The science behind Azza Fencing shoes

In fencing, every detail counts — from blade angle to foot placement. Yet one piece of gear often goes unnoticed: the fencing footwear. More than just a training accessory, the right shoes for fencers can transform the way athletes move, lunge, and recover.

Azza Fencing Shoes, designed by Olympian Azza Besbes, aim to change that. These shoes weren’t created in a lab. They were built on years of experience on the piste, tested by professionals, and refined to meet the demands of one of the most explosive sports out there.

Born from the sport, designed by a fencer

Launched in 2020, Azza Fencing is the brainchild of Azza Besbes, a five-time Olympian who understood first-hand the toll fencing takes on the body — and on shoes. Tired of compromising between durability and performance, she decided to build a product tailored to the specific needs of fencers: stability, responsiveness, grip, and comfort under pressure.

The result is a shoe developed with input from professional athletes, tested at the highest level — including the Tokyo Olympics — and built as a true benchmark in high-performance fencing footwear.

Key technologies behind Azza’s fencing footwear

Rather than chasing trends, Azza Fencing focused on what really matters for athletes. The technical features packed into each pair are a direct response to the demands of fencing:

• Nylon midsole plate (ANylonTech)
  A unique feature among fencing shoes, this nylon fiber plate offers an ideal balance of flexibility and stability. It enhances energy return and control during quick lunges and directional changes.
  
  

• Personalized insole & orthopedic support
  Strategic cushioning zones and arch support reduce fatigue and help prevent injuries, especially during repetitive explosive moves.
  
  

• Toe and heel protection
  A reinforced toe guard and full heel support — from the Achilles tendon to the sole — absorb shock and help maintain balance through fast-paced actions.
  
  

• Extended grip area
  Designed specifically for fencing footwork, the sole features targeted grip zones at the forefoot and heel, providing traction where it's needed most — during attacks, parries, and recovery.
  
  

• Anatomical construction
  Lightweight yet robust materials wrap the foot for a secure fit, while breathable mesh ensures comfort during long bouts.

Every design choice was made to serve the fencer — not just in terms of comfort, but in enabling cleaner, faster, and safer movements.

While Azza’s fencing shoes are packed with high-level features, they’re also built for the real-world intensity of daily drills and competition — combining lightweight design, durability, and grip where it matters.

Despite their reinforced structure, the shoes remain impressively light, thanks to a careful selection of materials that delivers speed without compromising stability. Breathability is also a key focus: the upper is made from a high-quality mesh that allows for maximum airflow, reducing heat buildup and keeping feet dry during intense sessions. And when it comes to longevity, these shoes hold up — high-friction areas like the toe and inner side are reinforced to endure hundreds of hours of footwork drills and bouts, without wearing down.

Endorsements and elite partnerships

In October 2024, Azza Fencing was named the official shoe supplier for USA Fencing. The partnership includes a co-designed shoe for national team athletes and gold medalists at major competitions. In Europe, the brand is the official supplier for the French Fencing Federation, further cementing its growing reputation among elite fencers.

These collaborations go beyond sponsorship — they reflect a shared ambition to equip athletes with tools that truly support their craft.

Tested at the top

The shoes were tested during the Tokyo Olympics and made their mark again with multiple podiums in Paris. While the focus remains on performance, fencers across levels have recognized the difference: better balance, faster reaction time, and fewer post-training aches.

Why Azza Fencing shoes stand out for today’s fencers 

By blending athletic insight with cutting-edge materials, Azza has created a new category of fencer’s shoes — gear designed for the unique movements and pressure points of the sport, rather than adapted from other disciplines.

For those who take fencing seriously — and expect their gear to do the same — Azza Fencing is worth a look. Try them on your next bout !