Viktoria fencing shoe

[Kat]

I'm thinking of buying specific fencing shoes (instead of just indoor sport shoes) and I would like to know if anyone has had any experience with the Viktoria fencing shoe. Is it any good?

Also, what are your views on the high neck boot, the one that offers "perfect ankle support", is it worth the extra bucks?

Thanks.

[Gav]

I received my Viktoria shoes yesterday. So far they seem ok. They're a bit stiff and a touch narrow (for my Hobbit-like feet) but once I'd worn them for a bit last night they had relaxed and were comfortable to wear. My only concer is that they don't offer much in terms of shock absorption - no fancy air/gel cushions. We fence on a concrete floor and I'm a little concerne that there is the potential for knee and ankle injury.

Can't comment on ankle boots. I know that some people like them however I don't see what you gain by having your ankle supported. If anyone out there know then feel free to post it.

[Kat]

Oh ok, I hear your can always buy sports insole type things, like cusioning for shoes and apparently that's quite good.

I suppose the extra ankle protection is designed to help prevent rolling-type injuries but I'm not sure how effective it is.

Thanks for the reply, if anyone has any other thoughts it would be appreciated.

[achilleus]

Originally posted by Kat
Oh ok, I hear your can always buy sports insole type things, like cusioning for shoes and apparently that's quite good.

I suppose the extra ankle protection is designed to help prevent rolling-type injuries but I'm not sure how effective it is.

Thanks for the reply, if anyone has any other thoughts it would be appreciated.

Ankle support in a shoe doesn't come from high tops. The support comes from right below the ankle.

In the eighties, the basketball players wore high tops, until studies showed that high tops added no physical support. They did however find that high tops 'remind' the brain and ankle to function properly reducing ankle injuries slighty. Since then, the true high top shoe isn't seen in Basketball (or most sports I can think of), they use a 3/4 quarter cut. This height helps reduce injury as much as high tops, but allows for greater mobility.

If you have ankle problems, buy ankle braces, or tape up.

[pkt]

kat,

Since u r fencing on a concrete floor you really should buy yourself on of those heel cups since in a proper lunge u should be landing on your heel.

I have used Adidas fencing shoes since the 70s. The latest Equipment is one of their best designs - aside from the fact that they're no good on the typical varnished gym floors: no treads, I use a pair of Adidas' court shoes for these floors - they offer excellent support for the feet. They are excellent for their designed for surfaces: metallic pistes. I know they are pricey, but I think they are the best.

PK