Wrestling is a sport that demands exceptional skill, strength, and agility. Having the right gear plays a crucial role in an athlete’s performance.
One of the most critical pieces of wrestling equipment is the shoes, specifically designed to provide the necessary grip, support, and flexibility on the mat.
Wrestling shoes are uniquely crafted to meet the rigorous needs of the sport. They feature thin, non-marking rubber soles for superior traction and lightweight, breathable materials for optimum comfort during intense matches.
Furthermore, they are designed with a snug fit to ensure a secure feel while executing swift and intricate movements.
When choosing the best wrestling shoes, it’s essential to pay attention to specific factors such as the shoe’s grip, material, fit, durability, and style.
The grip is crucial for maintaining stability on the mat, while the material should provide both breathability and support. A good fit is imperative for comfort and performance, and durability ensures your investment lasts.
Lastly, style can be a personal preference, but it can also be a deciding factor for many athletes.
After dedicating countless hours to researching and testing various wrestling shoes, we have selected the top options that excel in all these aspects.
These shoes guarantee exceptional performance, allowing athletes to focus on their game and achieve victory on the mat.
Best Wrestling Shoes
We’ve compiled a list of the best wrestling shoes available on Amazon to help you make an informed decision and elevate your performance on the mat.
ASICS Men’s Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes
The ASICS Men’s Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes are a durable and comfortable choice for wrestlers of all levels.
Pros
- Superior durability with California-lasting
- Excellent ventilation from mesh insole
- Supportive EVA sockliner
Cons
- May run small in size
- Not available in extra-wide
- Can feel tight
The ASICS Men’s Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes provide exceptional confidence on the mat with their unbeatable durability, stability, and comfort.
Recently, we put these shoes to the test and were impressed by the California lasting, which greatly enhances their durability, making them suitable for even the most rigorous wrestling sessions.
We also appreciated the mesh insole, allowing air to circulate and keeping our feet fresh as we pushed our limits.
Additionally, the EVA sockliner cradles the foot in unmatched support, giving that extra confidence boost needed when trying to gain the upper hand in a match.
The integrated lace garage also keeps laces safely tucked away, ensuring uninterrupted performance.
However, we noticed that the Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes tend to run small and can feel tight. For a comfortable fit, it’s recommended to order a size or a size and a half up from your regular shoe size.
Despite this, the ASICS Men’s Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes remain an excellent choice for wrestling professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering comfort and support to help you perform at your best.
ASICS Men’s Aggressor 5 Wrestling Shoes
The ASICS Aggressor 5 is a top choice for wrestlers seeking excellent grip, comfort, and stability on the mat.
Pros
- Exceptionally comfortable ecsaine upper material
- Supportive reinforcement panels for stability
- High traction outsole for superior grip on mat surfaces
Cons
- Limited color options
- Tread pieces may tear off over time
- Sizing may run small for some
We found the ASICS Men’s Aggressor 5 Wrestling Shoes to be an excellent option for wrestling enthusiasts. The shoe features an ecsaine upper material that wraps around your foot comfortably with a soft feel.
This improves the overall fit and comfort during intense wrestling sessions, reducing the risk of injuries and discomfort.
The supportive reinforcement panels on the sides of the shoe greatly enhance stability without compromising flexibility. These panels have been designed to move more naturally with your foot, allowing for a range of motion that feels unrestricted.
This feature is particularly useful for wrestlers who need to employ quick movements and rapid direction changes on the mat.
The outsole of the ASICS Aggressor 5 offers an impressive amount of traction, increasing your grip and control when wrestling on various mat surfaces.
This added traction can make all the difference in a match, giving you the confidence and security to perform at your best.
Nevertheless, there are some drawbacks to these shoes. For one, the color options are somewhat limited, which may be disappointing for those seeking a more personalized style.
Further, the tread pieces on the outsole may tear off over time, reducing the overall durability of the product. Lastly, the sizing of the shoes may run small for some individuals, so you might need to order a half size up to ensure a proper fit.
The ASICS Men’s Aggressor 5 Wrestling Shoes offer a high level of comfort, stability, and traction for wrestlers looking to perform their best on the mat.
While there are some shortcomings in terms of color options, durability, and sizing, these shoes still stand out as a top choice for those in the sport.
adidas Men’s Combat Speed 5 Wrestling Shoe
The Adidas Men’s Combat Speed 5 Wrestling Shoe is a top pick for athletes seeking comfort and performance on the mat.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable design
- Durable full-length one-piece outsole
- Secure fit with elastic ankle strap
Cons
- May be too narrow for wide feet
- Traditional sizing can be tricky
- Limited color options
We recently tried out the Adidas Men’s Combat Speed 5 Wrestling Shoe and were quite impressed by its lightweight design and comfort. The shoe features a mesh upper with synthetic leather and suede overlays, providing a breathable and supportive fit.
The full-length one-piece outsole offers stability and grip, while the elastic ankle strap ensures a secure fit during intense matches.
One thing we found challenging with the Combat Speed 5 was selecting the correct size. In our experience, the shoe is quite true to size but may be too narrow for those with wide feet.
There are also limited color options available, which may be a downside for some wrestlers who prefer to match their shoes with their team colors.
In conclusion, the Adidas Men’s Combat Speed 5 Wrestling Shoe offers a great blend of comfort, support, and durability.
Its lightweight and breathable design ensures that you remain agile and quick on the mat, while its sturdy construction makes it a reliable choice for long-lasting use.
Just be cautious of sizing, and check whether the available colors meet your preferences before purchasing.
Sisttke Wrestling Shoes
We believe the Sisttke Wrestling Shoes are a reliable and comfortable option for wrestling professionals of all levels.
Pros
- Zero drop, wide-width sole for better balance
- Mid-top upper for ankle protection
- Comfortable EVA arch support sockliner
Cons
- Long shoelaces
- Weak Velcro on upper strap
- Not suitable for those who prefer tighter shoes
The Sisttke Wrestling Shoes have been a reliable companion for us on the mat. Their zero drop and wide-width sole design make it easier to maintain balance during matches – a crucial aspect for any wrestler.
Also, we appreciate the mid-top upper that offers protection to our ankles, preventing potential injuries.
What sets these shoes apart is the EVA arch support sockliner, which increases overall comfort while wearing them. This feature has been particularly beneficial during long training sessions and intense matches, allowing us to focus on our performance rather than discomfort.
Regardless, we must also mention a few drawbacks we’ve experienced. The shoelaces are longer than necessary, which can be annoying while trying to get a secure fit.
Furthermore, the Velcro on the upper strap is weak and may not last as long as desired. Lastly, the shoes might feel too loose for some, especially those who prefer a tighter fit.
Despite these minor flaws, the Sisttke Wrestling Shoes still hold up well as a functional and comfortable choice for wrestling professionals.
Their balanced design, ankle protection, and excellent comfort make them a valuable addition to any wrestler’s gear collection.
Core Wrestling Shoes
Core Wrestling Shoes offer great traction and stability for wrestlers, making them a top choice for athletes looking to dominate the mat.
Pros
- Excellent traction with one-piece rubber sole
- Enhanced stability with lace fastening and Velcro straps
- Comfortable and snug fit
Cons
- May fit small for some users
- Few reviews mention discomfort
- Shipping delays reported by some customers
Core Wrestling Shoes are designed specifically for combat sports enthusiasts, making them an ideal choice for wrestlers, boxers, and weightlifters alike.
We especially appreciate the excellent traction provided by the one-piece rubber sole with raised sides, which enables better lateral movement and grip on the mat.
One feature that sets these shoes apart is their focus on stability. The single outsole design, combined with lace fastening and Velcro straps, ensures a secure and stable fit, reducing the risk of injury during intense matches or training sessions.
We found these shoes to be lightweight, providing a high level of comfort for extended wear.
However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported issues with sizing and discomfort. Therefore, we recommend taking the time to measure your feet accurately and to consider sizing up if you’re between sizes.
Additionally, a few customers have experienced shipping delays, so allow for extra time if ordering for an important event.
Overall, Core Wrestling Shoes are a solid choice for athletes seeking high-performance footwear with excellent traction, stability, and comfort.
Their timeless Nordic design and quality craftsmanship make them a valuable addition to any wrestler’s gear. Just be sure to pay attention to sizing and potential shipping delays to ensure a positive experience.
ASHION Men Wrestling Shoes
These are reliable wrestling shoes suitable for beginners and intermediate wrestlers looking for excellent traction and breathability.
Pros
- Outstanding traction with flat rubber sole
- Lightweight and zero drop sole design
- Highly breathable mesh material on the upper
Cons
- Limited ankle cushioning
- Slightly oversized compared to other brands
- May not provide the snug fit some prefer
After trying out these ASHION Men Wrestling Shoes, we were quite pleased with their performance on the mat. These shoes are imported and boast a rubber sole, making them ideal for those seeking excellent traction.
The flat sole and reticular structure provide adequate control and adaptability to indoor sports, ensuring stability during practice or competitions.
The lightweight zero-drop sole design of these shoes is perfect for wrestlers at various skill levels, including beginners, intermediate, and junior athletes.
The ASHION wrestling shoes are specifically designed to adapt to the demands of indoor sports such as boxing and lifting, as well as cross-training and fitness activities.
During our time using these shoes, we appreciated the breathability offered by the mesh material that covers two-thirds of the upper.
This feature maintains proper heat dissipation throughout a match or training session, allowing our feet to stay cool and breathe comfortably.
However, we noted that the ASHION wrestling shoes could use more cushioning around the ankle area, as the leather and mesh panels may not be sufficient for some users.
Additionally, these shoes seem to be slightly oversized compared to other brands, so make sure to order a half-size down when making your purchase.
Another aspect to consider is that some wrestlers prefer a snug fit, which may not be achievable with this particular shoe design.
If you’re in search of breathable wrestling shoes that provide excellent traction and stability, the ASHION Men Wrestling Shoes are a strong choice for beginners and intermediate athletes alike.
Keep in mind the sizing and cushioning concerns when making your decision.
Otomix Men’s Stingray Escape Shoes
In our opinion, these Otomix Stingray Escape shoes are a solid choice for those involved in wrestling, weightlifting, martial arts, and bodybuilding due to their durability and support.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Extra ankle support
- Thin, gripping sole
Cons
- Sole may be too rigid for some
- Limited padding for jogging
- Sizing may run large
We tried out the Otomix Men’s Stingray Escape shoes during our wrestling and weightlifting sessions and found them to be impressive in terms of comfort and support.
The lightweight yet durable design made it easy to move on the mat, while the extra ankle support provided the stability we needed for lifts.
However, the thin, gripping sole, which was perfect for wrestling and weightlifting, seemed to lack enough padding for those wanting to use them for jogging.
We’d recommend these shoes specifically for wrestling, martial arts, and gym-based activities, but not as an all-purpose fitness shoe.
In terms of sizing, we noticed that the shoes may run a bit large for some people. It’s important to take that into consideration when purchasing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile shoe that offers comfort, durability, and ankle support, the Otomix Men’s Stingray Escape shoes are a solid choice for your fitness needs.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best wrestling shoes, there are several features to consider in order to make the best choice. In this buying guide, we will discuss important factors to help you choose the right pair.
Fit and Comfort
The most crucial aspect to consider is the fit of the shoe. It should have a snug and secure fit, but not too tight that it restricts movement or causes discomfort. A shoe that fits well will provide the necessary support and prevent injuries during practice and matches.
Material and Durability
Wrestling shoes are generally made of synthetic materials, which offer lightweight, breathability, and durability. Make sure to choose shoes made of high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of the sport.
Look for reinforced stitching and strong soles that will last long and provide good traction on the mat.
Traction and Grip
A good wrestling shoe should provide excellent traction and grip on the mat to prevent slipping and allow for quick, agile movements.
Look for shoes with a rubber or gum sole, as these materials usually offer the best grip.
Ankle Support and Protection
Ankle injuries are quite common in wrestling, so choosing a shoe with proper ankle support is essential.
High-top shoes generally provide better ankle support and stability, while low-top shoes allow for greater flexibility and range of motion.
Style and Design
Lastly, while style and design may not impact performance directly, it’s essential to feel confident in your gear. Choose a design that you like and feel good wearing.
By considering these key features, you can confidently select the pair of wrestling shoes that best suits your needs and preferences.
Remember to try on multiple pairs, and if possible, get expert advice or consult other wrestlers for their recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top brands for wrestling shoes?
There are several top brands that produce high-quality wrestling shoes. Some of the most popular and reputable brands include ASICS, Adidas, and Nike. These brands have consistently offered comfortable, durable, and performance-enhancing shoes for wrestlers of all levels.
How do I choose the right wrestling shoes for my needs?
To choose the right wrestling shoes, you should consider a few factors. First, think about the level of support and stability that you need on the mat, as well as the type of traction that will work best for your wrestling style.
Additionally, consider the fit and comfort of the shoe, making sure it is snug but not too tight. Finally, take your budget into account, as wrestling shoes can range from affordable to high-end.
Are there specific shoes recommended for wide feet?
Yes, some wrestling shoes are designed specifically for individuals with wide feet. It’s important to look for shoes labeled as “wide” or “W,” as these styles will offer a more comfortable fit for wider feet.
Brands like ASICS and Adidas often carry wide options, so we recommend starting your search with those brands.
What factors make wrestling shoes suitable for boxing?
Wrestling shoes can be suitable for boxing because they share similar features, such as a minimalist design, lightweight construction, and good traction on the boxing canvas.
It’s important to note that not all wrestling shoes will be appropriate for boxing, as they may not provide the same level of lateral support and cushioning as specialized boxing shoes. If you decide to use wrestling shoes for boxing, look for those with proper support and a non-marking outsole.
What are the best wrestling shoes for young wrestlers?
For young wrestlers, it’s crucial to find shoes that are comfortable, supportive, and provide excellent traction. Some of the top options we recommend for young wrestlers include the ASICS Matflex, Adidas HVC, and Nike Freek.
These shoes are affordable, durable, and specifically designed for the needs of younger wrestlers.
Why do wrestling shoes tend to be on the pricier side?
Wrestling shoes can be on the pricier side because they are designed for a specific purpose and require advanced materials and technology to provide optimal performance on the mat.
The shoes often feature durable materials, specialized soles, and intricate designs to enhance stability, support, and grip. These factors can contribute to a higher price point.
However, there are still many affordable options available that still offer great quality and will suit the needs of most wrestlers.
