Fencing Gear
We have discussed other items of fencing gear, but have perhaps neglected two items: the socks and shoes you should wear.
Soccer socks can be used if you are a beginner, as they are long enough. Be sure to pull them all the way up. I understand that it is quite painful to get your shins banged up by a fencing foil!
As far as shoes are concerned, for a beginner, any low sole running shoe will be quite sufficient. Specialized fencing shoes have less than a half inch of sole to allow for maneuverability. Some have a reinforced toe, particularly in the case of shoes used in epee.