Fins for high arches

[thomschoon]

I wear size 12 either Altemaras or 6.5 mm neoprene soft sole boots. Have been using Diverite XT or Apeks RK3 but both in XL are a bit loose. I can put on tighter springs but it just crams the foot into the pocket which is still too wide, and leads to other issues. I am looking for suggestions on a fin that is better for high arches or a method to open up the top of the pocket to make them more comfortable.

 

[Still Kicking]

I wear size 12 either Altemaras or 6.5 mm neoprene soft sole boots. Have been using Diverite XT or Apeks RK3 but both in XL are a bit loose. I can put on tighter springs but it just crams the foot into the pocket which is still too wide, and leads to other issues. I am looking for suggestions on a fin that is better for high arches or a method to open up the top of the pocket to make them more comfortable.

Have you tried SP Nova fins? They are not my cup of tea but many people swear by them. They have a taller, narrower profile on the fin pocket and allow you to wear thicker soled boots like the Altamaras.

Personally I go with size 12 thin sole boots so I can use XL jets. I suspect you will find jets fit like the RK3s. XXL jets have huge pockets.

You are correct that tighter straps are not the solution.

I would take your boots to a shop with a good selection of fins and try on a lot. Find a fin that allows you to comfortably get your foot in past the arch and snug fit across the top of the boot. Hopefully they have a decent return option and try them in a pool and see how they work for you. Remember it takes a little while to get used to a new fin style.

 

[Frogman82]

Hollis f1 and possibly the f1 LT has a really soft and flexible foot pocket that might fit you.

 

[grantmac]

You looking for neutral or heavy fins?

 

[OctopusSneakers]

I also have a high instep (arch is the bottom of the foot, instep is the top) and agree the RK3 is too "short" top to bottom. While I'm at the other end of the size range (women's 7/Men's 5.5), the fins that have worked for my feet include:

• Scubapro Seawing Nova- though after trying the other ones below these feel like I'm not wearing fins in a bad way (XS)
• Aqualung Storm( XL)- these are intended to be worn without booties, but I sized up and wear them with booties
• Mares Avanti Quatro (I think I'm in a S or XS)

 

[thomschoon]

You looking for neutral or heavy fins?

Neutral, also looking for a bit more power in currents then I get with the RK3’s.

 

[The Chairman]

Deep 6 fins for me. I love them.

 

[Brett Hatch]

Deep 6 fins for me. I love them.

Same. I also have a high arch and high instep, and these fins work great for me. They have detailed measurements on their website: Deep6 Eddy Flippers . You might compare those figures to the fins you own, and to the outside measurements of your booties

As a point of reference, I use size 10 5mm or 3mm booties for diving wet, and size 12 3mm booties with socks underneath for diving dry. The size XL fin works well for me in both cases

 

[The Chairman]

Same. I also have a high arch and high instep, and these fins work great for me. They have detailed measurements on their website: Deep6 Eddy Flippers . You might compare those figures to the fins you own, and to the outside measurements of your booties

As a point of reference, I use size 10 5mm or 3mm booties for diving wet, and size 12 3mm booties with socks underneath for diving dry. The size XL fin works well for me in both cases

I dive OTBs {Navy Seal boot) size 12 and dive their XXLs. The F1s work OK, but the Deep 6 are the best.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I also have a high instep (arch is the bottom of the foot, instep is the top)

This. There is no provision for a foot's arch in a fin--the bottom of the fin pocket is flat. I think the OP is referring to a foot's instep.

Deep 6 fins for me. I love them.

I feel the fin pocket in the Deep6 size L is too squat to fit my foot's high instep. Other than that, the Deep6 are great fins.