Nike Fencing Shoes

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Ranked #182 in Sports, #6,187 overall

Update: May 2009: Looks like Nike will be developing the Ballestra into a retail fencing shoe targeting to launch August 2009.

August, 2008:
Recently, fencing.net had the opportunity to talk with Sean McDowell, the Creative Director for Nike's Olympic Footwear, about the shoe, the Ballestra, that Nike has been developing for the last 18 months.

 

We showed the Nike Ballestra at the Atlanta NAC and it looks like these shoes will get a lot of interest once they launch in August.



 

A quick update on the Ballestra on the heels of Nike's Olympic Media Day: More on the Nike Ballestra at fencing.net.


The Nike Ballestra is now online at the Nike Store: link here

 

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Durability Case Study - Active Sabre Fencer 

How well do these shoes hold up to sabre fencing?

This is a photo case study of the Nike Ballestras after a season of use by an active sabre fencer. We'll walk you through all of the wear points in the shoe with high resolution photos showing the wear patterns and detail.

From this video you see just how well the shoe holds up over time.
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Nike Ballestra - The US Olympic Fencing Team's color scheme

Get on the list for the Nike Ballestra 

  • Want to be one of the first to get the new Nike Ballestra when it comes out in August? Sign up to be notified as soon as it's for sale:

    Nike Ballestra Priority Wait List

Bigdawg's Review 

A forum member shares their review of the Nike Ballestra Fencing Shoes

FWIW they have my vote for best fencing shoe on the market currently (outside of the most recent Viktorias which I haven't tried for comparison). UNC will be getting them as part of our Nike "Christmas" package for next season.

They come in a variety of colors, one of which is exclusive to Granbassi(a pink and black with white accent color), one of which is exclusive to the Chinese team (exactly like the standard red/white scheme but with a red tongue as well), a standard white/tangerine/gray, a "USA" Obsidian/Carolina/white accents, a "Ukraine" which is basically blue/lemon accents, and a white/carolina/obsidian (dark navy).

The sole is kind of 2 pieces, the center is a black rubber with a sort of waffle-esque pattern while it's surrounded by same rubber material that they used to make the outsole and abrasion areas. That part is actually a nice touch b/c you don't have an edge where the protection layer stops or can get ripped off.

Like with any shoe that has rounded edges you might lose some traction around the edges if you're on a dirty/slippery floor but they have very good traction overall. Great fit, a little on the narrower/sleeker side and forms to foot pretty well. They're feather light, lighter than any other shoe on the market and the sole is thin so you get a pretty good feel of the floor. I didn't notice too many problems with lack of cushioning... but it was only one night. That being said, it has Nike Zoom cushioning in the heel area, which is probably worth noting.

The colored areas of the sole/outsole/rubber areas of the abrasion zone are NOT non-marking. There were definitely some red streaks on the floor tonight. The upper is a lot like a light weight running shoe on the "outside" half of the shoe and the inside half has this lightweight synthetic material that Nike claims is made to abuse. As such the shoe breathes ridiculously well in addition to being light and should have a good lifespan.

Nike Fencing Shoes - Red/White color combo.

Fencing Shoes Available via Amazon 

Some fencing shoes or fencing fashion shoes you can order from Amazon.com

Adidas Adistar Fencing Mens Specialty Shoes

Amazon Price: (as of 11/23/2009) Buy Now

Asics Tiger Fencing Shoes

Amazon Price: (as of 11/23/2009) Buy Now

Shoe - Estoc High Top Maitre d'Armes

Amazon Price: (as of 11/23/2009) Buy Now

The Granbassi - Pink on Black Color Scheme

Vote for your Favorite Nike Fencing Shoe 

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  • Reply
    mitchell mitchell Mar 31, 2009 @ 7:31 pm
    I wonder how tough it would be to get someone to reverse engineer them and solicit a manufacturer in China to make a knock-off of the Ballestra... Seems possible. Might be expensive, but if they're truly good shoes, people might flock to them.

    I would definitely cover a Ballestra knock-off on my Fencing Shoes blog ;)
  • Reply
    custom-made custom-made Feb 26, 2008 @ 9:37 pm
    Good information about specialty shoes.

    After all that hard work, take a break and have a snack. http://www.squidoo.com/pancakepuff

Some Shopping Links 

Shopping for Fencing Gear

Links for different related fencing products.
I want the Nike Ballestra!
Use this form to let us (and Nike) know you want the Ballestra.
Fencing Shoes and Socks
Fencing shoes and socks offered by the Fencing.Net online store.
Sport Fencing Gear
The online store at fencing.net.
Scimitar Fencing Shoes
The Scimitars are currently (Feb 2008) the most durable fencing shoes on the market. Well worth the $150 price tag.
Fencing Equipment Reviews
Reviews of sport fencing equipment products from various manufacturers. Submitted by active fencers at fencing.net.

by FencingNet



I started fencing after seeing the brief clips of Peter Westbrook winning the Olympic Bronze medal in 1984. Since then, I've been a compeitor, coach... (more)

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