Rumors have shown up on the Fencing Discussion board that Nike had decided to halt production of the new fencing shoe, the Ballestra, and only supply them to the fencers at the Olympic Games.
So, what is the story on the Nike fencing shoe and how can you get one?
We called our contact at Nike to find out.
We were assured that, not only is Nike releasing the shoe, but it will be available in August 2008.
At this time, the Nike Ballestra will only be available online, but with the right response from the fencing community we can make sure that they are available at your preferred fencing equipment retailers.
The Nike Ballestra – US Team Version. Note the red for the sole.
Nike made the following available at their media day preview of all of the Olympic footwear:
Fencing athletes stressed the need for sure footing during competition. The Nike Ballestra is built on a very flat outsole, incorporating a traction pattern that delivers unmatched stability on the metal competition surface during advancing, retreating, and lunging moves. On the medial forefoot of the Nike Ballestra, notched TPU wraps up from the sole to resist abrasion as the back foot is dragged during advances. Breathable mesh on the upper makes the shoe more comfortable for the athlete while reducing the overall weight, making it up to 2oz. lighter than the market standard.
Special colorways of the Nike Ballestra were designed for the Chinese, US, and Ukrainian teams for this summer’s events. Team China will wear a version with a White/Metallic Silver upper that incorporates a Comet Red stripe on the tongue and laces, an extension of the red stripe that runs down the front of the Chinese fencing uniform’s socks. Sockliner graphics specific to the Chinese team are inside the footwear and are designed to inspire athletes every time they lace up.
The exclusive Nike Ballestra for Team USA is a mixture of Obsidian and Photo Blue, Sport Red, and White. When worn during a match, red outsoles create a bright, flashing effect as the athlete elevates the toe of the front foot during a lunge. USA graphics on the sockliners complete the package and personalize the team experience. The Team Ukraine fencing footwear is Royal Blue with white accents and a Yellow Zest Swoosh. These have special sockliners as well, inspired by tribal art.
(If you saw the shoes that I had at the Fencing.Net booth during the Atlanta NAC, you got a preview of the Ukraine team shoe. I guess I’ll have to get Golubitsky to autograph those!)
The Nike Ballestra – US Team Version. Note the red for the sole.
Look for Italian gold-medalist Margherita Granbassi to be wearing a pink and black version of the Nike Ballestra when she goes for her second gold this August.
Key Features
-Breathable upper with seamless lining offers secure and comfortable fit with no peeling sockliner
-New flexible, abrasion-resistant materials in high-wear areas of the shoe
-Highly flexible forefoot and rounded heel promote nimble advance and retreat
-Zoom Air unit and Poron foam add cushioning in high impact areas
-Stable base of support in forefoot
-Outsole designed to maximize traction on competition surfaces
-Weight = 275 grams
How Can you Get Yours?
Right now, you’ll have to wait. Nike is releasing them for online sale at the start of the Olympic Games on August 8th. In the meantime, sign up for the priority waiting list to be the first to know when the Nike Fencing Shoes will be available. We’ll save your information and also let Nike know how many fencers are already demanding the Ballestra so we can work to make sure they are available to all US fencers.
