Just started fencing, now I have heel pain...

[thekoby]

Also, for the record, I have successfully fenced in tennis shoes, running shoes, indoor soccer shoes, and fencing shoes. The shoes do not make your footwork or fencing any better, they just make your feet comfortable. Find a shoe that is comfortable on your foot and helps to reduces your pain.

I fence in tennis shoes also because I don't have the $200 to buy a decent pair of fencing shoes (though they are on my list of things to buy during this next season).

[needle]

The reality is that with crappy footwork, you're heading towards problems in any shoes. $200+ shoes are not the solution without half-decent footwork. Fix what you're doing wrong, listen to your coach.

[dtcaslick]

The reality is that with crappy footwork, you're heading towards problems in any shoes. $200+ shoes are not the solution without half-decent footwork. Fix what you're doing wrong, listen to your coach.

Yeah, I know. I don't think I'm that bad for a beginner...I've seen more experienced fencers with a pronounced leaning issue too. And I've been able to beat fencers who've been at it a year longer than me (and happen to be twenty years younger too), so I'm doing something right.

My coach comments on my blade work/positioning more than my footwork, but I'm a beginner so I figure it needs a lot of work too. If I can get a shoe exclusively for fencing, I don't mind paying -- although $220 was a bit much, I can handle $160 -- as long as it protects my heel.

[needle]

And I've been able to beat fencers who've been at it a year longer than me (and happen to be twenty years younger too), so I'm doing something right.

You obviously are doing something that gets you the points. Up to a certain level, you can get points, and win, doing things wrong. Then you will plateau, and either re-learn how to do things right, or remain at that level for good.
What majority of people here have been suggesting is that you should try to learn how to do it right from the start. You will have fewer plateaus and will spend less time breaking bad habits afterwards.

My coach comments on my blade work/positioning more than my footwork, but I'm a beginner so I figure it needs a lot of work too. If I can get a shoe exclusively for fencing, I don't mind paying -- although $220 was a bit much, I can handle $160 -- as long as it protects my heel.

Ask your coach about your footwork specifically. If he's paying more attention to your bladework, your bladework probably needs more attention from developmental point of view, but if you're working your feet to injuries, you need to tell your coach that you want to focus on that first. With few notable exceptions, coaches don't read minds.

Some shoes designed "exclusively for fencing" are a bit of a placebo effect, some are really good. I've heard mixed things about Adidas re-using their shoe designs between sports, but there're enough high-level fencers who use them, and are happy with them. LP and Nike seem to be very cleanly designed exclusively for fencing and you have variety of options from $110 and up. Just don't get the really cheap $40-$50 fencing shoes, you'll be better off with same price court shoes. And whatever shoe you get, add a heel protector.

[Lady Quindecim]

Needle spouts wisdom. A good cross trainer for $60 will do as much or more for you, in my opinion, at this level of your development than a "fencing" shoe. My mom hates taking me shoe shopping because I do footwork in the isle. You want support and cushion... etc. as mentioned.

[rory]

Don't fence in tennis shoes. Get badminton shoes, other court shoes, or fencing shoes - they've got flatter soles and won't exaggerate any lean you have, and will keep you 'in touch' with the piste.

Nike Frees aren't too bad actually - I've fenced in mine (which I love), but I still recommend proper fencing shoes. I know a few people who have the new Adidas Adistars and don't like 'em, but everyone I know who has the Hi-tec / LP Blades or Scimitars (including me) is happy with them.

Anyway - whatever you do, spend $5 on a plastic heel cup like this: http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/s...roducts_id/524

I've had heel pain when I lunge in the past - once I started wearing one of these, the problem went away and I've never had it since.

And fix your footwork too. :-)

[needle]

Anyway - whatever you do, spend $5 on a plastic heel cup like this: http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/s...roducts_id/524

At least. I started with these, then switched to gel heel protectors - much better. Plastic ones are good if you're fencing in "regular" shoes that don't have a rounded heel - they help "emulate" rounded heel and distribute the pressure better. With proper rounded heel shoes, gel protector does much better job, IMHO.

[thekoby]

Don't fence in tennis shoes. Get badminton shoes, other court shoes, or fencing shoes - they've got flatter soles and won't exaggerate any lean you have, and will keep you 'in touch' with the piste.

I've got a pair of Chucks that I used to wear because of the flat soles, but they have no padding at all, so I set them aside for a simple pair of tennis shoes ($10 at Wal-Mart). I've been thinking about using them this season for better grip on the piste.

[magic_moose]

Tons of good advice so far, but the most basic piece should be "Listen to your body". When ANYTHING hurts don't ignore it. Think hard to figure out what you might be doing wrong. Or simply doing too much of.

Don't try to impress anyone or "tough it out".
Slack off until you get it figured out.

Problems can become permanent before you know it and then you are really stuck.

[aurora_borealis]

I had heel pain when I started fencing as well. I put it off long enough and learned that I had achilles tendinitis and plantar faciaitis. Make sure you don't ignore your calf and achilles tendon. Its really important with the heel because they're all attached. Make sure after practice yo stretch out your calves and achilles tendon.
I found that a cushioned "heel lift" is really helpful. It elevates the heel a bit more.

[unlikelysuspect08]

... at any rate good luck scoring some Ballestras.

[bob46]

You could try Superfeet insoles. I use the green ones myself. I find they help a lot.

http://www.superfeet.com/

Also, you could try getting a hard heel cup.

[bob46]

a little late, but whatever.