Kids learning how to swim also learn life skills that aren’t limited to the pool or sea. Swimming promotes teamwork, harbors trust in others and strengthen bonds. Every time a child celebrates their swimming progress and success, they’ll gain a confidence boost within themselves that stretches into other aspects of their lives.
In addition, research has shown that there are many great lifelong benefits to childhood swimming:
- Improved socialization among different peers
- Improved cognitive behavior
- Enhanced gross motor skill development and coordination
- Lead greater happiness, health, and development of a child’s personality
If your child hasn’t organically developed the ability to tread water properly, learning how to kick with swim flippers is a great way for them to get more comfortable with it.
Top 12 Best Swim Flippers for Kids
The younger the kid, the more challenging it is to learn how to kick with a fin. A great tip is to encourage pointed toes and straighten legs when paddling. Of course, the legs aren’t totally straight for the entire kick. There is a little bend at the knee when first starting the kick, which then finishes straight.
These details are a bit too complicated to explain to a child. That’s why it’s best to encourage them to have their legs straight. They’ll eventually get it by instinct. There is a lot of kid swim flippers to choose from. We narrowed it down to twelve, so you don’t have to.
- Amberbaby Kid Swim Flippers — Our Top Pick
- WPYYI Swim Flippers — Best High End
- A Point Diving Swim Flippers — Best Budget
- LKXSWZQ Kid Swim Flippers
- Carols Kid Swim Flippers
- CZYPF Kid Swim Flippers
- Olaffi Kid Swim Flippers
- Comfecto Kid Swim Flippers
- Finis Kid Swim Flippers
- Amazqi Kid Swim Flippers
- Capas Kid Swim Flippers
- Cressi Kid Swim Flippers
1. Amberbaby Kid Swim Flippers — Our Top Pick
Specifications:
- Heel type: Open heel
- Fin type: Paddle fin
- Fin size: Longfin
Amberbaby fins each come with an open-heel design to accommodate a wide range of sizes. This is cost-effective since your kids will not outgrow their fins for a few years. Kids can easily put on and remove the fins with its Quick and Easy technology heel straps with large thumb loops for adjustment ease.
Built with high-quality custom material, the Amberbaby fins offer a soft foot pocket and barefoot flexibility. The flippers are designed to also be worn with fin socks or dive booties which help protect diver’s feet from cold and blisters.
Amberbaby also boasts a compact design without compromising speed that’s ideal for packing during travels.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flame shape holes reduce water resistance | Reported problems with the strap |
| Easy to wear and to remove | Does not include plastic inserts |
| Does a lot for its price | |
2. WPYYI Swim Flippers — Best High End
Specifications:
- Heel type: Open heel
- Fin type: Paddle fin
- Fin size: Longfin
WPYYI fins provide both tightness and comfort at the same time, which is usually a problem for kids’ swim flippers. This is possible due to two things: its anti-slip adjustable strap technology and superior construction.
The strap allows adjustment for proper tightness for easy wear and removal of the fins. The construction is tough and flexible, that’s neither too hard nor too soft.
The fins also come with dual-channel drain hole outlets to reduce water resistance, giving the diver free action underwater.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal flippers to pair with neoprene socks or dive booties | High risk of chafing if used barefooted |
| Better strap build quality than most flippers | Expensive |
| Minimalist design | |
3. A Point Diving Swim Flippers — Best Budget
Specifications:
- Heel type: Close heel
- Fin type: Paddle fin
- Fin size: Shortfin
A Point Diving fins are not only the cheapest on this list, but they are carefully designed to compete against high-end kids’ swim flippers.
The soft areas of the fins are made of high-quality thermoplastic rubber and the hard areas are polypropylene material. This mix results in a durable but lightweight set that provides excellent performance underwater without tiring your feet as fast.
The flexible foot pocket automatically adjusts its shape to give a perfect fit. Perfect for kids with underdeveloped motor skills to wear the fins easily.
A common problem for cheap fins is slippage, especially when walking around the beach. A Point Diving fixes this problem with its non-slip design, and drain holes add breathability and comfort with protection from slippage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with plastic inserts | Not ideal for kids that prefer frog kicks |
| Ideal for speed swimming | Flimsy |
| Dirt cheap | |
4. LKXSWZQ Kid Swim Flippers
Specifications:
- Heel type: Close heel
- Fin type: Paddle fin
- Fin size: Longfin
LKXSWZQ fins are made of a custom mix of thermoplastic elastomer and polypropylene material that gives it high flexibility without the risk of tearing.
The non-slip convex bottom design increases friction to increase the efficiency of every kick. Being more efficient results in more power, increasing the distance per kick.
The fin’s palm frame concentrates water pressure providing better stability underwater. Coupled with its dual channel draining to reduce water resistance, divers gain more freedom of movement underwater and improved diving swimming speed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A lot of free movement underwater | Foot pocket design not versatile enough for different feet |
| Comes with swimming goggles | Risk of blisters when worn barefooted |
| Semi force fins that mimic fish | |
5. Carols Kid Swim Flippers
Specifications:
- Heel type: Open heel
- Fin type: Paddle fin
- Fin size: Shortfin
Carols claim that their fins are bent 1,500 times to check for deformation and cracking. Only high-quality construction materials can survive that kind of stress test.
The fins use adjustable side buckles to get the correct tightness for the diver’s feet. They’re made of high-quality polypropylene and thermoplastic rubber that’s non-toxic and wear-resistant.
The bottom of each fin adopts a pattern design that adds better friction with the ground, providing more safety against skidding. Additionally, they’re designed with drainage holes that reduce water resistance by adding a speed perk kick.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very easy to walk on the land/beach | Must be used with dive booties or neoprene socks to prevent chafing |
| Ideal for speed swimming | Expensive |
| Sturdy lock design | |
6. CZYPF Kid Swim Flippers
Specifications:
- Heel type: Close heel
- Fin type: Paddle fin
- Fin size: Shortfin
CZYPF fins have a closed-heel design. This sacrifices adjustability for a better fit while being more secured. This design choice inhibits hyperflexion—a common injury where a joint flexes beyond its normal range of motion—and foot cramps.
The fins use an open-toe and flame-shaped mesh instep design that reduces water resistance and adds breathability, minimizing paddle fatigue. They’re made of custom thermoplastic rubber material that’s deformation-proof, corrosion-resistant, and sturdy.
It comes with hard plastic inserts to maintain a flipper shape when not in use and a mesh bag to keep them dry.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great open toe design to decrease water resistance | Kids can outgrow them quickly |
| Comes with dry mesh bag and plastic inserts | A bit pricey |
| Ideal for speed swimming | |
7. Olaffi Kid Swim Flippers
Specifications:
- Heel type: Open heel
- Fin type: Paddle fin
- Fin size: Longfin
Olaffi fins are constructed with high-grade natural rubber for a softer foot pocket that prevents the diver’s barefoot from chafing. It comes with adjustable straps and buckles to accommodate different foot types and sizes that are cost-effective and perfect to share with friends and family.
Flame-shaped mesh instep design on top reduces water resistance and adds breathability, minimizing fatigue. Kids can wear neoprene socks and water shoes while using these fins.
The non-slip bottom design adds more safety from skidding.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Semi force fins that mimic fish | Blistering is a problem if worn barefooted |
| Very easy to kick underwater | Hard to walk on land/beach |
| Does a lot for its price | |
8. Comfecto Kid Swim Flippers
Specifications:
- Heel type: Close heel
- Fin type: Paddle fin
- Fin size: Shortfin
Unlike other kids’ swim flippers, Comfecto fins come with ankle-secure design supports which protect divers from injuries resulting from hyperflexion because of rapid winter-ocean currents.
The fins use elastic thermoplastic rubber and polypropylene material. It provides a firm grip per kick, giving kids a boost in speed and giving them more confidence to practice advanced movement.
The orthopedic foot pocket design offers maximum control and comfort, preventing muscle fatigue underwater. Its lightweight design makes it easy to use for beginners and is perfect for travel.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great sizing chart available | Not ideal for kids that prefer frog kicks |
| Ideal for beginner kids | Kids can outgrow them quickly |
| Comes with plastic inserts | |
| Cheap | |
9. Finis Kid Swim Flippers
Specifications:
- Heel type: Close heel
- Fin type: Paddle fin
- Fin size: Shortfin
Finis fins are best suited for smaller younger kids to help them transition to bigger fins.
Open-toe design on the fins’ underside prevents chafing from rapid movement and ensures a comfortable fit at the same time.
Its minimalist flat bottom design promotes leg extension to develop proper body position in and out of the water. Every kick gives feedback from the fins which teaches the young swimmer how to generate forward movement properly through the water.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for young kids | Young kids will outgrow them quickly |
| Minimalist design | Hard to walk on land/beach |
| Reputable brand | |
10. Amazqi Kid Swim Flippers
Specifications:
- Heel type: Open heel
- Fin type: Paddle fin
- Fin size: Longfin
Amazqi fins each harbor an open-heel design that accommodates a wide range of foot sizes, resulting in kids not outgrowing the fins. Kids don’t need to readjust back and forth between swimming sessions because of its quick-release buckle that keeps the length of the straps.
The foot pocket is made of thermoplastic, polycarbonate, and polypropylene materials that have been carefully mixed to get the best result for anti-deformation, lightweight, corrosion resistance, and durability.
Foot chafing is prevented with its soft foot pocket that uses a flame-shaped mesh instep design that reduces water resistance, resulting in better leg movement underwater.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cost-effective for all the features it comes with | High risk of chafing if used barefooted |
| Comes with a dry mesh bag and plastic inserts | Reported jamming straps |
| Leg fatigue is not much of an issue | |
11. Capas Kid Swim Flippers
Specifications:
- Heel type: Open heel
- Fin type: Paddle fin
- Fin size: Shortfin
Capas fins are cost-effective for their adjustable open-heel design. Kids will take a long time before they will outgrow their fins. It also has the added large thumb loops, giving kids a one-time adjustment and allowing quick wear and removal of fins.
Neoprene socks are best worn with these kids’ swim flippers to protect them from the cold and blisters. Dive booties are also a good choice. But wearing Capas fins barefooted is also fine since they’re already comfortable to wear because of the high-quality material soft pocket.
Short-blade fins are ideal for families that travel a lot due to their compact shape. Plastic filter pads are also available to maintain fins in shape when stored, prolonging their usage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reported to have good anti-deformation foot pocket | Must be used with dive booties or neoprene socks to prevent chafing |
| Highly rated with a large sample size | Not ideal for distance swimming |
| Easy to kick underwater | |
| Minimalist design | |
12. Cressi Kid Swim Flippers
Specifications:
- Heel type: Open heel
- Fin type: Paddle fin
- Fin size: Longfin
The Italian brand Cressi has been a pioneer in scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming equipment since 1946. Their products are reliable and many people support them.
Cressi fins are designed for swim training because of their performance-enhancing open heel shape that follows the kids’ growth. These training fins are made of soft rubber that’s lightweight and gives a perfect fit upon wearing.
Dual-vented sides allow proper water flow and reduced water resistance, resulting in proper leg movement. With proper leg movement, kids do not waste energy while improving overall leg strength, speed, and endurance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A lot of free movement underwater | Can look dirty quick due to its color |
| Reputable brand | Hard to walk on land/beach |
| Cheap | |
What Are the Different Fins Available to Kid Divers?
There are many types of fins for kid divers, all of which have their pros and cons.
Long Fins vs. Short Fins
The longer the fins, the more difficult it is to kick with any kind of turnover. This is because long fins will collapse your kick frequency, which is preferred to be used for distance-oriented swimming like snorkeling and diving.
Short fins do the opposite and are best for shorter, speed-oriented swimming.
Open Heel vs. Close Heel
Open-heel fins have a larger foot pocket enclosed by a buckle and strap connection. If your kids will swim or dive in cold water areas or shore-diving destinations that require walking out into the surf, then it’s advised to wear dive boots for those activities. Open-heel fins are ideal to use since it allows kids to wear dive boots with their fins.
These fins are typically heavier and are built to be stiff, which is preferable for diving in heavier currents.
Close-heel fins have an enclosed shape design where kids can simply slip their way into it easily. Most close-heel fins are made of a stretchy rubber material that follows the shape of the foot. This design accommodates a lighter, more flexible, and less-drag experience that is better suited for fresh water and pool activities.
Split vs. Paddle Fins
Split fins generate lift through a jet-propulsion effect similar to a boat’s propeller. During a kick, rather than pushing against the water with brute force, the blade fins slice through the water with minimal resistance. In simple terms, power comes from the speed of a diver’s kick rather than the force of the kick itself.
However, due to the principles of the design, the best kick for a split fin is a narrow, rapid flutter kick. This kicking motion is not for everyone, since physical anatomy will be a factor.
A paddle fin is a better option for those who prefer a wide kick, like a frog kick, and use force to generate power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How are kid swim flippers cleaned and maintained?
A: Cleaning kid swim flippers is pretty simple. Give the fins a nice freshwater rinse after a swimming session to avoid salt buildup, debris from freshwater sites, and chlorine buildup from pools. After each session, inspect the straps and foot pockets to ensure there are no tears or signs of breakage. Use plastic inserts that come with most new kid flippers to maintain the shape of the foot pockets. Avoid storing the fins in awkward positions that could warp the foot pockets or bend the blade. Store the fins out of a direct hit of the sun to avoid cracking and discoloration.
Q: How to prevent my kids from getting skin blisters?
A: It’s crucial for kids to wear kid swim flippers with correct sizing. Kids should have their flippers snug fit, not loose. Unfortunately, flippers cause pain and discomfort to those who wear them for more than half an hour. You can also have your kids wear neoprene socks or dive booties with lubricant to add more protection.
Q: How do I treat skin blisters caused by the flippers?
A: To treat a blister, dermatologists recommend:
- Cover the blister. Loosely cover the blister with a bandage. Bring in the sides of the bandage so that the middle of the bandage is a little raised.
- Use padding. To protect blisters in pressure areas, such as the bottom of your feet, use padding. Cut the padding into a donut shape with a hole in the middle and place it around the blister. Then, cover the blister and padding with a bandage.
- Avoid popping or draining a blister, as this could lead to infection. However, if your blister is large and very painful, it may be necessary to drain the blister to reduce discomfort. To do this, sterilize a small needle using rubbing alcohol. Then, use the needle to pierce one edge of the blister carefully, which will allow some of the fluid to drain.
- Keep the area clean and covered. Once your blister has drained, wash the area with soap and water and apply petroleum jelly. Do not remove the “roof” of the blister, as this will protect the raw skin underneath as it heals.
Q: What’s the difference between Silicone-based and Rubber-based kid swim flippers?
A: Silicone is known for rubbing and blistering your feet a lot less than rubber, meaning your kids can kick to their heart’s delight without worrying about damaging their skin.
Thankfully, more and more high-performance fins are being made with silicone because of its suppleness that promotes fluidity in your kids’ kicking motion.
G’day, my name is Rach Taylor and I’m the proud Founder of Surf Hungry. I am a former Australian Olympic athlete and Australian representative surf sports athlete. I’ve worked in the surf industry and lived at many of Australia’s best surf spots, sparking a life-long love of the ocean and a passion for surf sports which also rubbed off on my two young sons! I am also lucky to spend a lot of ocean-time in my favorite second home, Indonesia. In addition to SurfHungry I have founded several other websites in my areas of passion, namely coffee and rock climbing, and am also a regular rowing content contributor.
