The Right Fin Straps

One of these things is not like the others.  One of these things doesn't belong!

The best fin strap is a bungee or spring heel strap.  These go on and off with one quick and easy motion.   When you are hanging on a boat ladder bucking up and down in current and swells you do not want to be messing around with complicated buckles like the one on the right.  When you are getting pounded by surf during a beach exit you want to get your fins off ASAP.   Scuba diving is about streamlining and making your kit as simple and uncomplicated as possible with the fewest failure points.  I struggled with the ones on the right for 20 years before the company got smart and improved the design (at extra cost).  Do yourself a favor and don't wait 20 years to get fins with rubber bungee or spring heel straps!   Bungees are lightweight and great for travel. If you can tolerate the extra weight of a spring heel fin, they are incredibly rugged and a popular choice among technical divers, but the weight may upset your trim.  As always, carry spare parts in your save a dive kit.   I often have students struggling with equipment that may seem great in the store or online, but isn't really the best in the water and slows them down during training.  Some dive shops will sell you the buckles, knowing you will come back to buy bungees or spring heel straps later when you are more educated, this way they make extra money when you realize there are better straps out there.  Don't shop at these stores.