The Best Fencing Shoes for Epee, Foil, and Sabre

How important is it to wear the right shoes for fencing? Well, if you want to avoid the risk of injuries, maintain stability, and ensure overall comfort during movement, investing in proper fencing shoes is essential.

Logically, you might consider using some type of athletic shoes. However, the best fencing shoes often have specific characteristics they need to include to work well.

The right fencing shoes should offer the right balance of grip, support, and flexibility, ensuring you can perform your best and stay comfortable.

With that in mind, we’ve curated a list of some options that meet these criteria and are trusted by users.

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, or just looking for options to address specific needs, you’ll find choices that provide the right fit and support for your fencing requirements.

• Best Overall: Standard Fencing Sneakers
• Budget friendly: ASICS Men’s UPCOURT 5
• Best Traction: ASICS GEL 3 
• Best for Competition: Standard Fencing Sneakers for Epee Sabre Foil
• Best Comfort: ASICS GEL-Rocket 10
• Best Durable: ASICS Gel-Rocket 8

What Shoes are Good for Fencing

Specialized fencing shoes aren’t strictly necessary. You can start with standard indoor court shoes.

Some of them can outperform specialized ones, and there are many excellent options to choose from. Suggested for fencing: basketball, tennis, squash, and badminton shoes.

Try looking for those designed with a low heel. I also suggest not using running shoes, as they are not suitable for fencing due to their high heels and excessive flexibility.

Key Factors to Consider

Before buying, ask yourself some key questions: Are your feet wide or narrow? Do you need extra arch support? What type of surface will you be fencing on? Understanding your specific needs will help you find the perfect pair of shoes.

Foot Type

It’s essential to consider the shape and size of your feet. Some shoes cater to wide feet, while others are more suited for narrow feet. Make sure to try on different models to find the best fit for your foot.

Cushioning and Support

Fencing requires quick movements and sudden stops, so having shoes with good cushioning and support is crucial. Look for shoes that offer excellent arch support and shock absorption to protect your feet and joints during intense training.

Weight and Flexibility

Find those that are lightweight and not to flexible. Opt for shoes made from breathable materials that will keep your feet cool and comfortable during long training sessions and competitions.

Check the Grip and Traction

A good pair of fencing shoes should provide excellent grip and traction on the fencing strip. Ensure the soles are designed to prevent slipping and offer stability, giving you the confidence to move swiftly and securely.

Try Before You Buy

Whenever possible, try on before purchasing. This allows you to check for comfort, fit, and overall feel. If buying online, ensure the retailer has a good return policy in case the shoes don’t meet your expectations.

Best Fencing Shoes: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: Standard Fencing Sneakers

Pros

• Durable
• Excellent breathability
• Superior cushioning
• Comfortable
• Lightweight
• Good traction

Cons

• Fit may vary depending on individual foot shape
• May feel a bit stiff initially

This gets the overall top spot because it is designed specially for fencing users. It doesn’t matter if you are in foil, epee or sabre. A beginner just starting out, or a professional fencer.

These shoes are built with non-scratch natural rubber and a TPU torsion system. The E-TPU insole provides superior cushioning and shock absorption, crucial for the high-impact movements in fencing.

Upper material is made from high-tech KPU. This ensures breathability, which helps keep your feet cool and dry during intense sessions. These shoes are considered reliable and effective, offering good quality at a competitive price.

They may feel a bit stiff initially but tend to become more comfortable after a short break-in period. The shoes come with two sets of soles, allowing for customization to individual needs.

Budget friendly: ASICS UPCOURT 5

Pros

• Comfortable
• Good grip
• Affordable

Cons

• Short break-in period needed
• May be a bit narrow for those with wide feet

Finding specific fencing shoes at a reasonable price is a little bit difficult. These shoes are praised for their comfortable fit, though they may feel tight initially, they adapt well after a short break-in period.

They provide excellent grip on indoor surfaces, balancing traction perfectly for quick movements. Highly recommended for their affordability, these asics fencing shoes offer great performance at a lower price, competing effectively with more expensive alternatives.

If you have wide feet, these shoes might feel a bit narrow and affect comfort. The laces are notably short, which can be a minor inconvenience.

Despite this, the toe is durable, and the heel counter significantly contributes to the shoes’ longevity. Made with synthetic outer material and a rubber sole, these shoes are built to last. Available in a variety of colors.

Best Traction: ASICS GEL 3 

Pros

• Good quality
• Great for indoor court sports
• Super stable
• Light
• Flexible
• Great for various indoor court sports, not just fencing.

Cons

• Pricey

When it comes to fencing shoes, it doesn’t mean that they should be specialised only for fencing. For example, some indoor court shoes work perfectly fine. One such excellent option is the ASICS GEL-Fastball 3, for men.

These shoes are expensive but worth it if you can afford them. They provide good traction on the court and are comfortable on your feet. Arch support and overall padding provide comfort and stability, reducing foot fatigue and minimising the risk of injury during intense physical activity.

Additionally, they are very light, flexible enough to allow for natural foot movement, and super stable, making them a great shoe for fencing.

Best for Competition: Standard Fencing Sneakers

Pros

• Comfortable
• Dynamic look
• Good traction
• Lightweight
• Perfect for faster footwork

Cons

• May not be good for some foot types

Our pick for Competition are these Standard Fencing Sneakers. Having specialised fencing shoes is always a good idea, but there are some things to consider.

If you are going to a competition  without trying before, you are making a big mistake. It’s better to wear shoes that have already been broken in and fit comfortably.

So, if you already have one, keep using those, but if you are thinking about getting these, make sure to use them when training for some time.

Fencing sneakers are lightweight, flexible, and made with high abrasion-resistant materials. It ensures a wide, snug fit and long-lasting comfort during exercise. 

The outer rubber sole guarantees maximum traction on the piste, which means better stability and quick reactions. The rounded, padded heel offers impact protection and enables faster footwork.

The breathable cotton upper allows heat and moisture to escape, while the anti-slip padding provides extra comfort. The premium cushioning and flexible foam midsole protect your heel during intense training and competition.

Whether for everyday practice or high-stakes competition, these shoes give you the support you need to perform at your best.

Best Comfort: ASICS Men’s Rocket 10

Pros

• Good traction
• Comfortable
• Good heel support
•  Good looking shoe.

Cons

• May have too much arch

We found them to be one of the top choices for fencers looking for a blend of comfort, support, and value. 

The ASICS Gel-Rocket 10 features a breathable mesh upper, ensuring excellent ventilation and keeping your feet cool during intense matches.

The shoes utilize Trusstic System technology, which effectively reduces the weight of the sole unit while maintaining structural integrity. This makes it lighter without compromising on durability and support.

A notable feature is the heel wrap-up, which helps to generate smoother landings. This is particularly beneficial for fencers who often engage in quick movements.

It fits well and provide a snug feel that many users find ideal for fencing. The lateral support and cushioning are also appreciated, offering fencers the grip and stability necessary for quick footwork and directional changes.

The quality of materials enhance the shoe’s performance, providing good traction and durability.

Best Durable: ASICS Gel-Rocket 8

Pros

• Excellent shock absorption
• Excellent traction
• Lightweight design
• Great for those with wide feet

Cons

• Laces may be a bit long
• May be too wide for narrow feet

Another option but this time is more durable. The ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 8 shoes feature a durable synthetic leather upper with toe overlays for extra protection.

Designed with TRUSSTIC technology and a wrap-up outsole, they enhance stability, which is crucial for precise footwork.

The GEL technology cushioning ensures excellent shock absorption, while the solution dye sockliner boosts comfort and is environmentally friendly.

The gum rubber sole provides a strong grip, allowing for quick movements, while the flat, tacky sole ensures steady landings and prevents ankle rolls. However, the fit can be inconsistent, and the soles are slightly stiff.

Last words

Hopefully, your fencing shoes will see you through many successful bouts and practices. But if the need arises, having the right pair can make all the difference. Quality ensure you stay comfortable, agile, and ready for action.

So, next time your riposte is late, tell everyone your shoes were making sure you had the perfect stance before striking.