An unrated veteran foil fencer. A closet epeeist, a sabreurre wannabe-- I can't really help myself; I love the sport! I expect the best from fencers, am disillusioned at the politics in fencing and of fencers behaving badly.
A couple weeks ago our coach gave us a heads up on a new fencing supply that had shoes, real cheap. The name of the company is Balestra- it is not the Ballestra Shoe by Nike. $39.99 plus S&H.
My first experience with fencing shoes was less than enchanting; they're too narrow and so flat, with little support. I wore some faux-fencing shoes by Keen that I liked. Unfortunately they wore out and the style was discontinued. I've been wearing plain old tennis shoes for the last 8 months, and while they were better than the first fencing shoe, they still weren't wonderful. So I took a chance and ordered the cheapos from Balestra.
There is no address on Balestra's website. For all I know they are in Europe somewhere. They did remark that they sized their shoe in European and to order accordingly. Now I can wear shoes sized from 5 1/2 to 7 1/2, depending on the shoe, but I do know that 37 Euro fits me well. The shoes arrived in 10 days, return address was San Fran. The name Athos is on the shoe. They are surprisingly wide enough to accomodate a thick fencing sock without crowding. The support was adequate, though not as pronounced in the Keen comfort shoes, but I suppose that adds weight. They performed comfortably and quietly last night and I think I like them. I am a little troubled by the suede glued on the medial side of the shoe and wonder how long that will stay before I lunge that loose. But, what should I expect from a shoe under $50?
05-13-2009 10:35 AM