Your Guide to the 10+ Best Mermaid Monofins

Your Guide to the 10+ Best Mermaid Monofins

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 monofins

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 
Blade Rigidity: Semi-flexible 
Blade material: polypropylene
Foot & Ankle Position: separate
Monofin Durability: strong

Weight: 1lb
Fin Size: regular 18''x18'', large 12" x 24", Adjustable foot pockets  
Buoyancy: neutral

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 Fantasea monofins

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
Blade Rigidity: Super flexible
Blade material: silicone
Foot & Ankle Position: separate
Monofin Durability: delicate
Weight: 7.5lbs
Fin Size: tip to tip 26”x27”
Buoyancy: neutral

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

Mermaid Linden Monofin

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
Blade Rigidity: Rigid
Blade material: plastic
Foot & Ankle Position: separate
Monofin Durability: strong
Weight: Medium
Fin Size: 22''x25'' Adjustable foot pocket
Buoyancy: buoyant

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

Hydra Triton monofin Mermaid kat

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
Blade Rigidity: Rigid
Blade material: polypropylene
Foot & Ankle Position: separate
Monofin Durability: strong
Weight: Heavy
Fin Size: Large, Adjustable size,
Buoyancy: Neutral

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 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 finis Monofin

Finis Foil 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: 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 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
Blade Rigidity: flexible
Blade material: silicone
Foot & Ankle Position: separate
Monofin Durability: strong
Weight: 4lbs
Fin Size: 3.9''x21.6''x24'', Adjustable silicone strap
Buoyancy: neutral

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 monofin pro AMP

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.
Monofin can bend or crease if not stored properly.
Soft foot pockets hold your feet in the monofin for a comfortable swim, other monofins can hurt, pinch, or rub the feet

Company
USA
Link  FinFun

Sun Tail Monofins - Keiki & Nunui

Sun tails monofin 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

Mahina monofins

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?? 

 

Keep reading:
Top 10 Mermaid Tail Makers to Buy a Silicone Mermaid Tail From
15 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Silicone Mermaid Tail

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1 comment

This was so helpful!! thank you!

daniela

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