More Shoe Thoughts

[FHPyro4L]

So is it better to have a
1- pair of worn down shoes, (because less grip on the bottom will allow your back foot to slide more when you lunge) or better to
2- get new shoes to improve your ability to move, cause I know how older shoes sometimes can fall apart...

Ok, and how are fencing shoes different than any other sort of regular shoes? Besides the fact that they're waaaay more expensive...?

[achilleus]

Originally posted by FHPyro4L
So is it better to have a
1- pair of worn down shoes, (because less grip on the bottom will allow your back foot to slide more when you lunge) or better to
2- get new shoes to improve your ability to move, cause I know how older shoes sometimes can fall apart...

Depends on your preferences. I prefer the newer shoes with better traction. Slipping slows you down, and falling can cause inujury.

Originally posted by FHPyro4L
Ok, and how are fencing shoes different than any other sort of regular shoes? Besides the fact that they're waaaay more expensive...?

The assymeticals are the most fencing specific shoe. They are light weight, and low to the ground. The trailing foot is at an angle allowing for an easier, faster lunge, recovery, and heavy toe-drag protection. The front foot has a good rounded well cushioned heel.

The older style fencing shoes have little cushion, little support. They are very light weight, very low to the ground, easier on the trailing foot for lunging, and have ample toe-drag protection.

Court shoes, the best and most often used substitute for fencing specific shoes, have all the key ingredients in different degrees:

1) light weight (usually heavier than fencing shoes)
2) low to the ground (about the same maybe thicker)
3) rounded heel (varies)

They usually lack the toe-drag proctection unless you get tennis shoes. The better court shoes however usually provide better cushioning and support than any fencing shoe. They also tend to be more durable in terms of traction, support and cushioning. The side of the trailing foot varies on durability.