13 Best Fencing Shoes » A Buyers Guide To Fencing Shoes!
Fencing is an amazing contact sport for participators of all ages.
Fencing goes beyond your typical sport and highly works both the body and the mind in ways you may have never experienced before.
If you plan to start fencing or have recently begun to enjoy sport, you will want to pick up the right gear. Starting with shoes.
The 13 top fencing shoes on the market today are:
- Nike Flex Contact Running Shoe
- Asics Gel Rocket 7
- Asics Upcourt
- Yonex Badminton Shoes
- Adidas Fencing Pro 16
- Nike Air Zoom
- Adidas D’artagnan V
- Anta Fencing Shoes
- Hi-Tec Razor
- Adidas EnGarde
- AF Elite
- Onitsuka Tiger Fencing
- Blue Gauntlet MVP
One of the most important things you will need while fencing is quality shoes, which is why we’ve put together this list.
Ideally, fencing shoes have good heel cushioning, flexible uppers and sole, durable inner edges, and proper traction.
Though many shoes state that they are designed for fencing, here’s what you need to know before you buy.
Read Also: 11 Best Fencing Gloves – A Buyers Guide To Fencing Gloves
What to Look for in Fencing Shoes
Before we jump into our list of shoes itself, we will further discuss the importance of fencing shoes and what you need to look for in your choice.
Back in 2008, Nike did a full study on fencing and what was needed in a fencing shoe. They did eighteen months of research on how the sport affects the foot and designed shoes to fit these needs.
Compared to other sports, fencing has some of the highest force applied to the heel of your lead foot. This means that you will have up to seven times your body weight in force. While this is a lot, your trailing foot also takes a lot of damage.
When lunging, your foot is impacted at an extreme angle, up to 45 degrees. Fencers also tend to spend a lot of time on their forefoot while in preparation.
Overall, fencing shoes must accommodate all of these needs and be designed to work well with the strain placed on the foot.
The 13 Best Fencing Shoes on the Market Today
Even those who have fenced for years may not have found the best shoes for their personal needs, which is why we’ve put in the research and compiled the list for you.
These shoes range in prices from those that are higher end to those that are far more affordable.
However, what they all have in common is that they all provide you with excellent support and are designed for the sport.
NOTE: Bear in mind that we like multipurpose shoes. That is the reason you will see many choices that are not designed exclusively for fencing.
#1 Nike Flex Contact Running Shoe
- 100% Authentic
- Brand New
- Durable
- Original Packaging
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Main features
- Durable
- Solid shoe construction
- Rubber cushion sole
- Breathable outer shoe
| PROS | CONS |
| Multipurpose | Not designed for fencing |
| Support | Tight fit |
| Ventilation | |
| Durability |
Nike is one of the best brands on the market today, so you know you will get a durable shoe that is built to last even under extreme wear. However, these shoes are also just really good at supporting the foot.
While these are not necessarily designed for fencing, they do offer the quality support you need for the sport in a more affordable shoe option.
They offer a soft lining with a rubber cushion sole that protects and supports your feet. The outer shoe is knitted, fitting the foot in a natural and breathable way. You can find these offered from most sporting goods retailers from less than $90. They are available for men and women.
#2 Most Comfortable
- Face down any opponent in the men's GEL-ROCKET 9 indoor sports shoe by ASICS. With forefoot GEL technology for shock absorption and lasting comfort, this versatile shoe has the features you need to put in an outstanding performance.
- E.V.A CUSHIONING
- GEL TECHNOLOGY CUSHIONING
- TRUSSTIC TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES STABILITY
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Main features
- Unique gel system that gives extra ankle protection
- Comfortable
- Flexible
- Eva mild sole
| PROS | CONS |
| Comfort | Not designed for fencing |
| Ankle protection | Ventilation |
| Flexibility | |
| Durability |
Asics is a well-known brand that offers a wide range of high-quality running and other sports shoes. The Gel Rocket 7 was actually not designed for fencing, and many use it for volleyball, but it is a great option for the sport. The model is sold both for men and women.
It has a special gel system that is unlike the other options mentioned and protects the ankles while providing extra comfort to the foot.
In addition to the gel cushioning, it also has a sole made from a special rubber. These shoes feature a truss system for flexibility and a molded Eva mid sole that many love. You will find these Asics on the market today for between $60 and $90.
#3 Best Value for Money
- Synthetic Leather and Mesh Upper - Lightweight, comfortable and breathable, enhancing performance and fit.
- Rubber Gumsole - Provides enhanced durability and traction.
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Main features
- Rubber sole
- Outer is made from synthetic fabric
- Comfortable
- Cushioning system designed for indoor sports
| PROS | CONS |
| Support | Not designed for fencing |
| Comfort | Not for wide feet |
This is a second Asics brand shoe that works well for a variety of sports, including fencing. They use a gel cushioning system that is perfect for indoor sports and work well for the activity. The outer part of the shoe is made from a synthetic fabric, and they feature a supportive, imported rubber sole.
These are a beautiful shoe that is very elegant and has unique patterns you will not find with other fencing shoes.
You can find the shoe at several sporting goods stores and online at most large retailers. These are one of the most affordable options on our list coming in at around $50. Check out their men and women models in Amazon.
#4 Unique Design Pick
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Main features
- Great grip
- Good lateral support
- High quality fabrics
| PROS | CONS |
| Design | Availability |
| Lateral support |
They have soles that grip well to the floor, great lateral support, and an adequate level of toe protection. In the past, they were hard to find but have recently been seen on Amazon for a fair price.
While this may seem like an odd choice, these badminton shoes (Amazon link) are actually well-cushioned and great for fencing, as well.
#5 Best Overall
The Adidas Fencing Pro 16
Main features
- Excellent forward and lateral support
- Exclusively designed for fencing
- Great comfort
This is one of the best shoes out there as far as cushioning the fencer’s foot while participating in the sport.
They are designed with fencing in mind, providing all the necessary forward and lateral support you would need.
You will usually find this shoe available in both black and white or orange and white, depending on the retailer you purchase from. The average cost of this shoe is $193.
#6 US Olympics Choice
The Nike Air Zoom Ballestra
Main features
- Lightweight
- Tighter fit
- Great for young users
- High quality fabrics
You will also find this shoe labeled as the Nike Ballestra or the Nike Fencing Shoe. This was first released back in 2008 during the Olympic Games. Later in 2012, the Ballestra was the shoe worn by the US Olympic fencing team, just giving you an idea of how great these are.
Comparatively, they are very lightweight and sleek looking. They also run in much smaller sizes than others out there, which is great for younger fencers.
You can find them in almost any color, and they are widely available at most sporting goods retailers and Amazon. Prices range between $150 and $175.
#7 Top Unique Style
Adidas D’Artagnan V
Main features
- Durability
- Quality cushioning
- Comfort
- Unique style
This is another shoe that was designed with fencing in mind but tends to run a little cheaper in price than our previously mentioned options.
These shoes provide quality support and cushioning.
The biggest downside is that many find them less aesthetically appealing, but this is really up to your personal style. You can find the shoes between $130 and $145 online at a variety of retailers.
#8 Best Quality at a Good Price
Anta Fencing Shoe
Main features
- High quality
- Design
- Light
- Flexible
- Durability
If you have never heard of the brand Anta, it is actually one of the premier sporting goods companies in China. In fact, some of the best athletes today wear their gear, and the company is quickly breaking into the world of fencing. These shoes are a prime example of their amazing quality and design.
The Anta shoes are light and flexible but still offer the support you need for fencing properly.
They are an elite-level shoe, which means they are durable and will last you for a reasonable amount of time. These may be slightly harder to find, but many websites offer them for around $129.
#9 Best for Mid-Ground Fencers
Hi-Tec Razor Shoe
Main features
- Exclusivity
- Extra heel support
- Offset lacing to lower risk of abrasion
This is probably the most exclusive shoe mentioned on our list thus far and the most difficult to purchase. The Hi-Tec Razor is one of the latest models of fencing shoe that was released form Leon Paul and Hi-Tec. They are only available to be purchased from Leon Paul, which can make them a little harder to find.
As for the quality, they are the perfect mid-ground for fencers who want a quality shoe but a more budget-friendly option.
They are designed using a moisture-protection material, have extra support in the heel, and have an offset lacing to lower risk of abrasion. You will find these shoes for around $100.
#10 Best Quality Choice for Beginners
Adidas EnGarde
Main features
- Quality construction
- Exclusively built for fencing
- Great forward and lateral support
Not everyone can purchase $100+ shoes for a sport that they are just starting out in. This is why the Adidas EnGarde and many of the other shoes rounding out our list are great, as they offer quality design for a much more affordable price.
These are entry-level shoes but were manufactured for fencing, and you can be confident that they put a lot of effort into the research and design.
The shoes offer the lateral and forward support that you need while fencing but come at a budget-friendly rate. You can find them available from a variety of retailers ranging in price from $69 to $84. They usually come in two shades both white and black and white and blue.
#11 Best National Brand
AF Elite
Main features
- Great for children and small fencers
- Durable
- Solid option for beginners
The AF Elite series of fencing shoes come from the brand Absolute Fencing Gear. This is a New Jersey manufacturer that offers these fencing shoes, but this also makes them mainly only found through this company. This is a great shoe if you are on the smaller side, or they even offer down to a size 3, which fit many children.
These shoes run on the smaller size, with many who purchase them ordering a half size or size up from their standard shoe size. They are a basic, value shoe but they will last you for a reasonable amount of time.
If you are an avid fencer, they may not last you as long as some of the more expensive options but are great for beginners. You can find them on the Absolute Fencing Gear website for $79.
#12 Top Comfort
Onitsuka Tiger Fencing
Main features
- High-quality fabrics
- Great grip
- Breathability
- Comfort
- Leather + Synthetic fiber
The Onitsuka company is also one you may not have heard of, but they have created a reputation for making high-quality fencing shoes. These are some of the best on the market today when it comes to comfort, grip, and breathability while performing. Also, despite their low cost, they are very durable and last for years to come.
The shoe is designed using leather and synthetic fiber, which has been stitched together, along with an imported rubber sole for utmost comfort.
The shoe is very stylish and a great option for most fencers. You can find the shoes online for under $90.
#13 Another Great Pick for Beginners
Blue Gauntlet MVP III
Main features
- Entry-level shoes
- Good fencing specific impact absorption
- Design specifically for fencing
- Economical
Blue Gauntlet is another well-known manufacturer of quality fencing shoes for beginners and even offering youth sizes. They carry a complete MVP line with the newest being the MVP III. These range in price from around $50, with the newest being around $70.
These are a very reasonable entry-level shoe but may not hold up for those who are more experienced or fence regularly. For the low price, they do offer good fencing specific shock absorption and improved protection that common sports shoes do not.
If you do not want to spend a lot on your fencing shoes, this is a great option but may not be best for those who want shoes that last.
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