General Discussion Triathlon Talk » New Swim Fins Causing Foot Pain Rss Feed  
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2013-04-26 5:03 PM

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Subject: New Swim Fins Causing Foot Pain
I got some new Aqua Sphere Zip swim fins this week and am having some foot pain in the balls of my feet.  This is my first time swimming with fins and I am sure this is what is causing me some pain.  It’s not unbearable but sure is a discomfort.  I have been icing and hoping that with time I will build the strength or flexibility and not have this issue any longer.  I used them twice this week, once on Wednesday (250 yards) and then today (Friday, 300 yards).  I am guessing that the pain is a good thing and that the fins are doing what they are supposed to be doing in helping with my flexibility.  My question is, am I correct and should keep on using them, will the discomfort/soreness go away?  Anyone else have an experience like this?  Thanks!


2013-04-26 6:18 PM
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Subject: RE: New Swim Fins Causing Foot Pain

That doesn't sound normal.  I've never had foot pain using fins.  New muscle leg pain maybe, but not food pain.

 

Why are you using fins?  I love using them for butterfly sets b/c they're fun, but don't think they really do much for my swim fitness.  My technique ends up so different while using them that it doesn't translate well once I take them off.  So, if they hurt my feet, I would just stop using them!

2013-04-26 8:48 PM
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Subject: RE: New Swim Fins Causing Foot Pain
. That is why I don't use fins because they hurt my feet also. That and they are not needed for swim improvement.

Edited by peteweb55403 2013-04-26 8:49 PM
2013-04-26 9:24 PM
in reply to: #4716781

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Subject: RE: New Swim Fins Causing Foot Pain
I'll do some sets with fins as they work sorta act like a pull buoy, help keep my legs up with less effort, but not intended for entire workout.
2013-04-27 5:11 AM
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Subject: RE: New Swim Fins Causing Foot Pain

I'd ditch the fins, taking a cue from the old joke:

"Doc, it hurts when I go like this. . ."

"Don't go like this."

You don't need fins to be a good triathlete swimmer. You only need enough kicking skill to keep the legs high in the water, which is to say barely any kicking skill at all.

2013-04-27 6:00 AM
in reply to: #4716781

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Subject: RE: New Swim Fins Causing Foot Pain

When you use the fins do you note any tension in your feet. It could be that you tension up your foot and curl together your toes either because of poor fit or because fins is new to you.

Try relaxing your feet and toes.



2013-04-27 7:10 AM
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Subject: RE: New Swim Fins Causing Foot Pain
I never trained with fins but when I used to dive I would get pain and cramps in my feet as well.  Given my experience with fins in the past I won't be using them any time soon either.
2013-04-27 2:16 PM
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Subject: RE: New Swim Fins Causing Foot Pain

I'm looking at a few pictures on the web for the brand you posted. Here is a link from amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Sphere-Fitness-Large-Yellow/dp/B000ENOSO2

 

Open heel style of fins are generally worn with booties. The base where your foot goes into is normally very stiff to support the bootie.  If you are trying to work on your ankle/foot flexibility I am not sure why you would choose that style of fin. Closed heel fins are generally much more flexible and conform to your foot.

Something like this.

http://www.amazon.com/TYR-Crossblade-Training-Fin-Yellow/dp/B000ZEBNTI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1367089854&sr=8-3&keywords=swim+fins

2013-04-29 1:11 PM
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Subject: RE: New Swim Fins Causing Foot Pain

Thanks, I am returning the fins.  Sometimes it helps to hear it from others that the best course of action is stop doing what is making the pain.  I was thinking the fins would help with my lame kick, kind of a short cut, nope just need to work on form.  It sure was fun getting across the pool very quickly with those things on though!

2013-04-30 4:41 AM
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Subject: RE: New Swim Fins Causing Foot Pain
I get cramp in my feet regularly if I use fins too much. You should not use them for too much of your swim work out. Presuming it is cramp, jump up and down to get rid of it. It looks a bit ridiculous but it works.
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