If you are trying to become the next wrestling legend, getting the proper equipment should be one of the many steps in your vision. Hulk Hogan did not get to become the legend that he is now without proper equipment. And one crucial part of your equipment is having the best wrestling shoes.
Have you ever seen your favorite wrestler enter the ring with sneakers on? Of course, you have not. That is because your conventional footwear does not offer the same stability as that of a wrestling shoe.
Now that you have made up your mind about buying wrestling shoes, you face many options. But, not to worry as you have got us to assist you. Here is a list of the best wrestling shoes in the market. And for your convenience, we have also added a concise buying guide. Let us get right to it!
Buying Guide for Wrestling Shoes
The sport of wrestling is straightforward in terms of equipment. A wrestler needs nothing more than the headgear, the uniform, a mouthpiece, and a pair of wrestling shoes. The shoes are by far the most crucial piece of equipment a wrestler needs. So, you have to make sure that you pick the best wrestling shoes. Here are some of the factors that you need to consider when choosing one.
Types of Wrestling Shoes
There are mainly two types of wrestling shoes according to their features. They are as follows.
Split Sole Wrestling Shoes
The split sole shoes offer unrivaled flexibility. As a result, the wearer can move very quickly on their feet and respond faster to the opponent’s movements. The wearer would feel as if he was standing there barefoot. Most pro wrestlers prefer the split sole wrestling shoes over the non-split wrestling shoes for this enhanced flexibility.
Non-split Sole Wrestling Shoes
The non-split sole wrestling shoes come equipped with a single piece of rubberized sole. That is why they are also referred to as uni-sole shoes.
While the split sole wrestling shoes have the edge in flexibility, the non-split wrestling shoes excel in durability. So, if you find yourself on a budget and unable to replace your wrestling shoes frequently, you may want to invest in a pair of non-split sole wrestling shoes.
Factors
Apart from knowing what type of wrestling shoes you want, you also need to consider some other factors before you decide on a pair. Here are the factors that you will need to consider when buying wrestling shoes.
Flexibility and Grip
Most wrestling mats tend to be a type of rubber mat. Some wrestling mats use polyethylene foam as the raw material. This smooth surface can get slippery during a match and cause the wrestler to lose control. So, it is the footwear’s job to make sure that does not happen.
So, traction is an essential factor when it comes to buying wrestling shoes. However, if the shoe grips the mat too tightly, it can cause missteps. On the other hand, if the grip is too loose, it may cause the wrestler to lose control. So, it is up to you to decide how much flexibility you want at the cost control.
Ankle Support
There is no right or wrong amount of ankle support. It all depends on the user’s choice. As a general rule of thumb, if you want more protection, get a higher collar pair. It should also have more padding in the collar and the tongue and an added Velcro strap at the top.
Image | Product | Features | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Asics Men’s Matflex 6 | Superior durability Breathable mesh Equipped with EVA sock liner Offers greater support Features traction pads for a better grip | $ | |
 | Adidas Men’s HVC Wrestling Shoe | Greater ankle support Breathable mesh Visually pleasing Equipped with elastic ankle wrap, ensuring a lockdown fit Enhanced grip on the mat | $ | |
 | Asics Men's JB Elite IV Wrestling Shoes | Split sole construction offers greater flexibility Breathable mesh Offers optimal ankle support The outsole provides optimal grip | $ | |
 | Adidas Men’s Combat Speed 5 | Long-lasting durability An optimal ratio of traction and slides Breathable mesh Lightweight Secure ankle lockdown | $ | |
 | Asics Men’s Split Second 9 Wrestling Shoe | Very cost-effective Grippy outsole Wonderful ankle lockdown Lightweight Aesthetically pleasing | $ | |
 | Asics Men’s Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoe | Long-lasting durability Impressive ankle support Very grippy outsole Versatile applications Aesthetically pleasing | $ | |
 | Adidas Mat Hog 2.0 Wrestling Shoes | Lightweight Grippy outsole Flexible sole Optimal collar height Pleasant looking | $ | |
 | Adidas Men’s Adizero Wrestling XIV-M Shoes | Optimal ankle support Grippy outsole Offers flexibility Keeps the feet fresh | $$ | |
 | Asics Men’s Cael V 7.0 Wrestling Shoes | Grippy outsole Comfortable Flexible Breathable mesh upper Lightweight | $ | |
 | Adidas Wrestling Men’s Response 3.1 Wrestling Shoe | Grippy outsole Reasonable pricing Lightweight and flexible Breathable upper mesh Various indoor application | $ |
1. Asics Men’s Matflex 6
The Matflex 6 will give you confidence as you stand in the ring. Thanks to the manufacturers equipping the pair with California lasting, the Matflex 6 will give you the push that you need to get through the finish line with the win.
The Matflex 6 is lightweight, so you will feel as if you were standing barefoot. And its mesh insole will keep your feet fresh and comfortable throughout the whole match. This pair comes equipped with the EVA sockliner feature, so you will have plenty of ankle support when you are in the ring.
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2. Adidas Men’s HVC Wrestling Shoe
If you are looking to become a wrestling champion, start your journey with the Adidas HVC Wrestling Shoe. With its single-layer mesh upper, the shoe delivers lightweight durability and breathability. Both of which are welcome features in a wrestling shoe.
Thanks to its thin sole, it enhances the wearer’s natural movements. On the other hand, its unisole underside delivers full mat contact. So, you will not slip during a match and suffer from an unfortunate loss.
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3. Asics Men's JB Elite IV Wrestling Shoes
If you are looking to look good while winning matches, then Asics Men’s JB Elite IV Wrestling Shoes are for you. Thanks to its outstanding design, this footwear will provide support to you every step of the way as you wrestle your opponent to the ground.
The shoe has a tight fit that may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, its sturdy build and comfortable feel are popular among its users.
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4. Adidas Men’s Combat Speed 5
Adidas’s combat speed 5 offers ample ankle support and breathability to its wearer. It also helps the user move out of tricky spots thanks to its suede elements and flexible split-sole construction. On top of it all, the footwear is lightweight that adds to the user’s comfort.
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5. Asics Men’s Split Second 9 Wrestling Shoe
Support is one of the most important things on the mat. If you are looking for support from your footwear, the Asics Split Second 9 is the perfect choice for you as it specializes in support. It has a web-like overlay on its upper that secures your foot and ankle.
The shoe features a sticky split-sole outsole. So, you will not have to worry about the balance between traction and slide on the mat. Once you start using it, you cannot go back.
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6. Asics Men’s Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoe
The Asics Matflex 5 is a unisole shoe. However, it has a built similar to that of the split-sole shoe. As a result, the Matflex 5 can offer ample flexibility without sacrificing its grip.
It carries a resemblance with its predecessor. However, the newer model has a reduced synthetic overlay on the top. As a result, the Matflex 5 can offer a wider range of movement, especially at the front.
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7. Adidas Mat Hog 2.0 Wrestling Shoes
The Adidas Mat Hog 2.0 has such a build that allows the user to use the ground to their advantage. Thanks to its thin and grippy outsole, the wearer can make quick movements on the mat. It also features a mid-cut style that allows the pair to provide ample ankle support.
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8. Adidas Men’s Adizero Wrestling XIV-M Shoes
Are you looking to move quickly on the mat? Try the Adidas Adizero Wrestling shoes. Adidas has built this pair for movement and speed, so it will enhance your movement on the mat. Thanks to its light and breathable raw material, ths pair will offer you a great in-shoe experience.
It has a split-sole construction that provides an ample balance between slide and traction on the mat. It also features a high-top silhouette that adds to its aesthetics and provides increased ankle lockdown.
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9. Asics Men’s Cael V 7.0 Wrestling Shoes
Feeling fresh on the mat is quite important. And if you are looking and feeling fresh while moving nimbly, there is no better combination. With the Asics Cael V 7.0, you can achieve this ultimate combination. Apart from that, its breathable mesh upper allows the user to move quickly when needed.
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10. Adidas Wrestling Men’s Response 3.1 Wrestling Shoe
The Adidas Response 3.1 comes equipped with a technology that allows the wrestler to move effortlessly while on the mat. It has a split-sole build that allows ample grip when needed and allows the user to slide when needed.
It has a high-top upper that provides maximum coverage. On top of that, Response 3.1 has a lace locking mechanism accompanied by increased ankle hold.
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Picking out wrestling shoes can be a daunting task that involves a lot of research. Thankfully, we have completed the research part on your behalf. Now all you have left to do is to pick out the best wrestling shoes for yourself.
When you are out shopping, it is better to get a feel of the shoes for yourself. Keep in mind the factors that we talked about, and you should be good to go. You can look at our other guide for crossfit lifting shoes (click here)