Court Shoes vs. Cross-Trainers

[D'Artag-NOT]

I have very narrow feet and wear a AA width shoe (USA measurement). The only athletic shoes that fit me are made by New Balance, which actually manufactures shoes in widths. NB doesn't make a fencing shoe, so I've been using NB cross-trainers as my fencing shoes.

Here on fencing.net I read that lightweight court shoes are a good substitute for "dedicated" fencing shoes, and I'm wondering if anyone can advise me as to whether court shoes are better than cross-trainers for fencing? I should probably also mention that I wear custom orthotics because I have flat feet and pronate badly without them.

Any thoughts on court shoes vs. cross-trainers would be appreciated. Thanks!

[frenzl]

cross trainners and unning shoes don't stand up to the fencing training, especially the back foot. I don't role my back foot too much but the seems are popping out because of all the pressure on the side of the shoe it's just not buiilt for that. the court shoes are a little sturdier/stronger.

[westcoastsabre]

D'artag-not, I have exactly the opposite problem (my feet are too wide). When I tried the cross trainers (1006) they fell apert during my first tournament. But I use a sliding lunge. On the other hand, the 651 court shoes stood up longer. But over time the heel of the back food became thin from landing my lunge. Of the 2, I'd say the court shoes are the way to go.

[prototoast]

In my experience, cross trainers have too much "cushioning" which makes the foot too far off the ground. This makes the back foot feel unstable when changing directions.

[achilleus]

Court shoes, with heel cups.

Indoor court shoes tend to be lighter and more breatheable. The tennis shoes are heavier, more durable, but are made for lunging with a rounded heel and toe drag protection.

[PainFence]

The heel cups are a really good idea too.

After a 2 day event my feet hurt so bad I had trouble driving, tho I have bad heels to begin with. Now I have them even in my fencing shoes and it's like walking on air.

[Pepster]

Do you use a heel cup in the front foot only? or in both?

I use wrestling shoes, and I find above all else I prefer them to sneakers of any kind because they are almost weightless by comparison. When I do footwork in sneakers, my feet feel much heavier and more clumsy.

-Pep
- Who is heavy and clumsy to start with.

[achilleus]

Originally Posted by Pepster

Do you use a heel cup in the front foot only? or in both?

I use wrestling shoes, and I find above all else I prefer them to sneakers of any kind because they are almost weightless by comparison. When I do footwork in sneakers, my feet feel much heavier and more clumsy.

-Pep
- Who is heavy and clumsy to start with.

Efficient and light footwork is a result of lots of practice, not the shoes. I don't wear fencing shoes because they don't fit my feet well, and provide little or no cushion. Wrestling shoes provide even less cushion and support, and are for use on mats, not hardwood floors (especially concrete floors like at NAC's) so I would really recommend getting different shoes, and practicing a whole lot more.

[yamashk]

Originally Posted by D'Artag-NOT

Any thoughts on court shoes vs. cross-trainers would be appreciated. Thanks!

I just got a pair of New Balance Tennis shoes (CT1000W) that I'm really happy with. They're pretty light and I've always found New Balance to be really comfy. I find the tennis shoes provide good heel cushion and lateral support. I also highly recommend using Superfeet orthotics/insoles. I've become kind of an addict myself, I have some in all of my shoes: fencing, tennis, street, hiking, soccer, ski boots...etc.

[OjBinge]

This isn't quite on topic with this thread, but I didn't want to create an entirely new shoe thread in here. Anyway, a local shoe store is going out of business (clearance time ), so I was looking into buying a pair of shoes that would complement fencing. I'm relatively new, so I don't want to delve into Assyms or D'Arts, especially since I wouldn't be able to try them on. I've heard Adidas Sambas work well in fencing, and I was wondering if I should go with those or another type of shoe. They ought to have most mainstream brands there. Any suggestions?

[MyraTrue]

Two things here...

YES, court shoes are FAR better than cross trainers. Also, a good pair of cross trainers is expensive (I started fencing in a pair). They get torn up by repetitive fencing practice, and because they're... how do I put it?- elevated? They tend to make you roll your ankle too much, and you slide around in them. Both side to side, and sometimes front to back. The court shoes will help cut down on this. Again, I second the notion of heel inserts or something very like. Court shoes... not the best support or padding, and can be hard on the feet.

OjBinge: Sambas. From what I know, and the fencers I know who WEAR them, they are QUITE usable. I'd say go for it is you can get them at a good price. A couple people in my club here use them, I considered them.