Fencing.Net - Your Guide to Fencing & Fencing Equipment

Army Fencer · 01-17-2005, 05:29 PM

Another shoe thread, I know...

They're getting rid of the old D'Arts, which makes me sad. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with some of the new adidas shoes on the market.

And does anyone know why the Adistar is so much more expensive than the D'Artagnan II?

shango · 01-17-2005, 06:10 PM

The D'Art II's are basically the same as the old ones, except some improvements in the sole and such have been improved. The Adistars are way out of the D'Art's class and prob even more than the Asymm's. They're freakin awesome, and look pretty cool. I don't know much about them, but a friend has them and they seem to work pretty well.

achilleus · 01-17-2005, 06:14 PM

After talking with a number of my teammates who love Adidas fencing shoes, I can give you some info.

Those who used the original D'art's, like the new generation better. A little more support, a little better cushion, but still light and low. No complaints, nor any praising of the durability.

The new Adistars have been met with great criticism at my club. No one here who has had them likes them overall. They do say the shoe is lightweight, low to the ground, and exceptional traction (escpecially when comparing them with the assymetrics), but they all complain about the comfort, durability, and looks.

One female fencer, tore a hole within 2 weeks. One of the men, wore them for one half of a tournament (NAC and he switched back to his assyms midway through) and burned a hole in the toe area. Another was happy his $190 shoes lasted 6 months.

Overall, they have all recommended to stick with the assym's if you can find 'em, or the D'art II's.

Although, I'm sure there are some people out there with good experiences of the Adistars, I've yet to meet them.

Army Fencer · 01-17-2005, 08:30 PM

Thanks for the info, achilleus. I'll have to try out the D'Art II then.

Durable shoes sure are hard to come by.

foildad · 01-17-2005, 09:13 PM

[quote=achilleus]
Overall, they have all recommended to stick with the assym's if you can find 'em, or the D'art II's.

QUOTE]
My foilist son has worn through his first pair of assyms, and he's liked them. They lasted about a year. I've found another pair in his size. Are they worth the extra money over the D'art IIs?

foildad · 01-17-2005, 09:16 PM

[quote=achilleus]
Overall, they have all recommended to stick with the assym's if you can find 'em, or the D'art II's.QUOTE]
My foilist son has worn out his first pair of assyms and was very happy with them. I've found another pair his size. Are they worth the extra money compared to the D'art IIs?

foildad · 01-17-2005, 09:19 PM

My foilist son has been happy with his asymetricals, but they're about done after a year of heavy fencing. I've found another pair in his size, but I'm tempted to save a few bucks by buying the D'art IIs. If the asymetricals are a fundamentally better shoe, I'll buy them. Any advice?

achilleus · 01-17-2005, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foildad

My foilist son has been happy with his asymetricals, but they're about done after a year of heavy fencing. I've found another pair in his size, but I'm tempted to save a few bucks by buying the D'art IIs. If the asymetricals are a fundamentally better shoe, I'll buy them. Any advice?

It really depends on your son's preference and how much you want to save $.

Personally, I don't like fencing specific shoes. There are enough great fencers who don't wear Adidas fencing shoes, or fencing specific shoes that show that it really isn't necessary for great footwork.

So, it comes to down to preference.

I can tell you that the assyms, in comparison to the D'arts, are heavier, more durable, and have more cushion and support. Some people love 'em, and can't conceive of fencing in anything else. Some, have fenced so long in the older style shoes, that they remain with the D'arts.

Army Fencer · 01-17-2005, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by achilleus

Personally, I don't like fencing specific shoes. There are enough great fencers who don't wear Adidas fencing shoes, or fencing specific shoes that show that it really isn't necessary for great footwork.

I've seen plenty of these fencers. Jan's current choice of shoes always gives me a laugh.

What is your preference?

SenorEste · 01-17-2005, 10:23 PM

Most people on my college team use/recommend the asyms if you can get them, however i dont think addidas is making anymore new pairs of them, so get them while you can i suppose. I used to fence in converses/chuck taylors, and though the traction was amazing, my soles and ankles did not enjoy the experience.

For Christmas i got a pair of the adistars, as the few vendors i contacted didnt have asyms in my size, or at least for a right hander. I chose the adistars since they were the same price as the asyms, and from what ive gathered, somewhat similar. Price and style wise, i dont think it's that good to compare the Darts and the new adistars, both are really different shoes.

having used them for a few weeks now, they are quite nice, though i think will improve as i break them in a bit more. traction is excellent, and i havent had any durability problems, and i fence/practice pretty regularly 4+ days a week, 3+ hours at a time, though I dont think ive had long enough to judge that appropriately.

Overall, lightweight, decent support, proper fit, and no major gripes for the moment. I'll probably post a better review come march or so, after they've really been worn well. And, if i'm lucky, the silver spaceboot look might distract some of my opponents or something- yeah, they could look a little better.

ShadowHuntr · 01-17-2005, 10:29 PM

I bought Adistars at nationals, and to be honest for the price i paid i am extremely disapointed. very shortly after getting them, i noticed some inital wear, in addition, they seemed to take longer than normal to "break in". but the worst part is, after having them for no more than 3 months I fenced on a metal cheese grater strip for 2 tournaments and it tore them up really badly. the rear foot sole is hanging down and you can see the part under the rubber sole quite easily. also, a piece of rubber towards the back of the shoe broke off. Needless to say, I have duct tape over the wareing rubber and i would NOT recommend the shoe for the price.

telkanuru · 01-18-2005, 12:29 AM

I got D'Art IIs from Uhlmann with a team order, and I like 'em just fine. Of course, my comparison is to the BG $30 shoe, but whatever. They have nice, soft soles, but the heel of my front foot is being worn rather quickly due to the cheesegrater strips at my club (see the threads on Prise de Fer, etc.). It's nothing serious, however. They are comfy, well padded, and have good arches.

achilleus · 01-18-2005, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army Fencer

I've seen plenty of these fencers. Jan's current choice of shoes always gives me a laugh.

What is your preference?

Jan's shoes are pretty fun, but they work. Of course, different colors are available, thank heaven.

My preference is for whatever fits my foot best, provides support, cushion, and is durable. I can't give you a particular answer because it's changes constantly. Over my fencing career, I've worn almost everything imaginable, from Adidas fencing shoes, volleyball, racquetball, squash, tennis, basketball and handball shoes. Originally, I really liked the fencing shoes, but because of comfort and price switched to squash shoes. The early styles were awesome, cheap and durable. I had one Hi-Tec pair that lasted forever. They ended up getting stolen. As I've gotten older, I've like stiffer, more supportive shoes, particularly basketball (those made for point guards not players like Shaq) or tennis shoes.