Shoes and Lames

[beeyeelelwhy]

I fence sabre and i had a couple of questions about shoes and lames. The shoe question is that i was looking for some reviews about the No1 by Blade. I was going to get them at JOs but they didn't have my size. I figure i might as well get some opinions on them before i order. The problem i have with shoes is that the inside of my back foot (my right, i'm a lefty) always gets unusually torn up. I see that everyones has some wear but mine seems to wear much quicker. This is probably a style problem but i haven't been able to fix it. I have assymetrics and they are almost down to all rubber after a couple of months. The NO1's seemed to have a thick rubber sole that went up the side so i thought that might help, any thoughts would be appreciated.

My other question was about Infinity Lames (for sabre). I was wondering what people think about them. Note that i already looked in the reviews section for both of these things i was just looking for more people's opinions. A good place to buy this lame would also be helpful. I am not done growing yet so i don't know if i want to invest in a nice lame, but i feel that some point i am going to have to get a new one so i'm looking around. Thanks in advance.

P.S. I have looked around, but if this has already been discussed and i missed it, feel free to link me to it.

[LUDICROUS]

The inside of the back foot dissolving could be due to you rolling your back foot when you lunge? Not criticism, everyone does it. Including me, of course!

I've seen fencers with the inside of their back shoe taped up to help stop that.

[prototoast]

The back foot thing is due to rolling/dragging/sliding your back foot. Things that help are to not roll it when you lunge, make sure you pick it up when you advance/retreat, and if you slide with your lunge, try to put as little downward force as possible on your back foot.

As far as shoe durability, you probably won't find a fencing shoe that holds up better than the asymmetrics.

For infinity lames, I don't use one, but they are quite common. The good is that they're lighter and usually a little less maintenance (I believe you can machine wash them on gentle, and you can fold them up without worrying about breaking wires). The downside is that they tear somewhat easily and the seams are a little weak. Personally I have an uhlmann, and if I were to buy a new lame, I think I'd stick with uhlmann.

[Inquartata]

I like my Infinity, it's light and cooler than other lames and, with the exchange rates being what they are, slightly cheaper as well. I like the Velcro sleeve closures, for when you are trying to stuff a glove cuff under there after a body-cord change. I have had no problems with tearing or seams, but then I only use it for tournaments. It boasts less impact resistance than traditional lames, so if you are prone to wincing when hit with sabre blades it may not be ideal for you. And I don't care for the muddy brown/bronze color.

I got mine from Blue Gauntlet, and at that time they were the cheapest source. American Fencers Supply and The Fencing Dude ( California ) also carry them, for $5 to $10 more, again at that time. Of course, you can order then from Infinity itself, too, I would imagine.

I would not hesitate to get one if you are stoic where heavy-handed opponents are concerned and can stomach the color.

[achilleus]

Just a quick coupla points:

1) The asymmetrics are the most durable fencing shoes out there...
I've heard good things about the Li-nings in durability, but that's mostly good durability for the price...

In addition, the Estoc fencing shoe used to be sold with an extra piece of suede to replace tears...

Or you could just take your shoes to a shoe shop and have them glue some leather reinforcement on. That usually works well...

2) The damage can be stopped by altering your technique as mentioned above. I've found that the older style fencing shoes, that are paper thin are easier to keep your back foot flat, thus preserving the inside of your shoe longer.

3) If durability is your main concern, and you don't mind, get a pair of Nike or Adidas tennis shoes. Look for the ones marked with a 6 month outsole guarantee. I got 'em once, broke 'em within 4 months, took 'em back, and was given a newer model. The newer model didn't break for over a year.

[N00bArmorer]

I love the idea of the Infinity Lames, but two points of caution.

I believe they are provisionally approved because they do not have a solid lining. So if you sweat ALOT and somehow cause a short between your lame and your uniform AND your opponent scores a touch off of non target area, you have no appeal. That's doesn't seem to bother most fencers though.

The second is the tendency to rip. I believe this to be because people wear ones which are a little to baggy on them. The bagginess causes crease to form which can catch the blade when attacked which results in tears. The Infinitity material is a much looser weave than conventional lames.

Hope that helps.

[beeyeelelwhy]

thanks for the help guys, i also know what you are saying about the shoes and stuff but aside from that does anybody have the NO1s and can tell me what they think?

[brtech]

We failed a disproportionally high number of Infinity Lame's at JOs for high resistance this time out. Some were just dirty, but most were probably beyond rescue.

I think if you go the Infinity route, you are probably trading comfort for durability. Fencers that have them, love them, but in my experience, they don't last as long as the Uhlmann style.

One funny note; at JO's, Matthew Porter spent some time repairing a manufacturing fault in a couple of Infinity Lames. The back strap was sewed to the OUTSIDE of the lame, effectively covering the target in that area. It should be sewn to the inside.