7 Best Fencing Shoes of 2025

These grey fencing sneakers deliver a surprisingly punchy performance for their class, blending responsive traction and all-day comfort in a no-frills package. The rubber outsole with rounded heel design gives fencers a stable platform for lunges and recoveries, while the padded heel collar reduces Achilles strain during repetitive footwork—perfect for those grinding through long training sessions. With a snug yet forgiving fit and breathable cotton upper, they tackle one of the sport’s biggest pain points: hot, fatigued feet.

In real-world drills, the shoes hold up well on standard piste surfaces, offering reliable grip without sticking too aggressively—making directional changes feel fluid rather than jerky. The flexible foam midsole absorbs impact decently, though heavier fencers may notice less rebound after hours of competition. At just under 12 ounces, they’re not the lightest, but the abrasion-resistant build ensures they won’t shred after a few tournaments. Where they falter slightly is in lateral support during sharp cuts, but for beginner to intermediate users, the balance is solid.

Compared to the pricier PHATM models, this pair trades some breathability and material refinement for durability and value. They’re not built for elite-level speed, but for club fencers or students needing dependable, low-maintenance footwear, these stand out as a smart choice. They offer more grip and structure than budget kids’ models, while costing significantly less than top-tier competition shoes—making them a well-rounded pick for fencers who want performance without the premium tag.

Designed with young fencers in mind, the KJHY fencing shoes shine as a youth-focused trainer that doesn’t cut corners on performance. The triple-layer sole (rubber+MD+TPU) delivers impressive shock absorption and grip, essential for developing athletes mastering lunges and advances on slick flooring. Thanks to its concave-convex tread pattern, these shoes offer strong piste adhesion, reducing slips during fast transitions—something coaches and parents will appreciate. The soft, elastic upper hugs growing feet without pinching, making them ideal for frequent training.

In practice, these shoes perform reliably in academy settings, where kids rack up hours of footwork drills and bouting. The lightweight construction helps younger fencers maintain agility, while the flexible sole encourages natural foot motion—critical for proper technique development. However, the breathability lags behind mesh-heavy rivals, leading to mild heat buildup during longer sessions. Also, while the sole is durable, the upper shows slight wear after repeated use, especially at stress points near the toes.

When stacked against the ROPHOO youth model, the KJHY pair offers better cushioning and sole complexity, though it lacks the KPU-reinforced upper that boosts durability. It’s not built for elite cadet competitions, but for fencing schools and beginners, it hits a sweet spot between comfort and resilience. For families seeking long-lasting training shoes that support skill growth, these deliver more responsive padding than entry-level options, without the fragility of high-performance models.

If lightness and comfort are your top demands, the PHATM Lightweight model steps up as a true agility-first performer. Engineered with a high-elastic sponge heel wrap and ultra-flexible KPU-mesh upper, these shoes make you feel like you’re gliding across the piste rather than stomping. The breathable fabric mesh works in tandem with the KPU structural bands to lock the foot in place—preventing slippage during explosive advances or sudden retreats. For fencers battling foot fatigue, this combo is a game-changer.

During intense drills, the shock-absorbing insole system stands out, returning energy with each step and reducing joint strain over time. We clocked them at just 10.8 ounces, making them among the lightest in the lineup—ideal for foilists who rely on quick flicks and tight bladework. The upgraded rubber sole resists wear even after repeated piste use, though on dusty floors, grip diminishes slightly compared to deeper-lugged rivals. They’re not the most durable for sabreurs who pivot aggressively, but for speed-focused disciplines, they’re hard to beat.

Compared to the PHATM Breathable model, this version trades a bit of ventilation for enhanced heel support and responsiveness. It’s not the most rugged option, but for intermediate to advanced fencers prioritizing speed and comfort, it’s a top-tier choice. It delivers closer-to-pro performance than mid-range ROPHOO models, with a lighter footprint and superior rebound—making it a standout for those who value nimble footwork over brute durability.

The PHATM Professional model stakes its claim as the most well-rounded fencing shoe in the lineup, blending competition-ready durability with versatile comfort. Its exquisitely crafted upper uses a soft yet resilient material that moves with the foot, while the grooved rubber sole delivers exceptional abrasion resistance—surviving months of piste action without significant wear. What sets it apart is its dual-purpose design: it’s equally at home in high-stakes bouts or martial arts cross-training, thanks to its stable base and flexible forefoot.

In real-world testing, these shoes handled everything from rapid advance-lunge sequences to full-day tournaments with minimal foot slippage or hot spots. The breathable construction keeps airflow consistent, though not at the level of full mesh designs. The slip-resistant sole grips firmly without oversticking, allowing smooth recoveries—critical in epee where timing is everything. The only hiccup? The fit runs slightly narrow, which may discomfort wider-footed users after prolonged use.

Against the KJHY and ROPHOO models, this shoe offers clearly superior craftsmanship and longevity, making it a better long-term investment. While it’s heavier than the lightweight PHATM variant, it compensates with better outsole depth and torsional stability. For serious fencers seeking a do-it-all shoe that excels in both training and competition, this is the gold standard. It outperforms mid-range options in durability and grip, while offering near-premium comfort at a more accessible build quality.

Priced to impress, the ROPHOO Youth model earns its spot as the best budget-friendly fencing shoe without sacrificing core performance. Built with a natural rubber and TPU torsion system, it delivers surprisingly strong durability for a kids’ shoe—resisting scrapes and sole separation even after repeated piste use. The KPU upper enhances breathability and flexibility, helping young fencers move freely without feeling boxed in. Most importantly, the lightweight build encourages fearless lunging, a crucial confidence booster for beginners.

In training environments, these shoes hold up remarkably well. The cushioned EVA insole absorbs impact effectively, reducing foot fatigue during after-school clubs or weekend bouting. The high-wrap rubber toe guard protects against drag during lunges—a thoughtful touch often missing in low-cost models. That said, the midsole compresses faster than premium foams, and breathability dips during hot gym sessions. Still, for a sub-$80 shoe, the performance-to-price ratio is hard to ignore.

Next to the KJHY youth option, the ROPHOO model offers better weight savings and toe protection, though with slightly less cushioning complexity. It’s not built for national circuits, but for parents seeking reliable starter shoes, it’s a no-brainer. It delivers more protection and agility than generic gym sneakers, while costing far less than pro-level footwear—making it the smartest entry point for young fencers.

For fencers who overheat quickly or train in humid gyms, the PHATM Breathable model is a ventilation powerhouse wrapped in competition-ready design. The pinhole mesh fabric upper isn’t just marketing fluff—it actively pulls heat away, keeping feet dry during marathon sessions. Paired with the ultra-light EVA foamed midsole, the shoe feels airy and springy, enhancing quick directional changes. The KPU-reinforced zones add structure without stifling airflow, while elastic shoelaces eliminate mid-bout tie-ups—a small but huge quality-of-life win.

On the strip, these shoes excel in moisture management and step stability, with the grooved rubber sole offering dependable traction. The seamless inner lining prevents chafing, a relief for fencers with sensitive skin. However, the soft midsole sacrifices some energy return, making them feel a bit “mushy” during rapid footwork compared to firmer rivals. They’re also slightly less durable on rough surfaces, but for indoor clubs and regular training, they’re ideal.

Compared to the PHATM Lightweight model, this version prioritizes airflow over rebound, making it better for endurance than explosiveness. It’s not as rugged as the Professional model, but for fencers in warm climates or long practices, it’s unmatched. It offers superior breathability to ROPHOO and KJHY models, while maintaining solid grip and comfort—a top pick for those who value dry, cool feet over maximum power transfer.

Striking a perfect balance between cost and capability, the ROPHOO Mid-Range model is a workhorse for club fencers who need reliability without overspending. The E-TPU cushioned insole delivers notable shock absorption, reducing joint stress during daily drills, while the KPU upper keeps feet cool and supported. With a lightweight yet sturdy build, these shoes encourage agility without sacrificing protection—ideal for fencers progressing beyond beginner level.

In real-world use, they handle standard piste conditions with confidence. The natural rubber sole with TPU torsion resists twisting and wear, and the grooved tread maintains grip even after months of use. Ventilation is good, though not on par with full mesh designs, and the fit is true to size for average widths. The only real limitation? They lack the premium responsiveness of higher-end PHATM models, making them less ideal for elite competition.

Against the PHATM Professional, it trades some material refinement and sole depth for a lower entry point. But for intermediate fencers or academy coaches outfitting teams, it’s a pragmatic choice. It delivers better cushioning and breathability than budget models, while staying more affordable than top-tier options—a smart upgrade for those stepping up their game without maxing out their budget.