Azza Fencing Named Official Fencing Shoe of USA Fencing
by USA Fencing
Azza Fencing to Supply World-Class Fencing Shoes to all USA Fencing National Teams
Five-Year Deal Marks USA Fencing’s 10th Partnership Agreement Since January 2024
FRESNES, FRANCE and COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, Oct. 30, 2024 – USA Fencing and Azza Fencing have announced a five-year partnership that will make Azza Fencing the Official Fencing Shoe of USA Fencing.
As a result of the partnership, Azza Fencing and USA Fencing will collaborate to design a new USA Fencing-inspired shoe that will be provided to all members of USA Fencing national teams and individual event Gold Medal winners at North American Cups, the Junior Olympics and Summer Nationals. Additionally, Azza Fencing shoes will be available for purchase at all USA Fencing national events.
The deal is the third for USA Fencing following the historic achievements by American fencers at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 – where Team USA won four total medals, including two golds – and marks the organization’s 10th partnership agreement since the start of 2024.
Founded in 2020 by Tunisian Olympic fencer Azza Besbes, Azza Fencing was born from the idea that fencers deserved a higher-quality fencing shoe. Azza Fencing now supplies its fencing shoes to many of the world’s top fencers and is also the Official Fencing Shoe of the French and Italian national fencing teams.
“Azza Fencing has established itself as the best shoe on the market for fencers and with precise footwork being paramount in the sport of fencing, it was critically important for us to find a partner who would provide our athletes with the best-possible shoe to help them perform at their peak on the piste,” says USA Fencing’s CEO, Phil Andrews. “Proper footwear can prove to be the difference between winning and losing, so partnering with Azza was the obvious choice, firstly as an athlete-owned brand, as well as to provide our USA Fencing Teams with top-quality footwear, and finally to provide all of our USA Fencing members with greater access to the best equipment in the world.”
“We are proud to announce our partnership as the official sponsor and supplier of fencing footwear for USA Fencing! We share a vision that resonates deeply with the values of USA Fencing," CEO Azza Besbes says. "This significant step aligns with our ambition to collaborate with the best athletes in the sport. We’ve been inspired by the tremendous talent and dedication of USA Fencing athletes, who are achieving remarkable success on the international stage. As USA Fencing experiences exponential growth and increased visibility, we are honored to support this vibrant community and provide the footwear that enhances performance and protects their health. Together, we look forward to elevating the sport of fencing!"
Team USA Men’s Foil Fencer Marcello Olivares is among the national-level fencers already wearing Azza shoes.
“I really like Azza fencing shoes because they have great heel support, so my feet feel stable and comfortable,” he says. “They don’t slip, which makes me feel safe when I need to move quickly on the strip. Plus, they're strong and durable, lasting through tough practices and competitions.”
With the addition of Azza Fencing, USA Fencing’s seven-figure partnership program now boasts partners in categories including automotive, banking, beverage, fencing, fencing footwear, health and wellness, higher education, hotel hospitality, sports performance, and water, among others.
More About the Shoes for National Tournament Winners #
Individual gold medalists at national tournaments, including North American Cups, Junior Olympics, and Summer Nationals, are eligible to receive a free pair of Azza fencing shoes.
This offer is available to all age categories and weapons, from Y-10 to Vet-80, though it can only be redeemed once per season, even if multiple gold medals are earned.
Additionally, individual medalists finishing 2nd through 8th, plus team medalists, will receive a 20% discount on Azza shoes.