Not sure what size swim fins to get? I did some research and put together this guide to help you buy the correct size.
So what size fins should you wear for bodysurfing? The size of your swim fins should be the same size as your shoe. When compared sole to sole, the flipper should be around the same length. You may need a slightly larger or smaller fin depending on the fin brand, size, and shape of your foot.
In some cases, the manufacturer may not list the exact number size but instead provide a generalized size such as S, M, L (small, medium, large).
I have put together fin size charts for each of the most popular bodysurfing fin brands. It maps corresponding US, European, and UK sizes. These charts should be a good reference for sizing your fins along with a few other tips I mention later on in this article.
popular swim fins and their sizes
Here are a few swim fin size charts of the most popular bodysurfing flippers to help you choose the correct size.
*Note that these size chart mappings are estimates and can vary by brand and model.
churchill makapuu fin size chart
This swim fin size conversion chart specifically caters towards the Churchill Makapuu swim fins for bodysurfing. Use this as a guide to help you choose the correct size.
| Sizes | US (Men) | Europe (Men) | UK (Men) | US (Women) | Europe (Women) | UK (Women) |
| small | 5 – 6.5 | 39 | 5.5 – 6 | 6.5 – 8 | 37 – 39 | 4.5 – 6 |
| medium | 7 – 8.5 | 40 – 42 | 6.5 – 8 | 8.5 – 10 | 39 – 41 | 6.5 – 8 |
| medium/large | 9 – 10.5 | 42 – 44 | 8.5 – 10 | 11 – 12 | 41 – 43 | 9 – 10 |
| large | 11 – 12.5 | 44 – 45 | 10.5 – 11.5 | 12.5 – 14 | 42 – 44 | 10 – 11 |
| x large | 13 – 14.5 | 46 – 48 | 12.5 – 14.5 | 15 – 16 | 48+ | 13+ |
DaFin fin size chart
This swim fin size conversion chart is specifically designed for DaFin swim fins. Use this chart as a guide if you want to get fins from Dafin.
| Sizes | US (Men) | Europe (Men) | UK (Men) | US (Women) | Europe (Women) | UK (Women) |
| small | 5 – 6 | 37 – 38 | 4.5 – 5.5 | 6.5 – 7.5 | 37 – 38 | 4 – 5 |
| medium | 7 – 8 | 39 – 41 | 6.5 – 7.5 | 8.5 – 9.5 | 39 – 41 | 6 – 7 |
| medium/large | 9 – 10 | 43 – 44 | 8.5 – 10 | 10.5 – 11.5 | 43 – 44 | 8 – 9 |
| large | 11 – 12 | 44 – 46 | 10.5 – 11.5 | 12.5 – 13.5 | 44 – 45 | 9.5 – 11 |
| extra large | 13 – 14 | 46 – 48 | 12 – 13 | 14 – 15.5 | 46 – 48 | 11.5 – 13 |
kpaloa fin size chart
Here is a swim fin size conversion table for Kpaloa swim fins. Use this size guide if you are want to get the Kpaloa flippers.
| Sizes | US (Men) | Europe (Men) | UK (Men) | US (Women) | Europe (Women) | UK (Women) |
| small | 4.5 – 5 | 36 – 37 | 4 – 4.5 | 6 – 6.5 | 36 – 37 | 3.5 – 4 |
| medium | 5.5 – 7.5 | 37 – 40 | 5 – 7 | 6.5 – 8.5 | 38 – 41 | 4 – 6 |
| large | 8 – 8.5 | 41 – 42 | 7.5 – 8 | 8.5 – 10 | 39 – 42 | 6 – 7.5 |
hydro tech 2 fin size chart
Below is the conversion size chart for Hydro Tech 2 swim fins. Use this guide to help you determine which size to get for this brand of bodysurfing flippers.
| Sizes | US (Men) | Europe (Men) | UK (Men) | US (Women) | Europe (Women) | UK (Women) |
| small | 6 – 7 | 38 – 39 | 5.5 – 6.5 | 7.5 – 8.5 | 38 – 39 | 5 – 6 |
| medium | 8 – 9 | 41 – 43 | 7.5 – 8.5 | 9.5 – 10.5 | 41 – 43 | 7 – 8 |
| medium/large | 9 – 10 | 42 – 44 | 8.5 – 10 | 10.5 – 12 | 42 – 44 | 8 – 9.5 |
| large | 10 – 11 | 43 – 45 | 9.5 – 10.5 | 11.5 – 12.5 | 43 – 45 | 9 – 11 |
viper V7 fin chart
Purchasing the Viper V7 flippers? Here is a conversion chart I created to help you choose the right size for this brand of swim fins.
| Sizes | US (Men)
| Europe (Men) | UK (Men) | US (Women) | Europe (Women) | UK (Women) |
| x – small | 5 – 6 | 37 – 38 | 4.5 – 5.5 | 6 – 7.5 | 37 – 38 | 3.5 – 5 |
| small | 7 – 8 | 38 – 41 | 6.5 – 7.5 | 8 – 9.5 | 38 – 41 | 5.5 – 7 |
| medium | 8 – 9 | 41 – 43 | 7.5 – 8.5 | 9 – 11 | 40 – 43 | 6.5 – 8.5 |
| large | 9 – 11 | 43 – 45 | 8.5 – 10.5 | 11 – 12.5 | 43 – 45 | 8.5 – 10 |
| x – large | 11 – 13 | 44 – 47 | 10.5 – 12.5 | 12.5 – 14 | 45 – 47 | 10 – 11.5 |
rules of thumb for sizing swim fins
In addition to referencing the size charts listed in this post, there are a few other things you can do to make sure you get the right fit. Here is a quick checklist to help make sure you purchase the correct size.
1. not too tight but not too loose
To make sure you are getting the right fin size, try placing two fingers inside of the flipper foot pocket while you are wearing it. If it is easy to insert both fingers then you need a smaller swim fin.
However, if you cannot insert any of your fingers then the swim fin is too small. Loose fins can cause chafing so make sure it fits very snug. Plus, you do not want to lose your fin while trying to catch a wave.
2. try the fins on in person
One of the best ways to make sure your fin fits before purchasing is to visit your local surf shop and try it on in person. I recommend trying on a few different brands and models in person so you know which ones are the most comfortable and fit the best. Then you can do some research online for better deals.
3. compare your shoe size to fin size
While you are at your local surf store, perform a quick sole-to-sole comparison with the swim fins you are thinking of getting. You can do this by taking off your shoe and then lining it up with the sole of the fin. If they match, this typically means the fin will also fit your foot. For example, if you wear a size 9 shoe then it should match with a size 9 fin.
4. wet your fins before trying them on
Since you will be using swim fins in the ocean, it is best practice to try them on while wet. This will give you the true fit and comfort of the flipper. You can then determine if they will actually slip off or become too tight while wearing them.
5. know this before dry fitting your fins
Most of us try fins on while they are dry. If you find yourself struggling to fit into a dry fin, this does not necessarily mean it is too small. On the other hand, some fins are greased so your foot may slide in too easily. This does not necessarily mean that the fin is too big.
Sizing up or down unnecessarily because of these instances could result in poor fin performance and discomfort. Water will impact the way your fin will fit so be mindful of this.
6. toe pocket window
There is a little window in the foot pocket of your fin where you may or may not see your toes. What you have to be on the lookout for is your toes protruding from this little window. If they do, your fins are too small.
Related Questions
what to do if you are in between swim fin sizes?
If you find that you are in between two fin sizes then purchase the bigger size and wear a fin sock for a more comfortable fit. This will fill in any loose gaps to help keep your fin on while swimming. Wearing a pair of fin socks like these will help to keep it from becoming loose and floppy while providing additional padding to reduce chafing.
why are flippers difficult to put on when dry?
The reason why they are hard to get your feet in them while dry is because they are designed to be worn in the water. You actually do not want to put them on while on land because you can trip and fall. Instead, put them on in the water. Getting them wet will allow you to easily slip them on your feet.
is there a distinction between left and right fins?
For some swim fin models, there is no distinction between which one you wear on your left or right. Other brands and models do have specific left and right foot swim fins. So make sure you have the correct fin on the correct foot!