Who This Guide Is For
If you’re actively comparing fencing shoes and asking “Which pair will improve my footwork, last under heavy training, and feel stable on strip lunges?”—you’re in the right place. This guide targets:
Introduction: Why Your Fencing Shoes Matter
Your shoes are your foundation. In fencing, where micro-steps, explosive lunges, and sudden retreats decide points, footwear must deliver traction, cushioning, and lateral stability without weighing you down. Among today’s top options, Fencing Star’s Excalibur shoes—specifically the Excalibur 1 and Excalibur 2—have gained attention for blending performance tech with durability.
In this article, we break down seven reasons Fencing Star shoes rank among top fencing shoes, compare Excalibur 1 vs Excalibur 2, and help you decide which model fits your style, budget, and training volume. We’ll also include internal link ideas to related guides and external references for training and footwear best practices.
7 Reasons Fencing Star Shoes Are Top Fencing Shoes
1) Exceptional Grip Designed for the Strip
A strong, predictable grip is crucial for controlled acceleration and safe deceleration.
- What stands out: Fencing Star outsoles use a multi-directional tread pattern that grips on the initial push-off and stays steady during parries and recoveries.
- Excalibur 1 vs Excalibur 2:
- Excalibur 1: Balanced grip that feels secure without feeling “sticky.” Great for all-around club use.
- Excalibur 2: Slightly more aggressive rubber compound and tread geometry, giving added bite on metallic strips and gym flooring.
Pro tip: If your game relies on fast second-intention changes or you fence on mixed surfaces, the Excalibur 2’s outsole may be the edge you want.
2) Lateral Stability for Aggressive Footwork
Fencers need side-to-side stability to keep knees and ankles aligned during explosive lunges and rapid direction changes.
- Reinforced sidewalls and structured heel counters in Fencing Star shoes help reduce ankle roll and maintain midfoot control.
- Excalibur 1 vs Excalibur 2:
- Excalibur 1: Stable frame for most foot types; ideal for developing athletes and intermediate competitors.
- Excalibur 2: Upgraded midfoot cage and heel cup for a “locked-in” feel, especially noticeable during deep lunges and jab-steps.
If you’ve struggled with wobble or fatigue on long competition days, the Excalibur 2’s support can reduce energy leakage and improve confidence.
3) Impact Cushioning That Doesn’t Sap Energy
Repeated lunges can punish your heels and forefoot. The best fencing shoes cushion landings without feeling mushy.
- Fencing Star midsole foams balance shock absorption with responsiveness, helping you land softly and re-accelerate quickly.
- Excalibur 1 vs Excalibur 2:
- Excalibur 1: Versatile cushioning tuned for mixed training—footwork drills, lessons, and bouts.
- Excalibur 2: Denser heel cushioning plus responsive forefoot for quicker transitions and slightly better protection during high-volume training.
If you train 4+ days a week or fence in events with long pools and DEs, Excalibur 2’s cushioning can pay off in reduced post-competition soreness.
4) Durable Construction Where Fencers Wear Shoes Out Fast
Fencing footwear typically fails at the toe cap, lateral forefoot, or outsole edge due to drag, lunges, and friction.
- Fencing Star uses abrasion-resistant toe overlays and reinforced lateral zones designed for fencing-specific wear patterns.
- Excalibur 1 vs Excalibur 2:
- Excalibur 1: Good durability for club and competition use; a solid lifespan for the price.
- Excalibur 2: Upgraded overlays and stitching in high-wear areas; better longevity for heavy users or frequent travelers.
If you’ve burned through generic trainers in months, the fencing-specific build of Excalibur shoes can significantly extend your replacement cycle.
5) Secure Fit and Breathable Materials
Fit impacts everything—traction, stability, and comfort.
- Excalibur shoes feature breathable mesh with supportive overlays that contour to the foot.
- Excalibur 1 vs Excalibur 2:
- Excalibur 1: True-to-size for most, with a balanced width and accommodating forefoot.
- Excalibur 2: Slightly more performance fit with a snug midfoot wrap; improved tongue and collar padding to reduce lace pressure.
Fit tip: If you prefer a roomier toe box or wear thicker socks, start with Excalibur 1. If you want a precision, locked-in feel, try Excalibur 2.
6) Competition-Ready Weight and Responsiveness
Heavy shoes slow your cadence. Fencing Star aims for a light, responsive ride without sacrificing structure.
- The combination of light upper materials and responsive midsoles helps keep steps snappy.
- Excalibur 1 vs Excalibur 2:
- Excalibur 1: Lightweight feel that’s great for developing speed and clean footwork.
- Excalibur 2: Slightly more structured but still quick; many fencers report a more “connected to the strip” sensation.
If your style is tempo-driven with frequent feints and explosive retreats, the responsiveness of either model will feel natural.
7) Clear Value Across Skill Levels
Value isn’t just price—it’s performance per training hour.
- Fencing Star’s price-to-durability ratio is compelling, particularly for athletes outgrowing entry shoes but not ready to replace every season.
- Excalibur 1: Best value for newer competitors or multi-day club fencers who need a reliable, versatile shoe.
- Excalibur 2: Best long-term value for high-volume trainers who want extra stability and durability to go the distance.
Excalibur 1 vs Excalibur 2 at a Glance
Excalibur 1 (Best For Versatility and Comfort)
Balanced grip for varied surfaces
Cushioned yet springy midsole for drills and bouts
Roomier, true-to-size fit that suits most feet
Competitive price point for club and early-competition stages
Ideal for athletes seeking reliable, all-around fencing shoes
Excalibur 2 (Best For Stability and Heavy Use)
Enhanced traction pattern for decisive push-offs
Reinforced sidewalls and heel counter for locked-in stability
Denser heel cushioning for frequent lunges and long events
Upgraded overlays for longer lifespan
Preferred by fencers training 4–6 days/week or traveling for tournaments
How to Choose Between the Excalibur Shoes
Ask yourself:
- Do you prefer a more narrow fit (Excalibur 1) or a wider fit (Excalibur 2)?
- Do you fence on mixed surfaces and need extra outsole bite (Excalibur 2)?
- Is budget the priority (Excalibur 1) or maximizing durability and support (Excalibur 2)?
If you’re on the fence, start with Excalibur 1 for comfort and value; move to Excalibur 2 when your training load or competition schedule intensifies.
Care Tips to Extend the Life of Your Fencing Shoes
- Rotate pairs if you train frequently to let midsoles decompress.
- Air-dry after sessions; avoid direct heat sources.
- Clean outsoles to maintain grip; remove dust and residue.
- Use a shoe tree or stuff with newspaper to preserve shape.
- Replace when tread smooths out, toe overlays thin, or cushioning feels flat.
Extra Resources
Conclusion: The Right Fencing Shoes Elevate Every Touch
Fencing Star’s Excalibur shoes deliver what fencers need most: grip for confident footwork, stability for safer lunges, cushioning for long training days, and durability where it counts.
- Choose Excalibur 1 if you want a comfortable, versatile, value-forward shoe for club and competition.
- Choose Excalibur 2 if you need maximum stability, upgraded durability, and a performance fit for heavy training.
Whether you’re buying your first pair of specialized fencing shoes or replacing a worn-out set, Fencing Star’s lineup makes a strong case at multiple budgets and training levels.