, wave-like movement. The arms are usually stretched straight above the head, the hands crossed.

Would you like to learn the whole thing? In Bad Segeberg, for example, there are special courses to learn how to swim with monofins and a mermaid costume:

Where can you buy monofins?

You can find a wide range of products online at Amazon. If you prefer to get advice in a store, Empty is a good choice.

Which monofin is good?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It always depends on what the fin is to be used for. In general, you should stick to renowned manufacturers and ensure a good fit. The aim of the fin should also match the model. Professional sport or hobby mermaid? You can find more details here in BeyondSurfing’s ” Buying guide.

What do you need to look out for in a monofin?

The fit, quality and degree of hardness are important factors and must be tailored to your training level:

  • The fin must not be too loose, but should not hurt the foot either.
  • The material must be of high quality and durable so that you can enjoy the fin for a long time.
  • A fin that is too hard is too strenuous for beginners and would lead to overstraining of the muscles.
  • However, it offers more drive for advanced users.

You can find more information on this in BeyondSurfing’s detailed ” buying guide.

Conclusion: The most popular monofins

Monofins are all the rage. The sequence of movements is much more elegant than with normal fins and trains the entire body. In addition, there are endless possibilities for use: apnea diving, butterfly swimming, snorkeling, playing mermaid …

The difficulties involved in learning the right technique will definitely pay off in the end with a well-trained body and extra fun in the water!

Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

Laura

Beach and snorkeling expert
Laura lives in Greece and couldn't imagine a day without the sea on her doorstep. When she's not writing for BeyondSurfing, she likes to spend her free time on the beach or in the water with snorkeling gear.

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