Many young fencers and little fencers' parents don't have this expertise in fencing, the most common questions I ever heard are: "Can I wear running/basketball/tennis shoe for fencing? Can we wear other sports shoes instead of fencing shoes?" "What will happen if I wore running/basketball/tennis shoes?" This blog aims to answer the questions all in once that new fencers or young fencers' parents may have, and help fencers to choose the perfect shoes that fits their needs.
The quick answer to the questions is Yes, you can use tennis shoes, or some of racket sports shoes if you are on budget, these are good alternatives, but definitely do not choose running shoes or basketball shoes. This is because in general, fencing's lunge position is fencing position is highly similar with racket sports motions in tennis or badminton. Tennis and badminton shoes all have great cushioning provides shock absorption. In addition, racket sports shoes have strong heel cups, which will provide supports to the heel. However, unlike the racket sports shoes, they don’t have the rubber warp up at heel counter, and medieval sides, as some of the fencers like to drag their foot when they doing lunge on the fencing piste, it is really easy to penetrate the surface without the extra wrap ups, which means you need to replace them more frequent.
When it comes to choosing fencing shoes, it's important to consider the different brands available and choose one that best suits your needs. It is important to do your research and choose a shoe that is designed specifically for fencing. Most importantly, be aware of the so called "fencing shoes" on the market, not all of them fit for fencing purpose, the best idea is to ask for recommendations from coaches, experienced fencers, or doing enough research about it. Because wearing proper footwear while fencing is essential to protect yourself from injuries. Proper fencing shoes provide better grip and stability, protection for the foot and ankle, and are designed specifically for fencing.
Few tips you should know when you choose the right fencing shoe:
Remember to look at the cushioning at the heel, be cautious about fencing shoe that has either too thick or too thin cushioning at the heel area. This is because the potential risk of spraining ankles or damage the heel.
Has rubber wrap ups at the medial heel side and the forefoot joint side, provide longer durability.
Hard heel cup, providing you the supports you need during fencing.
Toe box protection, prevent the inertia from high forces lunging.
Be cautious about fencing shoes that looks like running shoes, plus the ones has soft cushioning. They will not give you the response and support you want, sudden change of direction may lead damage to the shoe, or serious injuries.
The fencing piste has multiple small strips on each stripe, just like a metal grater, professional designed fencing shoes outsoles are made for anti-abrasion, which will make your footwear last longer.
Finally, remember to properly maintain them, it is indoor shoe, not suitable for outdoor activities. Proper care and maintenance of fencing shoes is also important. You should clean and dry your shoes after each use, and store them in a cool, dry place. This will help to extend the life of your shoes and in good condition when you need them. Investing in a good pair of fencing shoes is a wise decision that will pay off in the long run.
Octav is committed to design and produce the top class fencing shoes for fencers worldwide, becoming a trusted brand among every athletes and coaches. We were founded by fencer. We tackled durability, comfort, and performance-enhancing features, making sure our brand becomes a top choice for fencers who want to take their game to the next level. We gathered top designers in the U.K. and Germany who were previously at Adidas to create the shoes that balance innovation and aesthetic. We also engaged our research and development process thoroughly with elite fencing athletes in the U.K., France, China, and Bulgaria to align our commitments. If you are interested in Octav Excel 2024, you can order from here.