Advice on fencing shoes

Preacherman · -6th January 2010, 04:27 PM

The time has come to replace my Adidas D'Artagnan II's and wondered what people think of the Adidas D'Artagnan III's?

Or should I go all out for the Adistar?

Or switch to something like Viktoria's?

I need something that offer decent stability and heal impact protection...

Cheers

Red · -6th January 2010, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Preacherman

The time has come to replace my Adidas D'Artagnan II's and wondered what people think of the Adidas D'Artagnan III's?

Or should I go all out for the Adistar?

Or switch to something like Viktoria's?

I need something that offer decent stability and heal impact protection...

Cheers

If you like the D2s, then the D3s are NOT for you. The Adidas engarde are pretty much identical, just with different styling and a lower price.
If your old shoe was very well used (i.e. it hurts when you land your heel on a lunge), then any brand new shoe will feel like it has excellent heel protection.

AussieMongrel · -7th January 2010, 08:43 AM

I got the new Adistars for circa £170 from Leon Paul. They take a little getting used to but I am warming to them now. Don’t get the Leon Paul socks with this shoe as they have a slippery base and the sole of this shoe is very smooth so you end up slipping around inside the shoe with blisters. I don’t understand why you would create a performance sock with no grip on the base; surely the idea is for the sock to grip the shoe underneath.

Mr long sword · -7th January 2010, 09:28 AM

Why so much £170..!
Do they have some bling on them..?
I paid 50 less when they came out...

AussieMongrel · -7th January 2010, 11:21 AM

http://www.leonpaul.com/acatalog/Adidas_Adistar.html

and more expensive at Allstar

http://www.allstar-fencing.co.uk/onl...an=100&id=511A

randomsabreur · -7th January 2010, 03:35 PM

At a risk of repeating myself, the most effective heel impact protection comes from insoles, not the shoe.

I got a pair of these http://www.superfeet.co.uk/Products/Green.aspx as a result of sorting my skiing boots and they are way better than sorbathane for impact absorbtion. Can't remember how much they cost, but they have been worth every penny. Just need to get some smart shoes that fit them for refereeing purposes!

Then get some of the en guarde type shoes, or if you have wider feet, scimitars/blades. I would struggle to justify £170 on something that wears out within 12 months of serious training (with help from gaffer tape etc!)

Nick · -18th January 2010, 12:53 PM

Unless you're a professional coach in which case they're tax deductable

Esgrimista · -18th January 2010, 05:29 PM

Just got myself a pair of Blades and they are not too bad except for a tragic lack of grip! I think they'll be fine for a metal piste, but they are pretty deadly on some gym floors!

Barely legal · -25th January 2010, 09:54 AM

I had the D2 for about 3 years (with the help of a lot of tape). Really liked them Then I baught the Blades. Unfortunately even with the help of tape they lasted only one season (training 3 to 4 times a week). Never had problems with my heel on the D2 but started to get some shortly after I got the blades. Just baught the D3 and really liked them. They have a thicker sole giving better heel protection and have good grip. However I would be careful if you have a weak ankle, since the thicker sole makes you more likely to role over your ankle at the end of a lunge (especially with prop;e that already have the tendency to do this).

J_D · -25th January 2010, 01:53 PM

Personally, I find that fencing shoes will last 9-12 months.

One of the problems with all shoes used for sports is that they need to provide shock absorbsion of some kind. As an active sports person your feet will get hot, they will perspire and this is then absorbed into the shoe and, along with the impact damage, the protective element of the shoe is reduced.

I'm not sure what the recommendation is now, but when I was involved with a lot of aerobics and gym work, it was suggested that shoes should be replaced every 6 months to ensure that a good level of support remained.

Barely legal · -26th January 2010, 09:58 AM

I have spoken to a running coach about how to keep sports shoes.
To avoid damage from the perspiration, shoes should be keept at a dry place, where the perspiration will evaporate quickly after use, and if one trains every day, two pairs ofr shoes should be used alternatingly, so that they get completely dry between use. I hope these tips might be useful to extend the useful life of shoes.

Not quite a Vet · -1st February 2010, 07:43 PM

Leon Paul Adistar's are fantastic, true take a while to get used to, especially if you have been using a lower and flatter shoe. But are a very comfortable shoe, just make sure you don't have a low arch as that may be problematic.

Demonic · -2nd February 2010, 09:50 AM

I,d just like to point out that ive owned a pair of the new adistars since xmas and have already put a hole in them after a week of training on a metallic piste!!!
I issue i found is the material on the side has an 'O' pattern which weakens the material and the tears form where the 'O' is.

personally the old silver 'adistars' last ALOT longer.

J_D · -4th February 2010, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas03

Your sports shoes, gloves, sticks all have narrow fabric in that. You can find three dimensional band in all the sports shoes that is made from polyester. If you are gong on for hiking & trekking then you really need very strong narrow fabric like ropes, straps, cords & braids. These solve the purpose of safety & support.

Sorry, but did that make sense to anyone?

Red · -4th February 2010, 09:35 AM

Yes, but it didn't seem very relevant... Spam?

Spider5 · -4th February 2010, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demonic

I,d just like to point out that ive owned a pair of the new adistars since xmas and have already put a hole in them after a week of training on a metallic piste!!!
I issue i found is the material on the side has an 'O' pattern which weakens the material and the tears form where the 'O' is.

personally the old silver 'adistars' last ALOT longer.

Really? The old Adistars had brilliant design (comfort, support etc) but awful build quality. It's really not good to hear they've gone backwards rather than forwards in that respect.

Mr long sword · -9th February 2010, 08:50 AM

poor technique..!

Demonic · -9th February 2010, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr long sword

poor technique..!

there is nothing wrong with foot dragging in my opinion and most of the worlds top fencers do it! so weather you say poor technique or not it doesnt excuse the fact that these trainers that cost £170!! only lasted 1 month before getting a whole in them,THATS just poor quality.

Shieldmaiden · -15th February 2010, 12:18 PM

Hi there,

I have recently been thinking about purchasing some fencing shoes and given that there was already a related thread I didn't really want to start a new one.

I've always just used trainers, which have served me well so I was just wondering how much different fencing shoes are to trainers and whether they make any actual difference to footwork / overall performance.

Currently considering the Hi-Tech Scimitars from LP but would appreciate some reviews / opinions before I spend £90 plus.

Thanks.

sphericalcat · -17th February 2010, 09:19 AM

They do make a big difference.

1. They tend to be more sturdy. With high street trainers, you are much more likely to delaminate the sole, bust the seams, or wear through the fabric/leather.

2. They tend to be more rigid and snug in the way they hold your foot.

3. The heels are well padded (unlike most squash shoes) but not massively raised (unlike most running/cross-training shoes).

4. The soles are about as good for dusty indoor surfaces as you are going to get.

-6th January 2010, 04:27 PM	#1
Preacherman Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London Posts: 22	Advice on fencing shoes The time has come to replace my Adidas D'Artagnan II's and wondered what people think of the Adidas D'Artagnan III's? Or should I go all out for the Adistar? Or switch to something like Viktoria's? I need something that offer decent stability and heal impact protection... Cheers

-7th January 2010, 08:43 AM	#3
AussieMongrel Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: City and Scimitar Posts: 972	I got the new Adistars for circa £170 from Leon Paul. They take a little getting used to but I am warming to them now. Don’t get the Leon Paul socks with this shoe as they have a slippery base and the sole of this shoe is very smooth so you end up slipping around inside the shoe with blisters. I don’t understand why you would create a performance sock with no grip on the base; surely the idea is for the sock to grip the shoe underneath. __________________ Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 4.

-7th January 2010, 11:21 AM	#5
AussieMongrel Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: City and Scimitar Posts: 972	http://www.leonpaul.com/acatalog/Adidas_Adistar.html and more expensive at Allstar http://www.allstar-fencing.co.uk/onl...an=100&id=511A __________________ Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 4.

-7th January 2010, 03:35 PM	#6
randomsabreur Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Devon Posts: 1,897	At a risk of repeating myself, the most effective heel impact protection comes from insoles, not the shoe. I got a pair of these http://www.superfeet.co.uk/Products/Green.aspx as a result of sorting my skiing boots and they are way better than sorbathane for impact absorbtion. Can't remember how much they cost, but they have been worth every penny. Just need to get some smart shoes that fit them for refereeing purposes! Then get some of the en guarde type shoes, or if you have wider feet, scimitars/blades. I would struggle to justify £170 on something that wears out within 12 months of serious training (with help from gaffer tape etc!) __________________ Last Competition: Bristol L8 Next Competition: Dunno

-18th January 2010, 12:53 PM	#7
Nick Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Devonish, Fence in Wellington as well though. Posts: 326	Unless you're a professional coach in which case they're tax deductable __________________ Jason Nesmith : You WILL go out there. Alexander Dane : I won't and nothing you say will make me. Jason Nesmith : The show must go on. Alexander Dane : ...Damn you. Next Competition:t.b.d.

-7th January 2010, 09:28 AM	#4
Mr long sword Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: London/St Pauls FC/Kremlin Bicetre Posts: 671	Why so much £170..! Do they have some bling on them..? I paid 50 less when they came out...

-18th January 2010, 05:29 PM	#8
Esgrimista Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: East Anglia Posts: 67	Just got myself a pair of Blades and they are not too bad except for a tragic lack of grip! I think they'll be fine for a metal piste, but they are pretty deadly on some gym floors!

-25th January 2010, 09:54 AM	#9
Barely legal Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Scotland Posts: 42	I had the D2 for about 3 years (with the help of a lot of tape). Really liked them Then I baught the Blades. Unfortunately even with the help of tape they lasted only one season (training 3 to 4 times a week). Never had problems with my heel on the D2 but started to get some shortly after I got the blades. Just baught the D3 and really liked them. They have a thicker sole giving better heel protection and have good grip. However I would be careful if you have a weak ankle, since the thicker sole makes you more likely to role over your ankle at the end of a lunge (especially with prop;e that already have the tendency to do this).

-25th January 2010, 01:53 PM	#10
J_D Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Bristol Posts: 1,464	Personally, I find that fencing shoes will last 9-12 months. One of the problems with all shoes used for sports is that they need to provide shock absorbsion of some kind. As an active sports person your feet will get hot, they will perspire and this is then absorbed into the shoe and, along with the impact damage, the protective element of the shoe is reduced. I'm not sure what the recommendation is now, but when I was involved with a lot of aerobics and gym work, it was suggested that shoes should be replaced every 6 months to ensure that a good level of support remained. __________________ Only anarchists are trustworthy

-26th January 2010, 09:58 AM	#11
Barely legal Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Scotland Posts: 42	I have spoken to a running coach about how to keep sports shoes. To avoid damage from the perspiration, shoes should be keept at a dry place, where the perspiration will evaporate quickly after use, and if one trains every day, two pairs ofr shoes should be used alternatingly, so that they get completely dry between use. I hope these tips might be useful to extend the useful life of shoes.

-1st February 2010, 07:43 PM	#12
Not quite a Vet Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Fife Posts: 47	Leon Paul Adistar's are fantastic, true take a while to get used to, especially if you have been using a lower and flatter shoe. But are a very comfortable shoe, just make sure you don't have a low arch as that may be problematic.

-2nd February 2010, 09:50 AM	#13
Demonic Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Beefstock Posts: 718	I,d just like to point out that ive owned a pair of the new adistars since xmas and have already put a hole in them after a week of training on a metallic piste!!! I issue i found is the material on the side has an 'O' pattern which weakens the material and the tears form where the 'O' is. personally the old silver 'adistars' last ALOT longer. __________________ 'its better to burn out than fade away'

-4th February 2010, 09:35 AM	#15
Red Now in offensive yellow! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Shakespeare's Posts: 2,536	Yes, but it didn't seem very relevant... Spam? __________________

-9th February 2010, 08:50 AM	#17
Mr long sword Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: London/St Pauls FC/Kremlin Bicetre Posts: 671	poor technique..!

-15th February 2010, 12:18 PM	#19
Shieldmaiden Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 57	Hi there, I have recently been thinking about purchasing some fencing shoes and given that there was already a related thread I didn't really want to start a new one. I've always just used trainers, which have served me well so I was just wondering how much different fencing shoes are to trainers and whether they make any actual difference to footwork / overall performance. Currently considering the Hi-Tech Scimitars from LP but would appreciate some reviews / opinions before I spend £90 plus. Thanks.

-17th February 2010, 09:19 AM	#20
sphericalcat Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 68	They do make a big difference. 1. They tend to be more sturdy. With high street trainers, you are much more likely to delaminate the sole, bust the seams, or wear through the fabric/leather. 2. They tend to be more rigid and snug in the way they hold your foot. 3. The heels are well padded (unlike most squash shoes) but not massively raised (unlike most running/cross-training shoes). 4. The soles are about as good for dusty indoor surfaces as you are going to get.

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