fencing shoes

[zhenqing]

First I would like to thank all of you who shared info. on what to look for when shopping for a mask/glove, particularly Dave Neevel (you know so much!). Now I'm looking for info. on shoes. Do must of you own fencing shoes or does regular all-purpose sneakers do the job just as well? Any suggestions on selecting a brand/model? Again, thanks for all your invaluable help!

[darius]

Like everything else, it's how much $$ you want to spend:

Most people seem to like the black-stripe Adidas fencing shoes, but they'll run you well over $100.

Some say the generic brand (PostSport, Starfighter, etc) shoes are fine, others hate them. Same with regular tennis shoes - I had some ankle trouble that I figured was chronic until I switched shoes.

I've been using squash shoes - namely, the Hi-Tec Adrenalin series which was recommended highly by other fencers. They're extremely light and supportive, grip the piste well, and show few signs of wear after 8 months. You can get these for about $60 from www.holabirdsports.com.

darius

[This message has been edited by darius (edited 08-16-2000).]

[flik]

I've been using Adidas Sambas (one of their indoor soccer shoes). They grip well, have more padding than the Adidas fencing shoes (maybe not the new ones) and are cheap: $45-$50. I wouldn't bother with the expensive fencing shoes, but that may just be my cheap side coming through.
I've seen the squash shoes Darius is talking about. There pretty sweet and I'll probably end up getting a pair of those when my sambas give out.

[kro]

Darius,
Are the squash shoes high tops or are they low cut? the site did not have a photo. I am in the market for some new shoes that have excellent heel and ankle padding.

kro

[darius]

The Hi-Tec Adrenalin Pro is a low-top model. One of my teammates has something similar, but in a high-top (not quite as high as a basketball shoe, though), which he likes.

I can find out the exact name and post tomorrow evening, though.

darius

[sabreur]

I use the Adrenalin Pros to train, and a pair of the Adidas Black Stripes for competition.

You can't beat the Adidas shoes, but they are expensive and don't wear well.

I will probably move to a mid-cut shoe for training when my current pair of Adrenalin Pros wears out (which may be a while--they are very durable). I have some problems with my front foot slipping in the shoe on a lunge--I have to tie them uncomfortably tightly across the instep to make sure my foot won't slide. A mid-cut shoe prevents this kind of problem. The Adidas fencing shoes fit me extraordinarily well.

Has anybody looked into other volleyball shoes for fencing? For instance, Nike has some pretty good-looking shoes. Adidas and Mizuno also make nifty volleyball shoes. All of these run about $60-$70, which isn't cheap, but is considerably less than the $150 for the Adidas fencing shoes.

Regards, Mark Ray

[neevel]

Adidas are doing their usual update of their line for the new Olympic quadrennial. They've already got their new fencing shoe listed for sale on their website for US$150. What's interesting about the new model is that it's asymmetric-- the shoes for your front and rear feet are slightly different (you specify left or right handed when you order). It also looks a lot flashier (& uglier, IMO-- I still prefer the '92 green stripe model). This does mean that there will probably be some closeout sales on the current black & grey shoes before too long.

A primary advantage that Adidas seem to have over other fencing shoes is that the soles don't get chewed up as quickly on metal strips-- there are some less-expensive fencing shoes out there with softer soles that grip really well on wood floors but get worn away the first time you use them on a piste.

-Dave Neevel

[gesk]

Dave, I saw the Adidas site. The new shoes really looks cool. Righthanded fencing shoes incredible. "Asymmetrical shaped wedge as trailing foot midsole to enhance push-off of the trailing foot." All of a sudden fencing seems more complicated.
Wow ! What will they think of next. "Special mask that improves sight for those use is Right-eyed led or left-eyed led."
Or New fencing jackets like the swimming ones, reduce drag making one more aero-dynamic.

Don't mind my rambling. I am bored at work.

gesk

[SamLightstone]

In my experience fencing shoes are over priced.. but the real problem is that the treds are designed for a piste, not for a gym floor (which usually have a fair bit of dust). As a result, most people start sliding around during training in the gym, and it s a real pain. Indoor court shoes, or indoor soccer shoes do much better in terms of grip on most gym floors and I've swiched.