Shoes with removable insoles

[TodG]

I am looking for suggestions for fencing shoes for my daughter. She has custom orthotics to correct a foot problem, so fencing shoes with removable insoles are preferred. Any suggestions? Looks like most of the fencing shoes I've looked at have glued in insoles.

Thanks

[EldRick]

The LP shoes are a bit pricy, but do have replaceable insoles.

[fatfencer]

I am looking for suggestions for fencing shoes for my daughter. She has custom orthotics to correct a foot problem, so fencing shoes with removable insoles are preferred. Any suggestions? Looks like most of the fencing shoes I've looked at have glued in insoles.

Thanks

Somedays I really feel like the Imelda Marcos of this forum since I spent a great deal of time researching how to create a fencing shoe and bring it to market. Lack of funds and really a lack of solid connections in China made it difficult.

I've never heard so many people say so many positive things about the Nike Ballestra. Its a very lightweight durable shoe.

If she has foot problems and custom orthotics a shoe is critical!!
Especially is she does what I call the 'Eastern Bloc tappity-tappity' style of footwork. You need really light shoes so as to not stress your ankles. Its not only the weight but where the weight is distributed that is important.

I really like the Scimitars but they are toe heavy, IMHO. I almost bought them but the Asymmetric Hitops of yesteryear were on sale and were large enough for me to use MY orthotics.

They arent available anymore, essentially, but somewhere those Ballestras are around. I'd suggest getting those just a half size bigger so as to fit the orthotic. I also do this thing where I get a floppy but comfortable insole and cut off the toe box part and glue it to the orthotic so that you dont have the thickness of the insole AND orthotic under the main of the foot... just one continuous orthotic with a squishy gel material under the toes.

Most insoles for shoes are glued in but you can just rip them out and use a razor for any part of the foam that still remains glued on.

My main shoes for daily fencing are the Nike court shoe that really looks like a fencing shoe. Its nice and wide too so that the orthotics I use (walkfits), once I rip out the insole its a great shoe. They still sell them at Sports Authority.

Just a bit tip heavy though So I do a little surgery and cut out a portion of the leather and replace it with mesh. I also use a piece of vibram sole glued onto my rear foot where it drags so that the floor doesnt eat the shoe over time.

hope that helps some..

FF

[MyrddinsPrecint]

I tend to put my orthotics (which are hard plastic that don't quite go to the end of my foot) OVER most shoe's insoles, actually. unless they're especially thick or oddly molded, it doesn't seem to make a difference.

I would suggest she at least try on court shoes. Heavier, but more cusioning, which is espeically nice when you have a layer of hardened plastic against your foot, and you can't fully appreciate the flexibility and "floor feel" of a thin fencing shoe anyway.

[erooMynohtnA]

Ballestras do not have removable insoles. They do not have an insole at all. I put my own in.

I don't see why you can't just tear out the insoles. That's what I did with a pair of Dart IIs.

If your daughter has foot problems, just go with a court shoe. It will have space for an orthotic, and it will have more cushioning. (At a better price)

[ShadyLane]

I have custom made orthotics. I strongly suggest that your daughter actually try on the shoes herself before purchasing. Because of my feet problems and orthotics, I always have to try it on -- even if it fits, it may not be as comfortable. Ordering shoes online is not an option for me.

An alternative to fencing shoes is indoor court shoes. I bought Mizuno Wave Spike indoor court shoes (they are volleyball shoes). They are very comfortable, they have removable insoles and they provide the traction I need when I fence. The soles are flat which is what you would see in fencing shoes anyway.

There are shoe companies that cater to those with orthotics (e.g. removable insoles). My podiatrist recommends New Balance and Asics. He thought my Mizuno shoes were good too. You could try going to your local shoe store and find New Balance or Asics indoor court shoes (volleyball, squash, etc.).

Hope that helps! Good luck!