I've been considering purchasing some new fins, but I just don't know what to get. I have been using long fins (not scuba ones) for 14 years. I have severe arthritis in my knees and and ankles. Both of my ankle joints are fused. Recently, I was diagnosed with herniated discs in my neck and lower back. I'm beginning to wonder if my long fins are making the back pain worse. I was looking into the Aqua Sphere Alpha fins (those little blue, foot-looking fins that float). Does anyone have experience with both types of fins? Which would be better for bad knees/ankles/back? Thanks guys!!
I went to the Zura (now Aquasphere) Alphas - 3-4 years ago and really like them. They are light and comfortable with no blistering (unlike Zoomers and some of the other hard rubber open toe fins). The only problem that I have with them is that after significant use, the heel strap broke on a pair. I have trouble with my right knee and have not had any discomfort with them. I have never noticed that they put any stress on my lower back. After my last pair broke, I tried a pair of Tyr Crossblades after reading the fin review in the USMS magazine. While they were not too bad, I did have a little blistering after doing a long kick set. I experimented again with a friend's pair of Zoomers. I found them to be heavy and just as uncomfortable as I remember them. I happily went back to the Alphas as my primary training fin.
I went to the Zura (now Aquasphere) Alphas - 3-4 years ago and really like them. They are light and comfortable with no blistering (unlike Zoomers and some of the other hard rubber open toe fins). The only problem that I have with them is that after significant use, the heel strap broke on a pair. I have trouble with my right knee and have not had any discomfort with them. I have never noticed that they put any stress on my lower back. After my last pair broke, I tried a pair of Tyr Crossblades after reading the fin review in the USMS magazine. While they were not too bad, I did have a little blistering after doing a long kick set. I experimented again with a friend's pair of Zoomers. I found them to be heavy and just as uncomfortable as I remember them. I happily went back to the Alphas as my primary training fin.
