sneakers?

[rm]

Talk to me about your favourite sneakers. Not from a fashion perspective; I've got that down (and I blame my time in Australia entirely). I need a new pair for this fencing business and I'm at a loss in terms of finding something that has some degree of flexibility but are sturdier than dance or yoga sneaks (and also aren't a hideous shade of green like these cute little Pumas I saw at DSW the other day).

Thnx.

Comments

[taarnagh.livejournal.com]

I've only tried fencing once, so my understanding is limited, however my love affair with sneakers starts and ends with New Balance. I personally think they look hideous and would never wear them for anything other than need, but when I need a sneaker I love them. Support, flexibility, comes in different widths. Love them.

[strange-selkie.livejournal.com]

I like New Balance. They won't break the bank, they're exceedingly durable and they do a good job of conforming to your footbed after a week.

[fuyukodachi.livejournal.com]

I wore skate shoes for an extremely long time in part because they weren't as bulky as sneakers and I could find a pair that weren't hideous easier.

[tommx.livejournal.com]

New Balance make excellent running shoes. I'm less familiar with other styles they make, and I suspect you'd want tennis shoes for fencing. I personally like Adida's tennis shoes, but that's mostly a personal preference. I'd say when you try on a pair, assume a fencing stance and see what it feels like. That's usually the best way to tell.

[drfardook.livejournal.com]

I just stuck with vans. They're great for biking too. My pair have a skull with an andy warhol wig on them for extra-hideous fashion mocking points.

They're cheep and durable and work just fine as long as you don't need any real support.

Downside... since you wear them without socks you will need to scrub them out every other week or you will put the hurt on everyone's nose.

[dipping_sauce]

(and also aren't a hideous shade of green like these cute little Pumas I saw at DSW the other day)

I... I have those shoes. Unfortunately, I walk through the park with them, so the toes are no longer green.

[xpioti.livejournal.com]

I fenced while in college, so got a pair of actual fencing sneakers. (Zin-Kin; they're relatively inexpensive at Triplette Competition Arms, http://www.triplette.com/, and I highly commend TCA's customer service.) The big difference between them and normal sneakers is they have the thicker bottoms of athletic sneakers, but don't have ridges where the sole sticks out to the side of the upper; when you lunge, you roll your back foot (typically your left foot) up on the side, so wearing regular sneakers both hurts your ankle and destroys the sneaker. The more common athletic shoes that were recommended were wrestling shoes; they offer ankle support, traction, and allow you to roll your foot.

I'm assuming you mean "fencing with weapons", not "building white picket fences", of course. In which case, I have one big piece of advice: ALWAYS keep your front knee directly over your ankle; I fenced with my knee offset for about a year, and it took about 5 years for my knee to recover. Fortunately, I was flexible enough that when my front leg gave out while fencing, falling into a split didn't injure me. (The reaction of my male opponents, however, was absolutely priceless.)

Hm. Must dig out and de-rust my blades. I have a really sweet, yet inexpensive, sabre somewhere...

[earthgoat.livejournal.com]

I fenced in New Balance running shoes for about a year. They are perfectly acceptable and if you buy last year's model, very affordable!

[feyandstrange.livejournal.com]

For ankle support and flexibility, I stick extra athletic insoles and arch supports in my old-school hi-top canvas Converse. But I have weird feet. Still, a litle extra footbed padding can make 'fashion' sneakers into halfway decent athletic shoes in a pinch.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

OMG your icon! Bwhahahahah.

I bought some cheap Adidas sneakers at DSW that are probably the only pair I've really felt comfortable in. Sneaker brands are not all created equal and I think it depends a lot on your feet. I have high arches and bad ankles, so Adidas saves me.

[lllvis.livejournal.com]

I have not yet read the other comments here, but I am very much a fan of New Balance shoes...they hold up very well and I find them the most comfortable I have had on my feet.