FINS~Open Heel or Foot Pocket

Which is better and why?
I been using open heel Cressi Gara Sub Rondine 2000 for years.
I wear a hard sole bootie in them when I dive.
Thinking of going to a foot pocket fin but I would like some info on the advantages/disadvantages of each.
I think my 'sprained ankle' is more of an Achilles strain so I'm trying to maximize my fin efficiency.
Any info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Tote

Foot pocket are what I use. I had Achilles problems as well when I used the other type of fin along with the bulky dive boot. Now I use the Argos sock instead. Very warm bullet proof to walk around in and are left right foot specified. I tried other socks but blew them up within a year or less.

Used open heel fins/hard sole booties for years, as I got older(after 50) my feet would get cold and cramp sooner. When using open heel I had a tendency to continue  tightening straps as feet got cold/numb  .   About 4 years ago started using full foot pocket and socks, made a big difference for me in increased comfort, warmth and time in water kickn . I wear crocks when walking to prolong socks life. Just have to be consistent with sock thickness once you have your fins fitting right. I currently use 5mm socks with my OMERs.  Try em on and find what combo sock/fins feels best for you. Pocket sizes/widths do vary.

Tote, there's the good and the bad for foot pockets.  They're better for actual diving, but sort of a pain in the butt for diving logistics.  I guess Jason figured out the right fin sock (with some type of sole), but if you use most socks, you can't walk around in the rocks with them.  My solution is to wear Teva sandals over the socks when I'm getting down to the water, then stick the sandals into my dive board and take them with me out on the dive.  If you're diving someplace and come out at a different spot and have to walk back, the socks SUCK.

If you're diving off your boat, then the socks are no problem.  Also, I think the open heels are slightly easier to get into, but not by a lot.  When diving, foot pocket fins are way nicer feeling.

Tote, there's the good and the bad for foot pockets.  They're better for actual diving, but sort of a pain in the butt for diving logistics.  I guess Jason figured out the right fin sock (with some type of sole), but if you use most socks, you can't walk around in the rocks with them.  My solution is to wear Teva sandals over the socks when I'm getting down to the water, then stick the sandals into my dive board and take them with me out on the dive.  If you're diving someplace and come out at a different spot and have to walk back, the socks SUCK.

If you're diving off your boat, then the socks are no problem.  Also, I think the open heels are slightly easier to get into, but not by a lot.  When diving, foot pocket fins are way nicer feeling.

Nailed it.

I use open heel when diving in the salt but when I dive in warm freshwater I use full foot fins.I definitely like the feel of the full foot fin better and is more comfortable to me.in the salt my feet was going numb after a couple of hours but now I wear a 2mm sock with my 5mm bootie and that solved the problem for now

I think my 'sprained ankle' is more of an Achilles strain

Tow Tows ?? 

I think my 'sprained ankle' is more of an Achilles strain

Tow Tows ?? 

Light Bulb Moment. 

Everyone pretty much summed it up for you tote! If you want one pair to go with your all around booties with traction, then open heel. Comfort, warmth, and less kelp snag, then closed heel.

I moved on from plastic blades though.... comfort and less energy expenditure with carbon blades

Thanks everyone for your input.
There was a pair of 20 fathom Edge Camo fins on CL.
Pristine condition; I got them for 1/2 price.
Picasso foot pockets and in my size too.
I already had 5mm neoprene socks that I have never used so things worked out great.
The guy even met me 1/2 way up Hwy 50.
He lives near 50 and La Riveria.
Hopefully he joins NCKA.
The tips in the photo are a little different than mine but the same fin overall.
Can't wait to try out them out!!!!

Nice choice buddy!