Adidas D`Artagnan Fencing Shoe
4 out of 10 people found this review helpful
Summary: A Very Good ShoeMarch 1st, 2004
I just bought my second pair.
My first pair lasted for a little over a year. Realistically, I should have replaced them a little sooner, but they held up well so I waited. After over a year of heavy use, the only reason that I'm replacing them is because the grip on the bottom of the shoe is becoming slick in places. Also, the inside sole is becoming worn, and a hole is developing under my non-weapon foot's big toe. I doubt many shoes could withstand the abuse these have taken; I tried for years with non-fencing sneakers. They would do well to last 6 months.
The first thing that I noticed about these shoes was the laces. It may seem like a minor detail, but they impressed me (still do too). Instead of the normal flat thin shoe laces seen on shoes, the D'arts featured thick round/rope-like shoe laces. These laces will hold a knot MUCH more effectively. I like my shoes to stay tied, especially when I'm about to make my winning attack. I use a special knot to keep the shoes tied better and longer. My knot did begin to fray the laces, but they never broke. I now carry an extra pair of shoe laces just in case.
After useing these shoes for right at a year, I forgot to bring them to practice one day. I found I could hardly fence with normal street shoes. The rounded heel on the D'arts not only made my lunges faster but it prevented me from landing on a non protected part of the heel (which in turn prevented MANY heel bruises). The shoes are light. The lightness of them helped me speed up my game. They fit GREAT. I've never worn a shoe that fit as well; it's almost like a thick pair of socks.
I do have a few complaints. I wish there was more padding in the insole. My feet take enough of a pounding as it is. If these shoes could absorb more of the impact, it would have been a big help. I tried adding insoles, but it made the shoe too tight. My only other complaint is that they aren't more street friendly. Not only are these shoes uncomfortable to walk in for long distances (not enough impact asorbance), but they also look too much like balerina slippers. It would be nice if they were a little more style, friendly.
At about $100, it's a little more expensive than I would like. But I DO think it is a resonable price. I have after all bought my second pair. If you're looking for your first pair of fencing shoes, I'd recommend them.
My first pair lasted for a little over a year. Realistically, I should have replaced them a little sooner, but they held up well so I waited. After over a year of heavy use, the only reason that I'm replacing them is because the grip on the bottom of the shoe is becoming slick in places. Also, the inside sole is becoming worn, and a hole is developing under my non-weapon foot's big toe. I doubt many shoes could withstand the abuse these have taken; I tried for years with non-fencing sneakers. They would do well to last 6 months.
The first thing that I noticed about these shoes was the laces. It may seem like a minor detail, but they impressed me (still do too). Instead of the normal flat thin shoe laces seen on shoes, the D'arts featured thick round/rope-like shoe laces. These laces will hold a knot MUCH more effectively. I like my shoes to stay tied, especially when I'm about to make my winning attack. I use a special knot to keep the shoes tied better and longer. My knot did begin to fray the laces, but they never broke. I now carry an extra pair of shoe laces just in case.
After useing these shoes for right at a year, I forgot to bring them to practice one day. I found I could hardly fence with normal street shoes. The rounded heel on the D'arts not only made my lunges faster but it prevented me from landing on a non protected part of the heel (which in turn prevented MANY heel bruises). The shoes are light. The lightness of them helped me speed up my game. They fit GREAT. I've never worn a shoe that fit as well; it's almost like a thick pair of socks.
I do have a few complaints. I wish there was more padding in the insole. My feet take enough of a pounding as it is. If these shoes could absorb more of the impact, it would have been a big help. I tried adding insoles, but it made the shoe too tight. My only other complaint is that they aren't more street friendly. Not only are these shoes uncomfortable to walk in for long distances (not enough impact asorbance), but they also look too much like balerina slippers. It would be nice if they were a little more style, friendly.
At about $100, it's a little more expensive than I would like. But I DO think it is a resonable price. I have after all bought my second pair. If you're looking for your first pair of fencing shoes, I'd recommend them.
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