For over 9 years, Seth has used his shinfinTM fins regularly, including kickboard workouts on his front and back, finding them light weight and indestructible. The high fin fitting adjustability range is a further benefit. Fitting the fins lower down gives a more powerful workout but not so low that they rub.
Seth’s review from Mount Pleasant, USA
“I am using my shinfinTM fins about 2 or 3 times a week. The material has held up well and I like that they are light so they are easy to carry. I like the color too. Fellow swimmers ask me about my shinfinTM fins all the time.”
“And 9 years later – The fins are indestructible; the straps need occasional replacement. I like their weight. I use them as a swim workout tool for about 30 minutes with the kickboard, on my front and back. And for a few laps I swim underwater. Thanks for the great product, I really enjoy them.”
Seth’s review: Kickboard workouts with light weight, indestructible fins
“I am using my shinfinTM fins about 2 or 3 times a week. It took 3 or so swims to learn how to fasten the straps correctly. And it does take some concentration to put on and take them off. I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to expend that effort when I’m 70 years old (20 more years)! I think the leg workout is good, but I don’t really know. My legs are in good form to begin with (I’m a hiker and basketball player) and I probably could use a model that puts a little more strain on the legs.”
“The material has held up well and I like that they are light so they are easy to carry. I like the color too. Fellow swimmers ask me about my shinfinTM fins all the time. They pause and look, some even watching me in the water. I try to look like a swimmer, but I’m not. Hopefully I’m representing your product well and you are getting orders from beautiful Charleston, South Carolina.”
Reply
I’ve included some extra strap tips, including the quick release method. Yes, we have a lot of customers using shinfinTM fins for swim training workouts. I suggest you try pushing the fins as low as you can to increase the workout, and also kick as much as you can from the hip without bending your knees much. They are designed to work best with a good streamlined kick like swimmers use for freestyle, backstroke or fly (not breaststroke).
We get a lot of great feedback from swimmers saying that swimming with shinfinTM fins (especially full stroke swimming) improves their horizontal body position, breathing, speed and overall swimming technique (arms too). The shinfinTM kick does more than just add leg power. It balances your arm pull and supports good breathing technique. For example, in freestyle, there is often a larger kick down with the left leg when the right arm pulls (and with the right leg when the left arm pulls). A diagonal force balance across your body.
I think they work best for full stroke swimming. That is what I really designed them for. For kicking exercises, you might like to keep your arms going but with longer strokes and not pulling so hard. Then your kick technique is most likely to remain the same, so you are strengthening for the right action. Also, you should feel your arm stroke lengthening and becoming smoother, and your breathing nice and regular, other benefits of training with shinfinTM fins. You can use them for kick only exercises, with or without a kickboard, but your body position and hence kicking technique is more likely to change with a kickboard.
Seth
“It took a while for the top of my feet to adapt to the pressure of the fin, and just when I thought I had formed the tougher skin, my left foot started to blister (on top). So I’ve taken to putting on mole skin then wrapping the foot in tape. I’ve looked to see if the fin’s plastic is deteriorating and getting sharp where the strap goes through where it sits on my foot, but I don’t think it is. Any thoughts?”
Reply
I’m sorry to hear that they rubbed the top of your foot and thank you for persevering. I recommend fitting the fins a little bit higher on your leg to avoid that. You should only feel the fins gently pressing along the top of your foot (generally, you only notice it if you think about it). If the fin is pressing harder then it is probably related to the timing and extent of your toe-pointing. As you relax your ankles and point your toes more (the same as recommended for good swimming technique) then the fins should not hurt your feet. But in the meantime, I suggest you fit the fins a little higher on your leg to avoid the rubbing.
Are your feet and ankles flexible enough to point your toes reasonably well? Swimmers often do stretches to improve their toe pointing, so you might like to try this too.
By the way, if they are not rubbing as much on one leg, then the fitting position on that leg is probably closer to the most comfortable. If you are fitting the fins the same on your left and right legs, and you still get the rubbing, then it might be related to using your legs differently when turning and/or pushing off at the wall. Or petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline) might help reduce the rubbing. Swimmers use that quite a lot with foot flippers.
I don’t think it will be anything to do with the fin deteriorating. They are made from polyurethane which lasts for years. Sorry again about the rubbing. I hope this helps. Any questions just ask. I am here to help.
Seth
“All good suggestions, which I will try and let you know.”
Reply
Thanks Seth. I look forward to hearing how you go. Happy holidays.
Reply follow-up (9 years later)
Thank you for your spare straps order. They are on their way. As a long-term user of shinfinTM fins, I’d be very interested to hear how you have been going with them please, over the last 9 years or so. In particular, how have they helped you improve your swimming? Have you also been using them for any other water activities?
Seth (9 years later)
Reply
Thanks for the thumbs up Seth. I see you’ve had them for many years. What are you using your fins for and what do you like about them?
Seth (9 years later)
“The fins are indestructible; the straps need occasional replacement. I like their weight. I use them as a swim workout tool for about 30 minutes with the kickboard, on my front and back. And for a few laps I swim underwater. Thanks for the great product, I really enjoy them. “
Reply
That’s great to hear how you use them and really enjoy them. Can I ask a favour please? Would you mind if I put some extracts from your emails on the website?
Seth
“You have my blessing to use my words.”
Reply
Thank you for your kind permission Seth. Personal recommendation is very important to help a new product like this along, so I really appreciate it.
Conclusion
shinfinTM fins are so light weight and indestructible, you will enjoy them for swimming and kickboard workouts for many years. The high fin fitting adjustability means you can fit the fins lower down for a more powerful workout but remember to not fit them so low that they rub.
You may be interested in these other reviews showing the fins being used for lap swimming for weight loss and muscle workouts and enhanced swimming performance sessions. Further reviews show customers using shinfinTM fins for workouts without calf cramps or Achilles pain, without toe and foot cramps and using the best muscle sets without foot cramps. They also receive great reviews for amputee rehabilitation and workouts.