In this article, we explain why fencing shoes are (sometimes) better than other sports shoes. We are going to look at the best Adidas fencing shoes, as well as fencing footwear made by other trustworthy brands.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- COMPARISON TABLE
- Adidas Fencing Shoes D’Artagnan V
- Adidas Fencing Shoes Patinando
- Adidas Fencing Shoes PRO 16
- Nike Air Zoom Fencing Shoes
- Best Cross Training Shoes Suitable for Fencing
- ASICS Gel-Rocket 8
- Reebok CROSSFIT Nano 8.0
- Adidas Barricade Club
- Mizuno Wave Bolt 7
- Yonex Power Cushion+ SHB 65 Z
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Most important factors when picking your next fencing shoes
- Conclusion
Introduction
What do you think of when you think HEMA or Olympic fencing? A feder? Foil? Mask? Liechtenauer?
But have you ever thought about fencing shoes? Probably not. Just like any sport, HEMA and other types of fencing require sneakers that can withstand high-intensity actions; jumps, quick direction changes, etc., while offering the most optimal support possible.
Do fencing shoes really make the difference?
Yes, they do. But not always. Fencing shoes will make a difference if:
- You’re fencing on the highest level (epee, saber, foil, rapier, longsword and in other categories), where every possible detail helps.
- If you’re wearing improper shoes and you don’t fence with confidence.
- If you have issues with joint or foot pain and you aren’t comfortable when doing specific moves.
Let’s get into the details now.
April 2019 – Update
A Top 20 HEMA fencer Victor Lavialle (check an interview with him here) shared some comments about products that he’s using on tournaments.
Here’s what he has to say.
I’m using Nike fencing shoes and Adidas D’Artagnan IV shoes.
- In my opinion, using fencing shoes is the best option for HEMA in an indoor venue.
- A reinforced heel is necessary to avoid injury if you use lunges.
- They both offer good contact with the ground (unlike running shoes) for precise footwork.
- Both models are basically the same, but Nike is more expensive, while Adidas D’Artagnan IV shoes are hard to get as production stopped a few years ago.
- As an alternative, badminton shoes are similar to fencing shoes.
COMPARISON TABLE
| Shoes | Brand | Weight | Price Range | Shop US | Shop EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adidas Fencing Shoes D'Artagnan V | Adidas | 10.5oz (300g) | Mid | Check price | Check price |
| Adidas Fencing Shoes Patinando | Adidas | 10oz (280g) | Mid | Check price | Check price |
| Adidas Fencing Shoes PRO 16 | Adidas | 10oz (280g) | High | Check price | Check price |
| Nike Air Zoom Fencing Shoes | Nike | 9.7oz (275g) | High | Check price | Check price |
| ASICS Gel-Rocket 8 | Asics | 11.9oz (337g) | Low | Check price | Check price |
| Reebok Nano 8.0 | Reebok | 10oz (280g) | Mid | Check price | Check price |
| Adidas Barricade Club | Adidas | 14.7oz (416g) | Mid | Check price | Check price |
| Mizuno Wave Bolt 7 | Mizuno | 10.6oz (300g | High | Check price | Check price |
| Yonex Power Cushion+ SHB 65 | Yonex | 11.7oz (331g) | Mid | Check price | Check price |
Adidas Fencing Shoes D’Artagnan V
D’Artagnan V fencing shoes by Adidas are the newest model designed by Adidas. They aren’t so much different than a previous IV model.
The mesh in the upper replaced leather (IV model) and is durable and very comfortable. The soles in this model are, compared to Nike shoes, a little bit heavier and make you feel like you stand very flat on the ground. What fencers are missing is impact protection in the toe and heel area. Some fencers reported that when they do lunges, they feel uncomfortable in the heel area.
They provide a superb grip, they’re breathable and compared to Nike fencing shoes, they’re much more affordable, but they may not be the most comfortable fencing shoes.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Fine lateral support
- Superb construction
- Recommended by top Olympic and HEMA fencers
Cons
- Not much impact protection in the toe and heel area
- No arch support
- Heel could be padded more
Adidas Fencing Shoes Patinando
Patinando Fencing shoes are flexible, highly breathable, and durable. They feature a fencing-engineered EVA midsole contour for the best possible traction at varying foot angles. AdiWEAR outsole provides a superb grip and small extensions in the outsole, provides extra stability. The upper is covered with a suede and synthetic leather which makes this shoe light and comfortable.
Once again these shoes don’t have proper heel protection. Other than that, they’re a decent pair of fencing shoes, and if Park Sang-young won Epee gold medal in Rio, you could do some magic too.
Pros
- AdiWEAR outsole
- High breathability
- Nice lateral support
- Recommended by top Olympic and HEMA fencers
Cons
- Not much impact protection in the toe and heel area
Adidas Fencing Shoes PRO 16
Fencers reported that Adidas Pro 16 model actually has a much better design for fencing than D’Artagan V model.
This model features the anti-abrasion media RPU cage with suede overlay underneath. The upper has a triaxial design for fantastic breathability. Inside is reinforced with EVA midsole cushioning which has great shock-absorption characteristics. They’re a little bit more padded on heels compared to the D’Artagnan V model, which is much-needed.
They feel lightweight and have a fantastic grip and traction.
Pros
- Awesome grip
- Good breathability
- Easy to move around
- Recommended by top Olympic and HEMA fencers
Cons
- Price range
- They look orange on pictures, but in reality, they look more pinkish
Nike Air Zoom Fencing Shoes
When Nike Air Zoom Fencing Shoes were released they quickly became the fencers’ favorite pair. Even today they’re one of the most popular fencing shoes. They’re flexible, breathable, and comfortable.
Let’s get into details. The rounded heel is engineered to promote quick advance and retreat and support for your foot. They have a unique Zoom Air and Poron foam which is placed in high impact areas. Breathable lining design offers a secure and comfortable fit. The outsole is designed to maximize grip on indoor surfaces.
Compared to Adidas fencing shoes they’re much more narrow, so keep that in mind if you’re thinking of buying these shoes. They also tend to rub ankle bones because they’re higher than most other fencing shoes (high cut).
They’re worn and recommended by many Olympic and HEMA fencers.
Pros
- Some protection in the toe area
- Terrific sole construction
- Great arch support
- Smart padding
- Fine breathability and flexibility
- Multiple color combinations
- Recommended as a must have part of fencing equipment by top Olympic and HEMA fencers
Cons
- Price range
- Avoid buying them if your other shoes usually rub your ankle bones
- Bulkier compared to Adidas models
Best Cross Training Shoes Suitable for Fencing
Cross-training refers to combining exercises of all kinds of sports. Cross-training shoes are often a mix of different types of sports footwear. The whole point of these types of shoes is that they aren’t made for one specific sport but instead support your body well in all kinds of sport, even fencing.
ASICS Gel-Rocket 8
It’s impressive how ASICS Gel-Rocket 8, which is one of the most popular volleyball shoes, becomes one of the fencers’ favorites as well.
Gel-Rocker model is made for athletes who need exceptional traction on indoor surfaces. The gum rubber outsole will provide a fantastic grip and stability.
The amazing GEL cushioning has amazing shock-absorbing characteristics that will protect your joints from impact and prevent fatigue and possible injuries. This is incredibly important, and much needed for fencers.
The Trusstic System in these shoes is made to prevent unwanted movement, and help to stabilize athletes/fencer’s moves. Basically, it’ll help you avoid injuries of the ankle.
Women’s model is available here US and here EU.
Pros
- GEL cushioning
- Fantastic grip
- The Trusstic System
- Amazing shock-absorbing characteristics
- Breathable mesh tongue
Cons
- Not specifically made for fencing
- Without arch support
Reebok CROSSFIT Nano 8.0
Extremely versatile Reebok CROSSFIT Nano 8.0 shoes are an upgraded version of the 7.0 series.
The outsole is specifically designed for indoor use. It’s made out of a high abrasion rubber which is highly durable and adds a higher level of traction and grip. This ensures safe and controlled lateral and plyometric moves. The Nano 0 model also has a 4mm heel to toe drop.
The midsole is made from a dual-density material. The good thing about this midsole is extra cushioning which helps to provide stability and support for fencers.
There are two essential features in the upper part of the shoes. The first one is heel bootie construction, which is a design element that supports and keeps the foot stable. The second one is low profile design which doesn’t interfere with a fencer’s movement. You also won’t have any issues with a rubbing of your ankles.
Overall they’re very comfortable, breathable, lightweight, and can be easily used as fencing shoes.
Women’s model is available here US and here EU.
Pros
- Lighweight model
- Versatile
- Low profile design
- Breahtable upper
Cons
- Not specifically made for fencing
Adidas Barricade Club
Adidas Barricade Club shoes are one of the most versatile shoes. They’re designed to allow smooth lateral movements. The upper is synthetic with some mesh inserts that ensure maximum breathability. This will help you keep dry and comfortable when the sparring gets intense. The Torison system offers great midfoot support, and the Adiprene offers excellent heels and toes cushioning.
The insoles can be removed and replaced with your insoles. The outsole is made of rubber, and it provides a fine grip. The fantastic thing about these sports shoes is a reinforced toe area. So if you drag your foot while fencing, they won’t wear out so quickly.
Overall Adidas Barricade Club shoes are a great bargain.
Women’s model is available here US and here EU.
Pros
- Breathable
- Good rubber sole
- Removable insole
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not specifically made for fencing
Mizuno Wave Bolt 7
Mizuno Wave Bolt 7 is not a classic sports shoe. They are a mixture of many advanced technologies. The first one is Parallel Mizuno Wave technology which disperses shock throughout the sole. Basically, it spreads the force released at each step across the entire sole. This technology provides lightweight cushioning and fantastic stability.
The next one is Dynamotion groove design technology which gives you a natural feeling when you wear them. The third one is Dura Shield which protects the toe from the friction. The last important technology is Sensor Point suspension which provides increased stability and tracking.
Mizuno Wave Bolt 7 are amazing sports shoes, and they can be easily used for fencing as well.
Women’s model is available here US and here EU.
Pros
- Good arch support
- Comfortable to wear
- Good stability and grip
Cons
- Sizing runs small
- Not specifically made for fencing
Yonex Power Cushion+ SHB 65 Z
Yonex SHB 65Z is a flagship model amongst Yonex sports shoes. Even though they are official shoes for badminton, they can be easily used for fencing as well.
The most important feature is Power Cushion+ technology, which is an additional special elastic resin added to the power cushion. This soft layer quickly returns to its original shape after receiving a shock.
Another great thing about these shoes is a “toe-centric” design which lowers the pressure on the big toe and offers support at the mid-foot and heel area. The Synchro-Fit insole holds a heel firmly against the insole, ensuring that the foot won’t move inside a shoe. It is designed to provide all-around support for smooth footwork.
Sides of these shoes are covered by the lateral shell which prevents sliding at the edge of the sole. The outsole is rubber, and it provides a good grip.
Upper is a highly breathable mesh combined with wear-resistant synthetic leather.
Women’s model is available here US and here EU.
Pros
- Additional lateral shell
- Toe-centric design
- Firm and comfortable insole
- Breathable upper
Cons
- Sizing runs small
- Not specifically made for fencing
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which shoes are best for me?
That’s hard to answer. You can’t go wrong with shoes by Adidas or Nike. Most professional fencers use them. If you don’t want to spend a lot on shoes, then we would suggest that you buy comfortable shoes which have good grip and traction.
Do I really need these special shoes that are made for fencing? Can I use other models?
If you’re competing and want to win tournaments, then we suggest that you buy them. Most fencing coaches recommend them to fencers, and they know what they’re talking about. But this doesn’t mean that other sports shoes aren’t suitable for fencing as long as you feel comfortable and confident when wearing them.
How long will shoes last?
Training shoes usually last 1.5 – 2 years if you wear them 3-5 times a week if you use them indoors. The intensity of your training can wear them down quicker or slower – depends on how you train. Some fencers recommend that you purchase at least two pairs, in case something goes wrong with your primary pair.
Where can I buy them?
We suggest that you buy these shoes at reliable and safe webshops. Absolute Fencing Gear, Allstar, Leon Paul, The Fencing Post, and finally Amazon, are all great webshops with excellent customer service.
How can I tell if my shoes have enough grip and fit me well?
Put them on your feet and take a few steps. If you feel that your foot is moving inside a shoe, then they don’t fit you well. They must »hold« your foot tight, but not too tight. You must be comfortable wearing them.
If you hear squeaking noises when you walk around in them, then you know that these fencing shoes have traction and a proper grip.
Can I use these shoes outside too?
If you bought Adidas fencing shoes, we would suggest that you buy a second pair of shoes (can be cheaper) for outdoor sparring sessions. Once indoor shoes are used outdoors, they lose some of their grips. Also, treads wear down quicker.
Most important factors when picking your next fencing shoes
Grip
Grip determines whether you slide away or you stay on your feet. In fencing, you want to have a proper grip that allows you to make a controlled movement. Lateral movement in fencing requires shoes with a multi-directional grip, and if we ignore that fact, the lack of a proper grip can result in slippage and uncontrolled movement.
Impact absorption
Fencing is without a doubt a high-impact sport. This means that quick actions can be very hard on your feet if your shoes lack the proper cushioning in critical places. The force from each impact not only affects your stamina, but it also has a direct impact on your joints. Because of impact, your muscles, joints, and bones vibrate and the higher the oscillation (vibration), the quicker your muscles will fatigue.
The most important parts of a shoe, in this case, are midsole and heel cushioning. A heel usually suffers the most impact, especially in Olympic fencing. Unlike running where you can fully control the motion, fencing involves a lot of quick and unexpected moves. Shock is slowly reduced when it passes through the fencer’s legs, meaning that the most intense area is a heel, where a shock is initially created. This means that if you don’t have proper cushioning and heel support, you’ll feel every impact more than someone who has that.
A midsole is also crucial since it’s generally an element responsible for absorbing the highest amount of shock. The traditional midsole material is rubber; however, manufacturers created better options such as foam and gel.
Flexibility
The next important factor is flexibility. This is the very base of nearly any foot movement. Fencing shoes that restrain your range of motion ultimately make you look worse than you actually are. Not only stiff materials, but an improper design will also dramatically suppress your ability to act quickly. That’s why low cut shoes, like Adidas fencing shoes, are popular among fencers.
Comfort
We shouldn’t ignore this part. Fencing requires you to wear sports footwear that fits you well. Fencing includes a lot of quick stops and starts, so if your pair of shoes don’t fit you well, you could have some serious issues.
The most critical issue is friction and rubbing inside the shoes. Moisture-wicking socks help a little bit, but not enough to prevent blisters or other annoying injuries. Rubbing only gets worse once your shoes wear out more. If you feel like something isn’t right when you’re wearing fencing shoes, you should replace them as soon as possible.
Conclusion
When picking out a pair of fencing shoes, two of the most important features to look out for are grip and weight. If your shoes aren’t designed for quick moves, you are more likely to lose balance, roll your ankle, or have a bad game. Good breathability is also crucial. We assume that you’re not a fan or spraying perfume into your shoes at the end of every practice. Other notable features to consider include: shock absorption, stability, and comfort.
It’s mindset, skill, and practice that makes a great fencer; but the right footwear can make a world of a difference, too. However, this part of fencing equipment often overlooked.
Of course, you may not be running on mud and snow, but you still need proper fencing shoes for you to perform well. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a tournament or preparing for one with your club mates, every fencer wants to have the best match they can, and that starts with having the best possible fencing shoes.
Making an effort to choose the right pair of fencing shoes can maximize your performance, prevent injuries, and give you that boost to win sparrings. And in the end, even if you fence for the fun of it, who doesn’t love to win?