8 of the Best Wrestling Shoes: Know Before You Buy
A good pair of wrestling shoes can be the difference between stuffing a takedown and getting taken down.
In this guide, we'll explain what the best wrestling shoes are, the pros and cons of each one, and what to look for when purchasing wrestling shoes.
1. ASICS Men's Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes
We highly recommend the ASICS Men's Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes for any wrestling professional looking for a durable and comfortable shoe.
Pros
- The EVA sockliner provides cushioning performance and unrivaled support.
- The mesh insole improves ventilation, keeping your feet fresh and comfortable.
- The California lasting ensures superior durability.
Cons
- The shoes run small, so you may need to order a size up.
- The orange color on the red and orange pair is very bright and may not be to everyone's liking.
- The shoes can feel tight, but this can be adjusted by loosening the laces.
The ASICS Men's Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes are a must-have for any wrestler looking for a shoe that can go the distance.
The EVA sock liner provides cushioning performance and unrivaled support, giving you that second wind you need to gain the upper hand.
The mesh insole improves ventilation, keeping your feet fresh and comfortable, while the California lasting ensures superior durability.
One thing to note is that the shoes run small, so you may need to order a size up.
Additionally, the orange color on the red and orange pair is very bright and may not be to everyone's liking. However, the shoes can feel tight, but this can be adjusted by loosening the laces.
2. adidas Combat Speed 5 Wrestling Shoes
We highly recommend the Adidas Combat Speed 5 Wrestling Shoes for anyone looking for a high-quality wrestling shoe.
Pros
- The elastic ankle strap provides a secure fit and prevents the shoe from slipping off during intense matches.
- The full-length one-piece outsole offers excellent traction on the mat, allowing for quick movements and turns.
- The mesh upper with synthetic leather and suede overlays provides breathability and durability, ensuring the shoe will last through many matches.
Cons
- Some customers have reported sizing issues, so it's important to try on the shoe before purchasing.
- The shoe may require some breaking in before it feels comfortable during matches.
- The price point may be higher than some other wrestling shoes on the market.
We were impressed with the adidas Combat Speed 5 Wrestling Shoes during our testing.
The elastic ankle strap provided a secure fit, and the full-length one-piece outsole offered excellent traction on the mat.
The mesh upper with synthetic leather and suede overlays provided breathability and durability, ensuring the shoe will last through many matches.
The only potential downside to the shoe is that some customers have reported sizing issues, so it's important to try on the shoe before purchasing.
Additionally, the shoe may require some breaking in before it feels comfortable during matches.
Although the price point may be higher than some other wrestling shoes on the market, the durability and performance of the shoe make it worth the investment.
3. ASICS Men's Snapdown 3 Wrestling Shoes
If you're looking for a reliable wrestling shoe that can stand up to the rigorous demands throughout the season, then the ASICS Men's Snapdown 3 Wrestling Shoes might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- Features a wide fit for wrestlers who require more width in their footwear
- Constructed with stitch-down overlays and mesh underlays that deliver advanced airflow to help feet breathe during matches
- The design of the outsole encourages better traction on mat surfaces, featuring a unique pattern that implements a series of circular shapes that are made to improve grip when the foot is planted
Cons
- Sizing can be tricky, as some customers have reported that the shoes run small and narrow
- The shoelace garage can be difficult to use for some people
- The shoes are designed for middle school and intermediate wrestling competitors, so they may not be suitable for more advanced wrestlers
We recently tried out the ASICS Men's Snapdown 3 Wrestling Shoes and were impressed with their overall quality and performance. The wide fit was especially appreciated by our team members with wider feet, as it provided a comfortable and secure fit without feeling too tight or constricting.
The stitch-down overlays and mesh underlays also helped to keep our feet cool and dry during intense matches, which is always a plus. And the outsole design improved our traction on the mat, allowing us to plant our feet more securely and move with greater agility.
That being said, we did encounter some sizing issues, as the shoes ran small and narrow for some of our team members. And while the shoelace garage is a nice feature in theory, it can be a bit cumbersome to use in practice.
Overall, we would recommend the ASICS Men's Snapdown 3 Wrestling Shoes to anyone looking for a high-quality and reliable wrestling shoe, especially if you have wider feet.
Just be sure to pay close attention to the sizing and consider ordering a half size up to ensure a comfortable fit.
4. ASICS Matflex 6 Grade School Wrestling Shoes
If you're looking for a reliable wrestling shoe for your child, the ASICS Matflex 6 Grade School Wrestling Shoes might be the perfect fit.
Pros
- The EVA sockliner provides cushioning performance for added comfort.
- The mesh insole improves ventilation, keeping your child's feet dry and refreshed.
- The integrated lace garage safely tucks away laces, so they won't get in the way during a match.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the shoes run small, so it may be best to order a half size up.
- The shoes may not be as durable as other wrestling shoes on the market.
- The shoes are only available in one color option.
As a parent, I understand the importance of finding the right wrestling shoe for your child. The ASICS Matflex 6 Grade School Wrestling Shoes provide a comfortable and breathable option for your young wrestler. The EVA sockliner and mesh insole work together to keep your child's feet cushioned and cool during matches. Plus, the integrated lace garage ensures that laces won't get in the way of a good performance.
While some customers have reported issues with sizing, I found that ordering a half size up solved the problem.
Additionally, some customers have reported durability issues, so it may be best to use these shoes for practice rather than intense matches.
Overall, I would recommend the ASICS Matflex 6 Grade School Wrestling Shoes for parents looking for a reliable and comfortable option for their young wrestler.
5. adidas Men's HVC Wrestling Shoe
If you're looking for an affordable wrestling shoe that's comfortable and stylish, then the adidas Men's HVC Wrestling Shoe is a great option.
Pros
- The rubber sole provides excellent traction on the mat.
- The synthetic suede, mesh, and leather construction is durable and breathable.
- The ankle strap provides additional support and stability.
Cons
- The sizing may be a bit off, so it's important to try them on before purchasing.
- Some users have reported that the shoes are too narrow for wider feet.
- The basic design may not be appealing to everyone.
We've used the adidas Men's HVC Wrestling Shoe and found that they provide great support and traction.
The rubber sole allows for quick movements on the mat, and the synthetic materials are both durable and breathable.
The ankle strap also provides additional support and stability, which is crucial for preventing injuries.
However, it's important to note that the sizing may be a bit off, so it's best to try them on before purchasing.
Some users have also reported that the shoes are too narrow for wider feet, so keep that in mind. Additionally, the basic design may not be appealing to everyone, but we found it to be sleek and stylish.
Overall, if you're looking for an affordable wrestling shoe that provides excellent support and traction, then the adidas Men's HVC Wrestling Shoe is definitely worth considering.
6. ASICS Aggressor 4 Wrestling Shoes
If you're an intermediate wrestler looking for durable and comfortable shoes with excellent grip, the ASICS Aggressor 4 Wrestling Shoes are a great choice.
Pros
- The seamless Ecsaine upper provides a snug and comfortable fit, preventing blisters and discomfort during long matches.
- The DuoSole outsole enhances flexibility and traction, allowing for quick movements and powerful takedowns.
- The EVA sock liner and ankle padding offer excellent support and cushioning, reducing fatigue and improving overall performance.
Cons
- The shoes may feel narrow for those with wide feet, so it's recommended to order a half or full-size larger than usual.
- Some users have reported issues with the sole separating from the shoe after a few wears.
- The design may not be to everyone's taste, as it features a bold and prominent ASICS infinity logo.
In our experience, the ASICS Aggressor 4 Wrestling Shoes are a reliable and comfortable choice for intermediate wrestlers.
The seamless upper and cushioned ankle padding offer a snug and comfortable fit, while the DuoSole outsole delivers excellent flexibility and traction.
However, those with wider feet may need to order a larger size, and some users have reported issues with the sole separating from the shoe.
7. ASICS JB Elite IV Wrestling Shoes
If you're looking for a wrestling shoe that offers both style and support, the ASICS JB Elite IV Wrestling Shoes are a great option.
Pros
- The rubber sole provides excellent traction on the mat.
- The shoes are inspired by world championship-winning wrestler Jordan Burroughs, so you know they're designed with performance in mind.
- The split sole design provides flexibility and helps you maintain a low center of gravity.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the shoes run small, so you may need to order a half size up.
- The shoes are a bit more expensive than some other wrestling shoes on the market.
- The white and gold colorway may not be to everyone's taste.
We recently had the chance to try out the ASICS JB Elite IV Wrestling Shoes, and we were impressed with their performance.
The rubber sole provides excellent traction on the mat, and the split sole design helps you maintain a low center of gravity. We also appreciated the stylish design, which is inspired by world championship-winning wrestler Jordan Burroughs.
One potential downside to these shoes is that they may run small.
We recommend ordering a half size up to ensure a comfortable fit.
Additionally, the shoes are a bit more expensive than some other wrestling shoes on the market, so they may not be the best choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Overall, we think the ASICS JB Elite IV Wrestling Shoes are a great choice for wrestlers who want stylish and supportive shoes that will help them perform their best on the mat.
8. adidas HVC Wrestling Shoe
If you are looking for a reliable wrestling shoe, then the adidas HVC Wrestling Shoe is a great choice for you.
Pros
- The rubber sole provides excellent grip and traction on the mat.
- The synthetic suede, mesh, and leather materials make the shoe lightweight and breathable.
- The ankle strap offers additional support and stability during matches.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the shoe runs small and recommend ordering a half size up.
- The toe box may feel tight for those with wider feet.
- The design may be too simple for those looking for a more stylish wrestling shoe.
In our experience, the adidas HVC Wrestling Shoe is a comfortable and durable option for wrestlers of all levels. The rubber sole offers great traction and grip on the mat, while the lightweight materials make it easy to move around.
The ankle strap provides additional support and stability, which is especially helpful during intense matches.
Choosing the Right Wrestling Shoes For You
When it comes to buying wrestling shoes, it's important to consider a few key factors to ensure you get the best product for your needs.
Here are the most important features to look for when choosing wrestling shoes:
Fit
One of the most important factors to consider is the fit of the shoe. You want a shoe that fits snugly but not too tightly, as this can restrict movement and cause discomfort. Look for shoes that have a secure lacing system and a snug fit around the ankle to provide support and stability.
Grip
Another important feature to consider is the grip of the shoe.
Wrestling shoes should have a non-slip sole to provide traction on the mat, as well as a flexible sole that allows for quick movements and changes in direction.
Look for shoes with a rubber or gum sole for maximum grip.
Durability
Wrestling shoes take a lot of wear and tear, so it's important to choose a pair that is durable enough to withstand the demands of the sport.
Look for shoes made from high-quality materials, such as leather or synthetic materials, that can hold up over time.
Weight
The weight of the shoe is also an important consideration, as a heavy shoe can slow you down and make it harder to move quickly on the mat.
Look for shoes that are lightweight but still provide the necessary support and protection.
Style
While this may not be the most important factor, it's still worth considering as you want a shoe that looks and feels good on your feet. Look for shoes that come in a variety of colors and designs to suit your personal style.
By considering these factors when choosing wrestling shoes, you can ensure that you get a product that fits well, provides the necessary support and traction, and holds up over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best wrestling shoes for men with wide feet?
If you have wider feet, it's important to look for wrestling shoes that come in wider sizes or have a more accommodating fit. Some of the best options for men with wide feet include the ASICS Aggressor, Adidas Mat Wizard, and Nike Inflict.
Which brand makes the best wrestling shoes?
Several brands make high-quality wrestling shoes, including ASICS, Adidas, Nike, and Under Armour. Each brand has its own unique features and benefits, so it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a brand.
What are the most durable wrestling shoes on the market?
Some of the most durable wrestling shoes on the market include the ASICS Aggressor, Adidas Combat Speed, and Nike Inflict. These shoes are designed to withstand the wear and tear of regular wrestling matches and practices.
Can wrestling shoes be used for boxing?
While wrestling shoes can be used for boxing, they may not provide the same level of support and protection as boxing shoes. Boxing shoes are specifically designed to provide optimal support and traction for boxing movements, so it's generally recommended to use boxing shoes for boxing.
How should wrestling shoes fit for optimal performance?
Wrestling shoes should fit snugly, but not be too tight or uncomfortable. Look for shoes that provide a secure fit around the ankle and have a flexible sole that allows for quick, agile movements. It's also important to consider your specific foot shape and size when choosing a wrestling shoe.
Related Articles
What to Wear to Wrestling Practice