The Best Wrestling Shoes for Men
Wrestling is possibly the most physically demanding sport there is. Wrestlers spend hours of training to perfect different takedown techniques and holds to best their opponents on the mat. Good technique and training are important, but wrestlers also need to invest in high-quality gear to give them the best chance to squash the competition. One of the most essential pieces of gear for wrestlers is wrestling shoes. They provide wrestlers with the kind of traction they need to hold their position on the mat and resist takedowns. Read on to discover the perfect pair to bring your game to the next level.
Asics Men’s Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes
No holds barred
For decades, Asics has been a go-to company for wrestlers of all ages and experience levels looking for shoes. The Matflex 6 is just another addition to Asics’s stunning collection of first-rate wrestling shoes. These shoes offer an incredibly snug fit, providing much-needed support to your ankles during takedown moves. Not to mention, these bad boys offer some of the best traction you’re going to experience in a modern wrestling shoe. Their narrow-footed design and minimalist retro aesthetic are appealing to the eye and crucial to your comfort.
Pros:
- Snug, protective fit
- Provides excellent ankle support
- Clean, modern designs
Cons:
- Might be too tight for people with wide feet
Adidas Men’s Mat Wizard 4 Wrestling Shoes
Top-notch traction
Adidas offers up a winning combination of style and performance with these exceptional Mat Wizard 4 wrestling shoes. They come in a slew of designs and colors ranging from a stark matte black to a vibrant bright yellow. The mesh outer layer provides breathability to your feet during long matches. When it comes to traction, there are few wrestling shoes in this price range that can compare to the Mat Wizard 4. If you’re on the lookout for a clean-cut, retro pair of wrestling shoes that can get the job done, consider your search over.
Pros:
- Provides ankle support while still feeling comfortable
- Many great colors and designs to choose from
- Appealing throwback/retro look
Cons:
- The toe coating may rub off over time
Otomix Stingray Escape Wrestling Shoes
Laces up
A common problem with certain wrestling shoes is that they feel heavy and unwieldy on your feet. These types of shoes provide excellent traction, but often that comes at the expense of mobility and speed. Otomix’s Stingray Escapes are lightweight wrestling shoes designed for maximum comfort and agility. Their lightweight frame comes in part from a thin sole, which also provides exceptional grip during tough matches. Despite being so comfortable, Otomix’s Stingray Escapes are quite durable and tough. We highly recommend these wrestling shoes to any wrestler that wants to feel light and quick on their feet.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- Promotes mobility and speed
- Very comfortable, even for extended periods of wear
Cons:
- They don’t come in the most appealing designs or colors
Adidas Men’s Adizero Wrestling Shoes
Get a grip
Support and traction are much-needed attributes that all wrestlers should be looking for in their shoes. However, one important factor that often gets overlooked is comfort. With Adidas’s Adizero wrestling shoes, comfort will give you the edge in your next match. The Adizeros offer a tight fit without being overbearing, and a lightweight step that promotes mobility and agile foot movements. Many wrestling shoes need to be broken in before you can wear them to a match, but the Adizeros feel ready to go right out of the box. Not to mention, the Adizeros come in some stylish designs that you might want to wear on the street instead of just on the mat.
Pros:
- Highly comfortable and lightweight wrestling shoes
- Durable and breathable
- Very hip and stylish designs
Cons:
- They don’t offer the best traction
Asics Men’s Cael V7.0 Wrestling Shoes
Standout style
Some wrestlers might not care about what their wrestling shoes look like, but once they’ve seen the Cael V7.0s from Asics, they might start to. The Cael V7.0 features an ultra-cool ’90s-inspired design, with bright purple and blue brushstrokes splattered over a matte black background. Apart from looking awesome, these wrestling shoes also deliver on performance. As with most Asics wrestling shoes, the Cael V7.0 has a sturdy and snug fit that provides an excellent base of support with exceptional traction. These wrestling shoes aren’t the most comfortable or lightweight on the market, but the support and traction they provide make up for that and then some.
Pros:
- Eye-catching retro wrestling shoes
- Excellent support and traction
Cons:
- Not the most comfortable or lightweight wrestling shoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wrestling shoes required apparel for competitive wrestling?
Yes, any serious wrestling league will require their wrestlers to wear wrestling shoes in order to compete. This is true of high school, college, and men’s recreational leagues. Some leagues will be more lenient than others about the definition of “wrestling shoes.” Generally, though, wrestling leagues require wrestling shoes as a mandatory part of the dress code.
What makes wrestling shoes different than normal shoes?
Wrestling shoes are quite similar to regular sneakers, but they have a couple of very important distinctions. For one, wrestling shoes are designed to be tighter and higher on the leg than normal sneakers. These features provide much-needed ankle support when wrestlers are attempting to perform takedowns and holds. Another key distinction is the level of traction that wrestling shoes provide. Wrestlers require shoes with excellent traction so they don’t slide out from under themselves when locked up with an opponent. The bottoms of wrestling shoes are designed to optimize traction and stability.