Full Foot vs. Open Heel Fins: Why I’ll Always Pick the Latter for Snorkeling

First, they accommodate dive booties, which is a game changer.

When my hubby and I snorkel at destinations like St. John USVI or Bonaire (see photo below!), we often have to navigate over some pretty sharp rocks to reach the water.

I cannot imagine wearing full foot fins at sea-urchin-filled entry points like when we snorkeled at Waterlemon Cay in St. John. No, thanks.

Wearing dive booties with open-heel fins means I don’t have to tiptoe over painful terrain—I just wade in like a normal human.

Second, open heel fins offer a more customized fit.

When I pair the right size dive booties (like my Cressis) with open-heel fins (like my Scubapro GO Travel fins), the combination feels incredibly secure—almost like a second skin.

This is my holy grail combination.

Once I strap mine on, I never have to adjust them mid-snorkel, which is more than I can say for the full foot fins I’ve tried.

Third, open heel fins eliminate pressure points. The few times I’ve worn full-foot fins without dive booties, I ended up with painful rubbing in all the worst spots.

Nothing ruins a snorkel session faster than feeling like your gear is out to get you. And once you’ve got a blister?

Forget it. It takes forever to heal when you’re constantly in and out of the water.

Fourth, open heel fins make getting on a boat so much easier when you are snorkeling a site that requires boat access.

We have done numerous snorkeling boat tours around the world including Shark Ray Alley in Belize, Tiputa Pass in Rangiroa, Manta Point at Nusa Penida in Indonesia, and Sharks & Rays Sandbar in Moorea to name a few.

I absolutely hate climbing up those aluminum ladders barefoot at the end of a snorkel tour—they’re slippery, uncomfortable, and feel like a foot massage gone wrong.

Open heel fins are also great for pier snorkeling that may require navigating up slippery, barnacle-studded ladders.

Hubby and I encountered this scenario at Frederiksted Pier in St. Croix.

Barefoot? Forget it.

With open-heel fins and dive booties, I can easily slip the fins off and climb up the ladder with my booties.

Even in tropical locations, it’s just way more comfortable for me.

And last but not least, they’re easy to pack.

The adjustable heel strap folds down, making them travel-friendly.

I can tuck them neatly into my suitcase without playing an annoying game of Tetris.

While I personally prefer open-heel snorkel fins, I get that full-foot fins have their place.

Here are a few scenarios where you might actually prefer them:

→   Warm, Calm Water Snorkeling

Full-foot fins are great for tropical locations where you won’t be dealing with rough shore entries like Maho Bay or Francis Bay in St. John.

If you’re mostly floating in calm water and taking in the scenery rather than dealing with currents, they can feel more natural and less bulky.

→   Lightweight Packing & Travel-Friendly

Since full-foot fins don’t have an adjustable heel strap or extra bulk, they tend to be lighter and take up less space in your luggage.

→   Sandy Beach Entry 

Open-heel fins shine when you have to navigate rocky shore entries.

But if you are entering the water from soft sand like Petite Clef in St. Martin, full-foot fins work just fine.

No need for booties if your feet never touch anything sharp!

So, while full foot fins may work for some, I’ll stick to my open-heel setup every time.

Better protection, a better fit, no painful surprises, and an easier boat entry? Easy choice.

Here is my full review on my favorite open heel snorkeling fins if you want to know more!

And if you still need the perfect snorkel mask to go with your new fins— check out my Snorkel Mask Guide for the best options out there!

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Questions about full foot vs open heel fins?

Let me know in the comments below!