2009 AF Shoes

[chinbeard]

Does anyone have more information on these shoes? I think they look rather spiffy.

http://absolutefencinggear.com/shopp...35e85c41fa0807

[Craig]

Not much more data than what is posted. At an intro price of $49, however, they are worth a test. AF Elite II Fencing Shoes - 2008/09 model

We will be getting a batch in to stock at Fencing.Net as well.

Craig

[GypsyScot]

I designed them they should be spiffy, since I left a couple months ago I haven't seen the final product yet, I should stop by.

[EdGardner]

I have the earlier AF shoes and have been happy with them, I saw the notice about these and am interested in more information, since I am looking for new shoes and its either another inexpensive pair like this, or just suck it up and get one of the LP pair...

Is there a compare/contrast with the last pair by AF?

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

I designed them they should be spiffy, since I left a couple months ago I haven't seen the final product yet, I should stop by.

I would be tempted to try the AF shoes, but one little factor is a turnoff. On the side, they say "Fencing." Duh? Sure, pair those shoes up with one of those pairs of socks which say "Fencing" on them. That way, you won't forget what you're doing with that weapon in your hand. Have a bit of amnesia? Read your shoes!

Next, they will come out with a car which says "Driving" on the side. Then, a condom which, when unrolled, says "Shagging."

[catwood1]

Then, a condom which, when unrolled, says "Shagging."

I would buy those. I would ABSOLUTELY buy those!

[telkanuru]

Then, a condom which, when unrolled, says "Shagging."

I've seen some that were a "300" promo that had "PREPARE FOR GLORY" printed on them...

[GypsyScot]

Yeah I have no idea why they say fencing, the black sole and fencing script are the only things that didn't follow the original design.

I do know they're designed to be more supportive than the previous model, and that Amanda made damn sure there wouldn't be ANY manufacturing issues, she sent her son to china for nearly a month to oversee the process.

[erooMynohtnA]

What color was the sole supposed to be? (And I don't mind that it says fencing. I don't care who's reading my shoes.) And do they run narrow or wide?

One issue I take is that they have called them the best fencing shoes under $70. Why is $70 the cutoff? What $80 shoe has bumped them down? The Adidas En Garde? (I am ruling out shoes not specifically made for fencing.) I just think $70 is a weird cutoff.

Several people in our club ordered them, so I'll make sure to post the opinions here. I think they look like they're going to be great.

[trafl926]

Do they come in 15s?!?!

[Sinestra]

And do they run narrow or wide?

This.

I have a pair of Leon Paul shoes that have been positively amazing for me, not only because they're damn fine shoes, but because no one else seems to make shoes that run wide enough for, well, wide feet. At that price I'd be really interested in checking them out, but only if I know there's a chance of them being wide enough to be comfortable for fencers like me.

They do look pretty spiffy, though, I've gotta say. Well done.

[GypsyScot]

They were supposed to be white but I do like the black better, I just didn't think she'd go for it. They do run wider, I too have wider feet, I wear a 12EEE, AF Shoes have always fit fine. Also the cut off in price is because AF doesn't compete with Addidas or Nike, their shoes compete with StarFighters (Blade) or Victory (BG/SG) Amanda will only fight a battle she knows she'll win.

[erooMynohtnA]

Well, she should win that battle. Those shoes are piles of smelly ass.

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

Well, she should win that battle. Those shoes are piles of smelly ass.

Mr. Moore does have an exceptional way with words. He summed it up perfectly.

[DangerMouse]

One of my students and I each order them. At $50 it was worth the risk, especially because I still have a good condition right shoe from my assymetricals and the back foot shoe isn't too important. I'll let you know what we think of them when they arrive.

[Delta]

I took a look at them at the Temple Open and they were (surprisingly) light. I can't tell you anything about the durability of the shoe, but the few people I spoke with at the tournament thought they were lovely.

[Delta]

Just remembered something smelled fishy.

The outer sole on the shoes I saw were white, not black.

[sheck]

I just received a pair. The bottoms are white. I haven't tried them yet but they feel a little heavier and narrower than the Li Nings.

[erooMynohtnA]

I've got a pair of the 2009 AF elite right here. As sheck said, the soles are white, not black except for a small spot at the toe.

I'm happy with the design of the shoe from an aesthetic standpoint. It looks like it looks in the pictures, no hidden angles or anything. It's not a sexy shoe, but it's not ugly either. You get a pair of white laces and a pair of black laces are also included.

I would say they're are wider than most fencing shoes. They're not the lightest shoes I've ever seen, but they're fairly light. They fit my feet really well. They're snug without being tight, and they grip the upper part of my foot just where I like it. Of course, that's probably unique to me.

They're really low to the ground, not as bulky as the past AF Elites, and I think the wraparound parts of the sole by the ball of the foot really help with stability. I would definitely fence in these except for one thing: Lack of padding.

There is, as far as I tell, no midsole. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate the heel protection at a 2 or 3, just a little better than nothing. It's like wearing wrestling shoes. I understand that's how they get the low to the ground feeling, but I need something more than the incredibly flimsy insole included. I'll get a really firm insole and put it in to mimic a midsole, and I bet they'll be pretty nice. Until then, I'm just trying them out on carpet.

Summary:
+ Wide
+ Stable
+ Cheap
+ Well fitting upper

/ Unremarkable traction
/ Average appearance

- No padding
- Stiff sole

I would say that these are a good pair of beginning fencing shoes, especially if you have wide feet, or don't want the bulk of a court shoe, but you absolutely have to buy some sort of insert to go with it.

[TodG]

Do you think you could get by with a heel cup, or would you need an insert like spencos?