Looking for the best monofin so you can swim like a real mermaid?
We couldn’t find a comprehensive mermaid monofins review to help you decide, so we made one! We have put together an ultimate review of some of the most popular swimmable mermaid monofins in the industry that we have personally tried and tested.
What is a Monofin?
A monofin is a type of flipper that holds both feet together and provides extra power with each kick. As part of a mermaid tail, it also provides some or all of the shape and structure of the mermaid fin.
What does a monofin do?
The monofin is the biggest/most significant difference between the mermaid tails. All swimmable mermaid tails have a monofin. Non-swimmable mermaid tails usually don’t have a monofin, or are made of materials that will not hold up in the water. The fabric part of the mermaid tail is mainly only for aesthetics.
What is the best monofin for mermaids?
There are so many factors that can affect your choice. We listed the most important factors below so you can decide which features are most important to you.
Swimmable mermaid tails with monofins come with a variety of monofin types and sizes. The type of monofin should be a major factor to consider when choosing a mermaid tail.
Answering these questions will help you determine what tail is the best choice for you:
1. How do you plan on using the tail and what features are most important to you?
2. Do you mostly want to swim around and have fun in your tail, or are power, speed, and agility also important to you?
Generally, a small, flexible monofin is best for swimming gently and slowly in calm water like a pool.
If you plan on swimming in open water like the ocean, you should already be a strong swimmer and very comfortable in a mermaid tail. Mermaid tails with a larger, stiffer monofin will give you more power to be able to navigate waves and swim deeper with less effort. Mermaid tails with rigid, medium size monofin are good for fitness and speed in pools, as well as agility to perform tricks.
Main parts of a monofin:
The monofin is made of 2 main parts, the foot pocket, and the blade.
The blade is what makes you look like a mermaid and provides resistance to allow you to swim through the water.
The foot pocket is the area where your feet go, and the blade is the rest of the monofin. The foot pockets do the important job of attaching your feet to the blade.
Fit: The fit of the monofin is quite possibly the most important factor in choosing which one to get. There is nothing more frustrating than swimming with a mermaid tail that falls off or is painful. Two of the most important factors when choosing the monofin are whether they have individual foot pockets and whether or not the size is adjustable with straps.
Adjustable straps: a monofin with adjustable straps is superior because you’re able to get the best fit for your own feet. Without adjustable straps, your foot may not be secure in the monofin and be more likely to slip out. Also, without a secure connection between the monofin and your feet, you cannot have as strong of a kick as power is lost when the monofin pulls away from the foot.
Foot pockets: Some monofins have separate foot pockets while others have an open foot pocket that is one area for both feet. There are pros and cons to each, which are outlined below.
- Separate foot pocket pros: more adjustable, secure feet to monofin, maximizing power and agility, prevent feet and ankles from rubbing together
- Separate foot pocket cons: feet may feel confined, takes time to adjust the strap, may not accommodate different foot shapes ex: wide, high arch, bunions, need to use hand to remove in case of emergency
- Open pocket pros: easy to put on, can get off feet without using hands, fits a wider variety of foot shapes
- Open foot pocket cons: easy to slip off, feet and ankles may rub together while swimming, if made of neoprene and no strap, feet are not very secure on monofin, causing feet to separate from monofin blade while kicking and reducing power and agility
Foot and ankle position: The position of the feet and ankles is an important factor for comfort. Some monofins have foot pockets where the feet and ankles are touching. When you kick, your feet and ankles may rub together and become painful. Other monofins have separate foot pockets that keep your feet and ankles apart and completely avoid that problem.
Foot pocket material: The material affects how comfortable and secure the monofin is to your foot, and how resistant the monofin is to chlorine and saltwater.
Neoprene is a soft, comfortable fabric against your skin. It is fairly durable and resistant to salt and chlorine but will break down over time and become looser. It is quite stretchy so when you push against it while kicking, the monofin can separate from the bottom of your foot and reduce the power of your kick. Some manufacturers added velcro straps or an additional seam between the feet to reduce this from happening. If you are considering a tail with neoprene foot pockets, we highly recommend making sure you get one with this additional feature.
Silicone is resistant to chlorine and saltwater, so it will not break down over the life of your monofin. Over time, the silicone may stiffen up and take the shape of your foot, which further enhances comfort. Silicone is a flexible but strong material that will flex with your feet, but still stay secure. While silicone is strong, it is not impossible to damage. Straps made from silicone can break if they are pulled on, but shouldn't break if they are used properly.
Monofin Blade: The blade of the monofin is the part that looks like mermaid fins and propels you through the water when you swim. The flexibility of the material and the size of the monofin blade affect the speed, power, and agility of the monofin.
Blade rigidity: the blade part of the monofin can come in a variety of rigidity, from super flexible, to super-rigid. The more rigid the monofin, the more power and speed you get from each kick. A super flexible monofin is better for swimming slowly and gracefully underwater. Large, flexible flukes can look super realistic and flowy underwater. Your choice depends on how you want to use your mermaid tail! For the best all-around, you can choose one that is somewhere in the middle with a bit of flex.
Fin size: The fin size affects the look of your mermaid tail as well as the function. A smaller monofin is better for beginners because it’s easier to swim in. A larger monofin is better for strong swimmers as it requires more strength to maneuver. A medium-sized monofin is a great option for anyone.
Monofin Design: Mermaid monofins are different from other monofins in that part of their function is their design aesthetic.
If you’re choosing a monofin solely for the function, you wouldn’t care much about how it looks. Part of the fun of mermaiding is the visual transformation! We recommend choosing your monofin based on fit and function more importantly than visual design if you plan on swimming a lot in your tail. If you will mostly be doing photoshoots or dry land events, you might prioritize appearance over function.
Another thing to consider is that most mermaid monofins are sold with a matching tail skin. The tail skins are designed to fit the shape and size of the specific monofin so monofins usually have to be worn with the tail skin they come with, and cannot be switched. There are a few brands that may be interchangeable, but most aren’t.
Monofin Shape: most monofins for mermaiding are shaped like a fluke, but there is still a lot of variance! You could go for a big curvy monofin like the Mahina monofin, or small pointy one like the Linden monofin, or anything in between!
Consider these features that affect the function of your monofin:
Speed: Speed is determined by a combination of the size of the monofin and the rigidity. The largest, most rigid monofin will enable you to swim faster than a smaller, more flexible monofin.
Agility: A smaller, more rigid monofin gives you the most agility to maneuver quickly and easily. A small, flexible monofin allows you to be slightly agile, but since the monofin is so flexible, it doesn’t provide much resistance to turn and maneuver as easily as a more rigid monofin. Larger monofins have the least agility because of the size they are less maneuverable.
Durability: The durability of the monofin usually comes into question for kids or inexperienced mers who are more likely to stand on the monofin tips. Some materials can break more easily under this force than others. Some materials like plexiglass break into sharp pieces while plastic monofins may not be sharp.
Some monofins are smooth and others have ridges that add extra strength. We recommend choosing a monofin with additional strength features.
Weight: A larger/heavier monofin is better for more experienced adults, although the buoyancy is more important than weight when you’re swimming. You might consider the weight more if you plan on modelling in your tail on dry land or traveling with it a lot.
Buoyancy: The buoyancy affects wether the monofin floats, sinks, or is neutral. Neutral buoyancy is desirable because it allows you to swim wherever you want in the water, more like a real mermaid. Buoyant monofins may help the feet float slightly, which can be either a pro or a con, depending on who you are. A monofin that floats IS NOT a floatation device and will not keep you afloat if you can’t swim.
Generally, silicone is neutrally buoyant, plastic is slightly buoyant, and neoprene is buoyant.
Now that you know the different features of monofins, see which brands have each feature:
We’ve reviewed some of the best monofins on the market, listing the pros, cons, and unique features of each. For the purpose of this review, we only included brand name monofins that are commonly used in the mermaid world. We only included mermaid monofins that we have tried. If you would like us to review your mermaid monofin, please email marielle@aquamermaid.com. This page contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase.
AquaMermaid Monofins - Regular & Large
|
Aquamermaid |
Regular monofin: regular width (Youth shoe 3-7, ladies 6-9, men 2-7), Recommended for 7 yrs+ Large Monofin: wide width (ladies shoe 9-13/mens 7-11) |
| Usage type |
Speed and power: Good
Location Recommended: Pool Great for: Acrobatic moves, spins & flips, playing in the water, fitness training |
| Features |
Foot pocket material: Silicone |
| Design | Light blue color |
| Price | $ - Regular ($60), Large ($85) |
| Note | Warranty: Free of manufacturing defects for a 1 year period. |
| Company | Canada, Largest chain of mermaid swimming schools |
| Link | Aquamermaid Monofin |
Mertailor Monofins - Fantasea 1, 2 & 3
|
Mertailor Sizes |
Small 5-7, Medium 7.5 - 9,
Large 9.5 - 11 XLarge 11.5-14
|
| Usage type |
Speed & power:
medium
Location Recommended: Pool
Great for: spins and backflips, aquarium performances
|
| Features |
Foot pocket material: Silicone |
| Design | Foldable to fit in a suitcase, delicate, 2 long points, 7 brilliant colors with glitter sparkle |
| Price | $$$ - ($150) |
| Note | Sand sticks to it easily, Made to order delivery times - Approximately 3-4 weeks. |
| Company | USA, Florida |
| Link | Fantasea Monofin |
Mermaid Linden Monofin- By Body Glove
|
Bodyglove Sizes |
Adult Monofin:
US Men 6-11.5 (US Women 4.5-9)
Kids monofin: 1-4 (Jr 9 -13 when foam inserts are worn) |
| Usage type |
Speed & power: Great
Location Recommended: pool or open water Great for: races, free-diving, fitness training |
| Features |
Foot pocket material: Rubber |
| Design |
Individual quick-adjusting ankle straps with easy-out pull loops
3 colors: light blue, dark blue or yellow |
| Price | $ - Adult monofin ($60), Kids monofin ($30), |
| Note | Includes neoprene socks, 50+ UPF rating |
| Company |
USA
|
| Link | Linden Monofin |
Mermaid Kat/SOMMAP Monofins - Triton & Hydra
|
Mermaid Kat Sizes |
Triton: US 4-7 Hydra US 8-11 |
| Usage type |
Speed & power: Great
Location Recommended: pool or open water Great for: races, free-diving, fitness training |
| Features |
Foot pocket material: Rubber |
| Design |
Light & dark blue available. Fishtail shape. More colors available for a bigger blade with straight top (no fishtail design)
|
| Price | $$ - Triton ($85), Hydra ($95), |
| Note | Monofin designed by freedivers, be careful to not lose straps |
| Company | Australia, Germany |
| Link | SOMMAP Monofin or Mermaid Kat |
Finis Monofins:
Finis Shooter Monofin
|
Finis Shooter Sizes |
Small: Mens 5.5 - 8, Ladies 6.5 - 9 Medium: Mens 8.5 - 10, Ladies 9.5 - 11 Large: Mens 10.5 - 13, Ladies 11.5 - 14 XLarge: Mens 13.5 - 15, Ladies 14.5-16 |
| Usage type |
Speed & power: Great Location Recommended: pool Great for: race pace tempo, builds core muscles including abs, lower back, quads, and gluteus, ideal for butterfly training, great for improving flexibility in the feet and ankles, works well for breaststroke drills, backstroke underwater work, and side kicking |
| Features |
Foot pocket material: Rubber
Blade Rigidity: Rigid Blade material: plastic Foot & Ankle Position: separate Monofin Durability: strong Weight: 3,1lbs Fin Size: 20''x18''x3'', fixed foot pocket size, Buoyancy: sinks
|
| Design | Available in red |
| Price | $$$ - ($150) |
| Note | Users who are between sizes and have wider feet should size up. Otherwise, size down |
| Company |
USA
|
| Link | Finis shooter |
Finis Foil Monofin
|
Finis Foil Sizes |
Small: Mens 5.5 - 8, Ladies 6.5 - 9
Medium: Mens 8.5 - 10, Ladies 9.5 - 11Large: Mens 10.5 - 13, Ladies 11.5 - 14 XLarge: Mens 13.5 - 15, Ladies 14.5-16 |
| Usage type |
Speed & power: medium Location Recommended: pool Great for: learning dolphin kick body motion, Rubber blade allows swimmers to safely swim in a lane with multiple people. |
| Features |
Foot pocket material: Rubber
Blade Rigidity: flexible Blade material: rubber Foot & Ankle Position: separate Monofin Durability: strong Weight: 2.9lbs, Fin Size: 19''x16''x2'', fixed foot pocket size, Buoyancy: buoyant
|
| Design | Available in yellow |
| Price | $$ - ($75) |
| Note |
Foldable to fit in a suitcase
|
| Company |
USA
|
| Link | Finis Foil |
Finis Luna Monofin
|
Finis Luna Sizes |
Small: Juniors 11-3 Medium: Ladies 5-10 |
| Usage type |
Speed & power: medium Location Recommended: pool Great for: Frolicking in the water, gliding through the water with graceful movements |
| Features |
Foot pocket material: Silicone |
| Design | Crescent shape and rippled edges create a wave-like motion in the water. Available in Emerald green & Mystic melon |
| Price | $$ - Small($70), Medium ($82) |
| Note |
Foldable to fit in a suitcase, sand sticks to it
|
| Company |
USA
|
| Link | Luna Monofin |
FinFun Monofins - Junior & AMP - By Finfun
|
FinFun Sizes |
Junior: (Ages 6-11) US 11-7 Advanced Monofin Pro (AMP): (Ages 12+) US 4-10 |
| Usage type |
Speed & power: low Location Recommended: pool Great for: kids playing the water |
| Features |
Foot pocket material: Neoprene fabric
Blade Rigidity: soft Blade material: polypropylene insert Foot & Ankle Position: ankles rub together, feet rub together in Junior but not in AMP
Monofin Durability: Low (neoprene breaks down in chlorine)
Weight: 1lb Fin Size: medium Buoyancy: floats |
| Design |
FinFun Junior monofin available in black FinFun Advanced Monofin Pro (AMP) available in blue wave design. Open bottom water passes right through the fin |
| Price | $ - Junior ($40), Pro ($45) |
| Note |
Feet are not stable inside the foot pocket of the junior, AMP has additional fabric to secure feet more. |
| Company |
USA
|
| Link | FinFun |
Sun Tail Monofins - Keiki & Nunui
|
Sun Tail Sizes |
Keiki: Kids monofin (Ages 6-12) US size max 7 Nunui: teen/adult monofin US size max 13 |
| Usage type |
Speed & power: low Location Recommended: pool Great for: kids playing in the water |
| Features |
Foot pocket material: Neoprene fabric
Blade Rigidity: medium-flexible Blade material: plastic insert Foot & Ankle Position: ankles rub together Monofin Durability: Low (neoprene breaks down in chlorine) Weight: 1lb Fin Size: Child 18''x18'', Adult 21''x24'', Buoyancy: floats |
| Design | Available in 9 colors, Adjustable velcro strap over your fit holds your fit securely in place. |
| Price | $ - Kids Monofin ($45), Adults Monofin ($50) |
| Note |
1-year warranty – free replacements for rips, tears, and breaks
Feet are not stable inside the foot pocket. |
| Company |
USA
|
| Link | Sun Tail Monofin |
Mahina Monofins - Mer'fins
|
Finfun Sizes |
Small US6-8, Medium US8.5-10.5, Large US10.5-12.5 / Junior XS US12-2, Junior S US1-3.5, Junior M US4-6 |
| Usage type | Speed & power: great Location Recommended: pool & open water Great for: Swimming in the ocean, performance, speed, propulsion through the water, snorkelling |
| Features |
Foot pocket material: Rubber
Blade Rigidity: semi-rigid Blade material: rubber Foot & Ankle Position: ankles rub together Monofin Durability: high Weight: 4.75lbs Fin Size: 2.4''x 27.2''x22.8'' Buoyancy: Neutral Buoyancy |
| Design | Available in green, orange & black |
| Price | $$$ - Adult monofin ($110), Junior monofin ($90) |
| Note |
Foldable to fit in a suitcase
|
| Company |
Australia
|
| Link | Mahina Monofin |
Whichever monofin you choose, don't go with a no-name cheap monofin for sale on Amazon or Walmart. Brand name monofins really are better quality than the knockoffs!
Which mermaid monofin do you have??
1 comment
This was so helpful!! thank you!