Shoes for fencing

Fencers should select shoes that are low to the ground, and offer good lateral stability. This excludes runners and many shoes worn by the casual club fencer. Choosing the right shoe for fencing is important for learning correct movements; they should offer stability and cushioning. 

Club coaches ask that beginners bring clean indoor court shoes to training, but which ones will are closest to an actual fencing shoe?

About fencing shoes

​Fencing shoes are characterized by a rounded heel, flat at the toe and are low to the ground. When looking for suitable shoes for the beginner, consider squash or badminton shoes. 

Avoid runners
Runners elevate the heel too much, and do not offer nearly enough lateral stability, as the shoe elevates the soul too much above the ground. The toe in runners is elevated off the ground when flat, and are to be avoided.

More info about fencing specific shoes and other options

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Cost effective court shoes

Squash and badminton shoes can be more readily purchased off the shelf from local sport shoe retailers and specialty pro-shops.  Fencing shoes can be ordered online. Squash shoes have extra protection for foot drag which is similar to fencing shoes and both badminton and squash shoes feature rounded heels that are closer to cushioning required for lunging that we see on fencing shoes. 

Lower cost fencing shoes
Adidas offers "En Guard Blue" for beginners. 
Absolute Fencing Gear and Blue Guantlet are US based fencing suppliers that offer budget fencing shoes.
HI-TEC "Scimitar​" is available from Leon Paul USA.

Mid-Range shoes
https://www.leonpaulusa.com/hi-tec-blades-ii.html

Choice of professionals
Nike "Balestra" and Adidas "Fencing Pro" offer durable fencing shoes for competitors. For athletes training and competing at a high volume. 
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