Fencing.Net - Your Guide to Fencing & Fencing Equipment

glowstix · 10-10-2004, 09:24 PM

ok..i really don't like ordering shoes online without being able to try them on first. i've been looking at indoor soccer shoes as a substitute since they're at most sporting goods stores. has anyone tried them or any other type of substitute other than cross trainers or running shoes??

Torg · 10-10-2004, 09:31 PM

i've got a pair of addidas basketball shoes. basketball and fencing are both on solid usually wood floors. they both require good traction and the ability to change direction quickly. they've got a pretty flat sole. (none of that waffle iron sole business). i really like them. i recommend them to anyone willing to hear me out!

OjBinge · 10-10-2004, 10:22 PM

I've been using Adidas Sambas for a few months now, and they've been working well for me. I can't really compare them to fencing shoes, as I've never owned a pair, but I certainly do think they aid my footwork.

glowstix · 10-11-2004, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torg

i've got a pair of addidas basketball shoes. basketball and fencing are both on solid usually wood floors. they both require good traction and the ability to change direction quickly. they've got a pretty flat sole. (none of that waffle iron sole business). i really like them. i recommend them to anyone willing to hear me out!

the problem i have with basketball shoes is that they seem really heavy compared to other types.

CvilleFencer · 10-11-2004, 01:04 AM

I have used wrestling shoes in the past. They work okay, but do not have a lot of arch support so I have to get insoles for them. Some of the adidas wrestling shoes have the same soles as the fencing shoes IIRC. There have been lots of threads on this before so you might want to do a bit of a search to turn up other answers.

VorpalCat · 10-11-2004, 11:16 PM

I loved my non-leather wrestling shoes -- light, flexible, 'sticky' -- but I did have to drop a gel heelpad into them to save my heels. (I go barefoot as much as possible so the lack of other support didn't bother me as much as it would normal people.) But when it was time to replace them, I couldn't find the same thing in the stores so I started trying out alternatives. Wound up buying these a few months ago and am liking them even better than my wrestling shoes. Nice foot support, cushy heel, breathable, and very non-skid. (You get a better view of the sole texture from the side view than from the sole view.)

Pun · 10-11-2004, 11:58 PM

I use adidas indoor volleyball shoes. They are perfect, good traction, amazing support, and also very good flexibility. Thats what I would recomend. And at 85 bucks they are cheaper than any of the nicer fencing shoes. I really like them. their called Stables or something... (they even look like fencing shoes)

quikah · 10-12-2004, 04:14 PM

I use the Adidas volleybal shoes as well (called Stabil BTW). They are good, very light, good support, however they don't have great traction on the metal "cheese grater" strips at my club.

Also if you have an Adidas outlet store near you they sell last years model for <$30, which is another plus for me.

sreckiki · 10-12-2004, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quikah

I use the Adidas volleybal shoes as well (called Stabil BTW). They are good, very light, good support, however they don't have great traction on the metal "cheese grater" strips at my club.

Also if you have an Adidas outlet store near you they sell last years model for <$30, which is another plus for me.

I'm trying to use the Stabil 5 since one month now (after having used the Asymetric Adidas)... and I definitely can not fence with this kind of shoes. I can't push enough with my back foot and I find the shoe not soft enough. I'm gonna keep these shoes to play squash and start to save a few dollars to re-buy some fencing shoes.

Zilverzmurfen · 10-13-2004, 05:39 AM

I've used a pair of Adidas (can't remember model name) handball/floor hockey type shoes for the past ~2 years and I like them a lot.

Good cushioning without being too soft (and hence wobbly) and excellent grip. And a lot cheaper than proper fencing shoes.

Zilverzmurfen · 10-13-2004, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VorpalCat

Wound up buying these a few months ago...

Cool shoes!

Mergs · 10-13-2004, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zilverzmurfen

Cool shoes!

Only problem that I see with them is the flared rear sole. Unless you execute a perfect lunge EVERY time (keeping your back foot flat) and don't roll or drag your foot sideways, it'd work, otherwise you tear up the side of the sole or break it loose from the supporting material between it and the shoe.

The Armourer · 10-13-2004, 10:12 AM

Have you tried the Adidas fencing shoes - they are good. My sons fence internationally and they use them.

The Armourer

Zilverzmurfen · 10-13-2004, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mergs

Only problem that I see with them is the flared rear sole.

I meant cool as in "Cool but I wouldn't wear them for fencing".

Mergs · 10-13-2004, 11:51 AM

Ahhhhhhhhh.

achilleus · 10-13-2004, 07:28 PM

The Stabil's are my favorite shoe to fence in to date. I like them cause they are so unlike all the fencing specfic shoes I've worn.

They are stiff, durable, supportive, and provide lots of cushion.

If you really like the lightweight, lowslung feel for less than $100 I would really reccomend either soccer shoes, or the cheaper Asics volleyball shoes.

VorpalCat · 10-13-2004, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mergs

Only problem that I see with them is the flared rear sole. Unless you execute a perfect lunge EVERY time (keeping your back foot flat) and don't roll or drag your foot sideways, it'd work, otherwise you tear up the side of the sole or break it loose from the supporting material between it and the shoe.

I'll definitely be the last to say I have a 'perfect lunge' but I do keep the back foot flat et al far more often than not. But then, I don't compete any more so the 'lunge all out at all costs' moments are few and far between, plus no worries on a mesh strip chewing the shoes up. Then add to that spending most of my time at the club instructing the latest clutch of beginners, which means I'm keeping things as clean as possible -- can't decide if I'm being a good example or a terrible warning

-- not to mention only getting bits of time here and there to actually fence. All adds up to a caveat I should've put on the original post that they're great for club work, especially if you're in a club that takes floor space wherever you can get it. I'd wear 'em to competitions too (if I lose my mind and rejoin the fray) but then, that there's me, Annie.

davtsung · 10-13-2004, 11:14 PM

I've tried the various offerings Adidas had to offer and they were all good but extremely pricey. So I thought to myself 'what type of shoe would provide comfort and low-to-ground stability?' The answer was indoor soccer shoes. The indoor Nike soccer shoes (I prefer the vapors, but eh Tiempo's were good too) are low profile provides me with enough cushioning on my left toe and right heel. Plus, it was no where near the price I paid for official fencing shoes.

mrbiggs · 10-15-2004, 12:05 AM

Most shoes work fine, and I've heard that indoor soccer is very close to a fencing shoe.

Important to note that fencing shoes have the padding on the instep that helps against twisting your ankle, and makes the shoe last longer. All my sneakers have the sole coming off the right side of the left shoe, just from occaisional practice; I don't even fence with them.

shango · 10-28-2004, 05:54 PM

Does anyone know about or use Napoleon Gum Sole Fencing Shoes? I am planning to buy fencing shoes and would like to know about them.