The Best Fencing Shoes in 2025 (Epee, Foil, and Sabre)

Problems with fencing footwear are something that not only beginners face, but also more experienced fencers. Some don’t offer the support or comfort you need, while others simply don’t last.

In this article, we’ll share our research to help you find some of the best fencing shoes trusted by fencers around the world, from budget-friendly, to high-performance, non-fencing, and specialized shoes. Here are our picks: 

• Best Overall: ASICS Gel-Resolution 8
• Most Durable: ASICS GEL-Rocket 10
• Budget-Friendly: ASICS Men’s UPCOURT 5
• Most Comfortable: ASICS Gel-Rocket 8
• Best Breathability: ROPHOO Fencing Shoes
• Value for Money: Do-Win Fencing Shoes
• Best for Wide Feet: ASICS GEL 3 

What Shoes Are Good For Fencing

Fencing is a fast-paced sport where footwork spans in a wide variety of movements including lunges, advances, bouncing, retreats, direction changes etc.. When executing most of these moves, a lot of force is exerted, placing significant stress on the foot. To reduce this, you need shoes that:

Absorb landing force, particularly during lunges, to protect your heel and joints.

Provide a stable base for movements, ensuring balance and preventing slips.

Offer lateral support to stabilize your ankles during the side-to-side movements.

They should offer the right balance of grip, support, and flexibility. To ensure you stay comfortable and not think about them at any moment when you are on the piste. 

Specialized fencing shoes aren’t strictly necessary. However, you cannot wear any type of shoe. Since specialized models are expensive(often feature the same problems as non-types), and if you are on a budget, you can start with indoor court shoes. Honestly, some of them can outperform specialized ones. 

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 due to their flexibility.

What 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.

Cushioning and Support

Fencing requires quick movements and sudden stops, so having shoes with good cushioning and support is crucial.

Flexibility

Find those that are lightweight and not too flexible.

Grip

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

Best Fencing Shoes: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: ASICS Gel-Resolution 8

Pros

• Natural feel
• Doesn’t take long to break in
• Perfect balance between flexibility and stiffness
• Come in wide sizes

Cons

• Pricey
• Not the most stable
• Heavier
• Break-in period

The ASICS Gel-Resolution 8 proves to be the best overall fencing shoe thanks to its superior blend of stability, support, and durability, making it a top choice for fencers at any level. The shoe features a soft FlyteFoam midsole(softer than other Asics in this list) that provides a cushioned, responsive feel and is ideal for absorbing shock on hard landings.

It strikes the best balance between flexibility and stiffness. They allow the foot to feel super natural while providing enough stiffness for quick and direct advances or retreats. Thanks to the side support in the uppers, lateral movements feel secure, effectively withstanding the force of side-to-side motions. Compared to the other models they are a bit heavier, so may not be the best fencing shoe if you are just starting out.

If so, a lightweight shoe will be a better fit for easy-natural movements as you work and progress with your footwork. Available in wide widths, the Gel-Resolution 8 accommodates a variety of foot shapes, further solidifying its position as a top all-around performer. Overall, they are durable and offer a high performance during long training sessions.

Most Durable: ASICS GEL-Rocket 10

Pros

• Good traction
• Comfortable
• Good heel support
• Good looking shoe
• Come in wide sizes

Cons

• May have too much arch

If you’ve ever been to a fencing bout, chances are you’ve seen someone in a pair of Asics Gel Rockets. They’re like the unofficial fencing shoe, even though they’re not made specially for that! One of the most popular is Asics gel rocket 10. Asics gel rocket 10 is an affordable shoe that is also highly durable for the price. It feature a nice balance in flexibility, where it allows for natural foot movement while maintaining stability.

The shoes utilize Trusstic System technology, which effectively reduces the weight of the sole unit while maintaining structural integrity. However, they are not the lightest feeling shoes but I wouldn’t say heavy. Another thing you should be aware of is that if you have wide feet these might not be the best pick. It may need some time to use till they break.

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

When I say that some indoor court shoes can outperform specialized fencing shoes I mean Asics Upcourt 5. The difference is that these are at a much more reasonable price. Asics Upcourt 5 is everything you need in a fencing shoe. They look great, fit like a glove, comfortable and offer the right amount of grip (on Teraflex and wood floors).

Compared to Asis gel rocket 10 they feature a thinner design and this is transmitted on foot. Some medium-wide toe users find these not comfortable and this is due to their narrow toe box. However for narrow and I would say to narrow medium they offer a high performance. Comfortable, medium cushioning and snug fit which is good for direct fast advances and retreats. Also light, not a heavy shoe.

Most Comfortable: 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

For the most comfortable feel on the fencing strip, we recommend Gel-Rocket 8. One of the standout features of the Gel-Rocket 8 is its GEL cushioning system. This technology is strategically placed in both the forefoot and rearfoot areas, providing excellent shock absorption during high-impact landings.

Whether you’re jumping, advancing, or making quick lateral movements, the GEL cushioning helps reduce stress on your joints, allowing for a more comfortable experience throughout movements. Even though this is an earlier model compared to resolution 8 or rocket 10 for many users this is still the most comfortable. 

In addition to its cushioning, it features a lightweight design, enabling quick movements without the feeling of being weighed down. The shoe also features a breathable mesh upper, which promotes ventilation and helps keep feet from sweating. Overall, the ASICS Gel-Rocket 8 combines these key elements, cushioning, lightweight design, breathability, and support.

Best Breathability: ROPHOO Fencing Shoes

Pros

• Extra padding in the front part
• Good traction
• Easy to find
• Good value for money
• Lightweight

Cons

• May feel a bit stiff initially
• May not be the most comfortable
• Tread may wear quickly

Rophoo fencing shoes are unisex shoes designed specially for fencing and I found many users that trust them.  They feature a very nice looking appearance with the outside part black and white, while the collar is in red which gives a nice contrast. The upper material is made from high-tech KPU(material renowned for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to harsh environments), which ensures breathability and helps feet stay cool and dry during intense sessions, and for this part, they excel.

The outer sole is made of rubber and initially offers good traction, but it may wear out more quickly with regular use, leading to a loss of grip. They also may feel a bit stiff in the beginning however after a short break-in period they become more comfortable. Based on a review made by Coach Lehfeldt, check its review here, they are a good fit if you are a beginner, but for high-level competition, they are not suggested. Overall, considering quality for the price they make a very good option. 

Value for money: Do-Win Fencing Shoes

Pros

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

Cons

• May not be good for some foot types
• Toe cap may wear
• Not the best stability

The market features different specialized fencing shoes with various designs and colors each with their own pros and cons. Do-Win is a unisex model produced by Fefosaep and to be honest they look like the image of a true fencing shoe. On the other hand, they look like they will break apart after three sessions. I found many users who value these shoes for their durability.

However, if you are a kind of fencer that rolls your back foot, when you drag it may lead to issues with the toe cap. The toe area features a design similar to foxing tape which is covered by a thin material without extra padding that is attached with the sole. When dragging, that part may start to come out. They have a rounded heel which actually provides good ankle support. I also would like, if they had more roll on the sides, which in my opinion can give better stability, some users say. 

Best for Wide Feet: ASICS GEL 3 

Pros

• Good quality
• Light
• Flexible
• Good traction
• Comfortable

Cons

• Pricey
• May feel loose and unstable for narrow feet due to the wider toe box
• You might need to break them down

The Asics Gel 3 offers a wider toe box compared to the Upcourt 5 and Gel 10, which may feel a bit loose or unstable for those with narrow feet. If you have wide feet, this is a great option for you. They feature a low profile(feel low to the ground) and are probably like the most ASICS good grip shoe. Despite being lightweight, the Gel 3 has good cushioning that absorbs the force of lunges very effectively. 

Highly Suggested for Competition

If you are advancing or competing on big stages we suggest four brands with more specific models.

Azza 15/14 Fencing Shoes

PBT Fencera

Nike Ballestra 2

Kempa Attack Pro

Last Words

Whether you are in epee, which is a slower, foil, or sabre, which is the fastest discipline due to its quick, aggressive movements and scoring methods, the right shoes can make a huge difference in your performance. Look for shoes that offer good support, cushioning, and traction. Specialized fencing shoes aren’t necessary, so you can start with other models that offer the qualities that fencing requires. Most of them are lower in price and often can outperform specialized brands.