Foot Specific D'Arts

[dekko]

Have a student whose parent ordered some fencing shoes somewhere, don't know where yet, that got left handed shoes but the fencer is right handed. Is it safe/good idea/bad idea/whatever to for the right handed fencer to use the left handed shoes of this type?

Thought, ideas, discussion.

Thanks,

[broncofencer]

Probably not the best idea but it can be done. Ultimatly the shoes are designed for a left handed fencer so the reinforcement etc. is built left handed. They will wear out much faster that is for sure I have had my adidas 'equipment' shoes for over 3 years this fencer will be lucky to get a year out of them. Yhey could also be awkward if they are the high top model since the right shoe will have a higher support. And finally he'll look kinda silly.

[prototoast]

The d'arts aren't foot specific. If you're talking about the equipment shoes, I would say this fencer would be better off not using wrong-footed shoes. The front shoe has minimal lateral support, and no drag/roll protection. It would a be a race to see whether he ripped a whole in the side, or sprained his ankle.

[dekko]

My fault, you are correct they are the equipment shoes(should have looked at the tag).

Anyway.

Is there anywhere online that would have more info on these things? I have 'heard' that one of the soles is tilted and padding is an issue.

Thanks for the assist.

[prototoast]

Originally Posted by dekko

My fault, you are correct they are the equipment shoes(should have looked at the tag).

Anyway.

Is there anywhere online that would have more info on these things? I have 'heard' that one of the soles is tilted and padding is an issue.

Thanks for the assist.

Just find a lefty who wants them... since they're no longer in production, they shouldn't be hard to sell. They are very foot specific, and I would never use them backwards (the back shoe wouldn't make a horrible front shoe, but the front shoe would make a horrible back shoe).

[achilleus]

The shoes are foot specific. The trailing shoe has protective leather, made for side to side movement, and has a sloped midsole for an easier lunge.

The front shoe has a rounded heel, cushion in the heel, and is made to move for foward and back movement.

Return the shoes, or sell them.

[afc fencer]

Originally Posted by prototoast

Just find a lefty who wants them... since they're no longer in production, they shouldn't be hard to sell. They are very foot specific, and I would never use them backwards (the back shoe wouldn't make a horrible front shoe, but the front shoe would make a horrible back shoe).

I kinda feel the opposite. To me the back shoe just doesn't work as front shoe. It doesn't have a round heal and little padding for the heal so lunging would be sort of painful. The back shoe also tends to make your foot wanna turn in. Adidas makes hi-tops and both shoes are hi-top versions of the front shoe. The front shoe is a lot like the adistar.
I really don’t think the front shoe would be that bad as a back shoe but I would really advise against using the back shoe as front shoe. I would suggest that your student try to return the shoes for another pair.

[broncofencer]

I would advise your student to try to sell them. Since they are no longer in production (Maybe even post them here) several manufactures have them as clearance or on sale in the left handed model only. So returning them probably isn't possible.

You may also want to suggest to this parent and others that if they plan on buying equipment in the future they consult with you or someone with experience to avoid these type of problems. I have had many parents come to me and ask questions and when I work with beginners I strongly encourage them to consult with me before buying anything. IF I don't know how to answer their question I tell them I will find out and I ask here. There is a small amount of stuff out there that is not quality and inexperienced fencers don't know the difference until its to late.

[prototoast]

Originally Posted by afc fencer

I kinda feel the opposite. To me the back shoe just doesn't work as front shoe. It doesn't have a round heal and little padding for the heal so lunging would be sort of painful. The back shoe also tends to make your foot wanna turn in. Adidas makes hi-tops and both shoes are hi-top versions of the front shoe. The front shoe is a lot like the adistar.
I really don’t think the front shoe would be that bad as a back shoe but I would really advise against using the back shoe as front shoe. I would suggest that your student try to return the shoes for another pair.

Well then, I guess our advice together means to just not use them backwards at all.

For an interesting side note, Tim Hagamen wore a back one on his front foot at NCAA Regionals this year. On his back foot he had a high top adistar. It was odd.