I know this is an old thread, but wanted to share my experience with these straps.
In my opinion, they are harder to put on without the finger loop. I have really struggled getting my left fin on as it would barely stretch beyond my heel.
I was on a shore dive last night, struggled a little on my right foot. For the life of me, I couldn't get my left fin on. Suddenly it just went on real easy. I assumed and confirmed after the dive, the cord inside broke.
A little backstory... Anticipating a trip to Bonaire, I needed soled boots. I found a pair I liked and of course, they didn't fit in my fins. I'm a fan of the dive rite fins, so I set off to my LDS to buy a pair in a larger size. The next size up fit and I figured my struggle with the strap was because of the lack of a loop. We did adjust the straps to the longest setting, but it's honestly about an inch short.
