10 Best Wrestling Shoes – Buyer’s Guide

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No matter how experienced you are, you’ll need the best wrestling shoes on your feet to wrestle comfortably, safely, and effectively.  In order to be a good wrestling shoe, it should be comfortable, breathable, provide good traction, and be flexible enough for your feet to move freely. High-quality wrestling shoes are available for every wrestler, regardless of their foot shape or needs. It is possible to prevent foot cramps while wrestling by taking a look at the best wrestling shoes for wide feet. It may be a good idea to choose wrestling shoes with thinner tongues and more breathable construction if your feet are sensitive.

The lightweight, flat, and traction of wrestling shoes make them popular among athletes from other sports, such as boxing, powerlifting, strength training, and conditioning. Wrestling shoes are available in many different styles, whether you’re looking for weightlifting shoes, boxing shoes, or wrestling shoes. You don’t need to worry about the work because we have taken care of it for you that’s why we have chosen the best wrestling shoes on the market today after hours of research and trial. The purpose of this guide is to help you decide which wrestling shoe is right for you by reviewing and analyzing each one!

10 Best wrestling shoes

1. ASICS Men’s Aggressor 4 Wrestling Shoes

As one of ASICS’s latest high-end wrestling shoes, the ASICS Aggressor 4 stands out with its sleek design. ASICS’s Aggressor 4 wrestling shoes feature a new suede Ecsaine textile fabric and synthetic upper construction that provides comfort and durability for long-term use.

Your laces will stay secure during wrestling matches thanks to the no-scratch lace up garage. There is a high degree of comfort and support offered by the collar and tongue. A duosole sole enhances flexibility while reducing weight and enhancing traction in the ASICS Aggressor 4.

You cannot beat the ASICS Aggressor 4 when it comes to high-end wrestling shoes offering premium comfort.  In addition to providing traction and durability, the DuoSole technology ensures that this shoe performs season after season.

Support and comfort around the ankle are provided by the padded tongue and collar. During all wrestling exchanges, the no-scratch laces garage keeps them safe and protected. 

Although the ASICS Aggressor 4 is one of the most comfortable wrestling shoes available, it does not breathe as well as other wrestling shoes with less padding. It’s important to note that these shoes run a bit narrow, and they take a while to break in. Nevertheless, once they are broken in, they fit like a glove.

Features

• The EVA sockliner is made of
• Support for your ankles with ankle padding
• Outsole with DuoSole technology – Reduces weight, enhances flexibility, and enhances traction.
• A seamless upper made of ecsaine

2. ASICS Dan Gable Ultimate 3 Mens Silver/Malibu/W Sneakers

As one of the best wrestling shoes, the ASICS Men’s Dan Gable Ultimate 3 is named after the legendary wrestler Dan Gable. Since Gable helped ASICS design these shoes, you can expect great performance from them. It features an Ecsaine upper which provides excellent feel as well as breathability, keeping your feet cool and sweat-free during a match. It provides exceptional flexibility and cushioning through its compression-fit bootie system. One of the unique features of the Ultimate 3 Wrestling Shoe is its compression-fit bootie.

Using the split-sole, you can perform the move quickly while maintaining great traction. In total, there are three traction zones, which enable you to maintain precise balance and control while quickly avoiding your opponent’s punches. As the outsole is designed with PU traction pods, these pods act like suction cups, further improving traction. Even with so many features, the Ultimate 3 Wrestling Shoe is still lightweight.

Features

• In terms of weight, the latest update to the Dan Gable Ultimate® franchise weighs in at 7.7 ounces, making it the lightest Dan Gable Ultimate® ever. 
• There is an improved medial arch support in the shoe’s upper construction, providing increased flexibility and an exceptional fit around your foot.
•  A lighter, more flexible, and better product. 
• The legend continues with Dan Gable Ultimate® 3.

3. ASICS Men’s JB Elite IV Wrestling Shoes

In addition to being named after four-time world and Olympic wrestler Jordan Burroughs, the ASICS JB Elite IV wrestling shoe is also designed with his specifications in mind. It features a new split rubber sole design, back and forefoot wrestling traction pods, providing great flexibility and grip during fast-paced matches. Wrestling shoes with redesigned upper construction feature a single layer mesh body to enhance breathability.

With ASICS JB Elite IV wrestling shoes, you get excellent traction on the mats, as well as breathable mesh that keeps your feet comfortable throughout the match. The split sole design is what we like most about this wrestling shoe, not only because it increases grip, but also because it gives you more range of motion. It’s also worth noting that these shoes fit great compared to others, they are super comfortable, grippy, offer great ankle support, and are still flexible.

Features

• The lace-up closure allows for a custom fit
• A supportive hi-top silhouette with breathable mesh uppers
• Overlays of synthetic material throughout the upper provide added durability in high-stress areas
• Wrestle the mat in the ASICS JB Elite IV wresting shoe, a signature shoe of Jordan Burroughs

4. Men’s Asics JB Elite Wrestling Shoe Blue/Yellow/Pink

This ASICS Men’s JB Elite features a name inspired by Olympic freestyle wrestling champion Jordan Burroughs. There are five different colors available and it looks like a retro wrestling shoe. You can use this shoe for competitive wrestling since it meets professional tournament rules.

In order to provide breathability and comfort, the ASICS JB Elite uppers are made with synthetic leather and single-layer mesh. In order to ensure that your performance is not compromised, it prevents your feet from sweating. With the overlays, you get tight fit and ventilation thanks to the TPU material. In addition to their split rubber soles, these shoes provide enhanced flexibility and traction. A protective eyelet and slot are integrated into the lacing garage of the ASICS Men’s JB Elite. Lightweight design also includes a thinner tongue.

In addition, the ASICS Men’s JB Elite has a reasonable price. Manufacturers are often forced to cut corners on quality in order to achieve a lower price point. On the other hand, the JB Elite is a great shoe that offers great value for money.

Features

• Featuring our integrated lace-garage in a less bulky version, this tongue meets tournament regulations. You can dream it. It’s worth it.
• Based on the specifications of Jordan Burroughs, the Olympic and World Champion.
• Flexibility and traction are enhanced with the Split Sole design of the JB Elite. 
• For optimal comfort and fit, the neo-retro uppers combine durable mesh, skin-suede and seamless TPU overlays with a ventilated quarter panel. 

5. adidas Men’s Adizero Wrestling XIV-M Shoes

As Adidas’s entry into the highly competitive wrestling shoe market, the Adizero XIV is Jake Varner’s signature shoe. With Adidas’ Adizero XIV, the outsole is enhanced for more grip and speed. This shoe is constructed with engineered mesh, which provides a broken-in feel from the very first wear. 

The Adidas XIV is a great wrestling shoe for heavyweights who prefer a lighter shoe as well as wrestlers who like speed. It has a rubber sole that provides excellent grip and does not restrict your movement. With just the right amount of friction and slide, it is just right.

Despite the mesh driers very quickly, the lighter colors of Adidas XIV get dirty more quickly than other colors if you prefer wrestling shoes that won’t show dirt. In addition to being lightweight, this shoe is also great for boxing, MMA, and other martial arts training. Due to its lightweight nature, it might not last as long as heavier, more cushioned shoes. While the Adidas XIV is a great wrestling shoe for every level of wrestler, it still has its limitations.

Features

• Upper extremity that is extremely light weight
• A high-tech outsole provides excellent traction
• Right out of the box, it has a “broken-in” feel
• Mesh that is breathable

6. ASICS Men’s Cael V8.0 Wrestling Shoes

With an upper made from lightweight, open-mesh material, the ASICS Cael V8.0 was designed exclusively for four-time undefeated NCAA champion Cael Sanderson. Ankle protection is provided by its high-cut design. 

Split-sole design provides wrestling-specific traction in the ASICS Cael V8.0 wrestling shoes. Featuring a padded tongue and collar, this jacket provides superior comfort and support.

In case you are looking for a high quality wrestling shoe that provides extra ankle support, the ASICS Cael V8.0 makes a great choice. On the rubber sole, there is wrestling-specific traction that offers some of the best grip on mats.

With an open mesh upper and synthetic Ecsaine leather, this wrestling shoe is more breathable than others.  During high-paced wrestling, the laces are largely protected by the “Lace Garage.”. The shoes do run a bit small and narrow, but after a few wears they break in nicely.

Features

• Upper made of ecsaine and open mesh
• Technological advancements at Lace Garage
• Design with a split sole
• The Cael Sanderson Design has been updated

7. ASICS Men’s Snapdown Wrestling Shoe

You can buy the ASICS Men’s Snapdown for an affordable price if you want to buy quality wrestling shoes. A mid-level shoe has a shaft that measures roughly mid-top from the arch. Combining single-layer mesh and skin-suede in the uppers enhances breathability and flexibility to maximize performance. Wrestling shoes with a rubber outsole ensure that you never lose your grip while on the mat.

This ASICS Men’s Snapdown Wrestling Shoes features a traditional lacing system with eyelets and support slots. There are three colors available for these shoes, all of which look great. If you are planning to purchase this pair online, be aware that some people have had trouble with the size.

Features

• Compliant with rules regarding laces with integrated lacing garage.
• Finished with a rubber outsole that extends the entire length
• Featuring a full-length outsole with “serradial” traction pods for flexibility and grip, the new snap downTM wrestling shoe is an exceptional mid-level wrestling shoe. 
• Featuring a breathable mesh upper and synthetic skin-suede upper, this shoe provides excellent breathability and upper flexibility for wrestlers who demand both performance and value.

8. ASICS Men’s Aggressor 4 Wrestling Shoes

ASICS Aggressor 4 wrestling shoes should be on your shortlist if you are a professional wrestler searching for durable, comfortable, and breathable shoes. ASICS shoes feature all the advanced technology and features you would expect. These shoes feature a fabric and suede upper, which provides flexibility and breathability to keep your feet cool and dry. There are comfortable and supportive EVA footbeds inside the shoe. Also, the ankle area is padded to protect your ankles and make sure they are comfortable.

In addition to reducing weight and offering better flexibility, the ASICS Aggressor 4 offers enhanced traction and durability thanks to its DuoSole outsole. The outsoles of these shoes have molded teeth that provide superior balance and control. In addition to providing extra comfort, support, and stability, this pair has ankle cushioning. Our ASICS Aggressor 4 wrestling shoes have everything you’d expect from them, which is why we highly recommend them.

Features

• The EVA sockliner is made of
• A seamless upper made of ecsaine
• This outsole reduces weight and enhances flexibility while maintaining traction and durability.
• Support for your ankles with ankle padding

9. adidas Wrestling Men’s Combat Speed 4-M

With its single-layer mesh upper, the Adidas Wrestling Men’s Combat Speed 4-M ensures a sock-like fit while ensuring maximum breathability. This ensures that you won’t lose performance due to moisture and sweat building up on your feet. It won’t need to be replaced anytime soon since the Combat Speed 4-M is made of highly durable materials. In addition to providing you with solid traction, the outsole of these shoes is made of a strong rubber compound, which should prevent you from losing your grip in the ring while moving around.

A good thing about Combat Speed 4-M is their lightweight design, so they should provide you with good agility and speed. It also features a die-cut midsole made from EVA, a supportive TPU side panel, and three stripes for maximum durability. It is recommended that you order a size up for these shoes since they tend to run small.

Features

• Fits like a pair of socks
• Breathable and extremely lightweight
• Outsole made of split suede
• Wrestling shoes originally designed for competition. 
• All other wrestling shoes are measured by the “Speed”. 
• This ultra-lightweight shoe offers socks-like fit and uncanny support.

10. ASICS Men’s Matflex 3 Wrestling Shoe

The last and final shoe is the ASICS Men’s Matflex 3 Wrestling Shoe. It’s one of the most affordable pairs on the market, yet it offers some decent features. Comfort and stability are improved by California Slip Lasting in these shoes. A mesh material covers the canvas uppers, and the midsole is laced with a breathable mesh material

You can make those quick moves without worrying about losing your grip because the ASICS Men’s Matflex 3 has an excellent rubber outsole that provides superior traction and control. They feature a lace garage that can be adjusted to fit your foot perfectly. You should be able to keep it from sliding down because it has a slot on the tongue. Lacing garages comply with wrestling tournament rules, allowing you to wear the Matflex 3 at tournaments.

Because ASICS was able to keep the price low, they cut corners on quality, so the Matflex 3 isn’t going to last very long. In spite of this, it is still a pretty decent choice given the price.

Features

• Be able to out-maneuver the competition just as the Matflex 3 can out-maneuver its competition.
• Lace-up wrestling shoes provide high-level arch and ankle support without restricting movement. The synthetic and mesh upper can withstand practice after practice without compromising its performance. 
• Add the Matflex 3 to your locker and make the right choice.

How to choose the best wrestling shoes?

1. Traction

While searching for wrestling shoes, traction is an important consideration because you don’t want to lose your grip. The soles of almost all wrestling shoes are made from rubber. When wrestlers fight on different surfaces, rubber is used in order to provide better traction.

There must be good contact between the wrestling shoes’ soles and the mat. Having too much slickness would lead to slipping, while having too much stickiness would make moving around the ring impossible. There are two main types of soles found on wrestling shoes today – non-split soles and split soles.

Rubber is the primary component of a non-split sole. The material is more rigid, light, and does not wear down as quickly as other materials. A split sole gives the wrestler more flexibility and control. In contrast to non-split soles, split soles are less durable.

2. Breathability

As wrestling is a sport that involves a lot of movement, you must deal with sweat on your feet. It is therefore important to choose shoes that are breathable, so that your feet don’t build up moisture and your shoes don’t become heavier, compromising your movement.

Make sure your wrestling shoe has a mesh upper that is breathable to allow air to flow easily into your feet. Having a more breathable foot will improve your performance in the ring and will also benefit the health of your feet in general.

3. Fit

It is common for wrestlers to lift their opponents off their feet during some moves. Shoes that are comfortable and can ease the strain on your feet are necessary for these moves since they put a lot of weight on your feet. There is a major role played by shoe design in this.

The fit is generally more comfortable when an upper is made from a soft material like synthetic leather. You should also be able to move around the ring easily if the sides are flexible. Having cramping toes or rubbing against each other could result in bunions, calluses, and other foot problems if your toes rub against each other.

In contrast, too much space in the shoes can cause injury. To ensure that your wrestling shoes fit correctly, make sure they are the right size.

4. Support

The process of taking down your opponent puts a great deal of stress on your ankles. As a result, wrestling shoes must provide good ankle support. Your ankles will be stable when you move, because the high ankle length wraps around them nicely when you tie the laces. Shoes with Velcro ankle straps are also available. A tight fit will give you a more secure feeling around your ankles.

While it is important to have support in the ankles, this support shouldn’t come at the cost of flexibility. Your wrestling shoes should allow good mobility in the ankle joint so that you can move adequately.

5. Comfort

Depending on the situation, some wrestlers might be able to wear uncomfortable shoes if it gives them a certain advantage. The majority of people will not wear uncomfortable wrestling shoes since they will distract them during a fight. Be sure you buy comfortable wrestling footwear that won’t cause discomfort even after hours of wear when looking for wrestling footwear.

6. Durability

Choosing wrestling shoes that are durable is another important factor to consider. Avoid spending lots of money on things that aren’t going to last.

It means that you made a poor choice if you spend a hundred dollars on wrestling shoes that fall apart halfway through the season. Hence, before buying shoes, you should carefully consider their durability.

Frequently asked questions related to the best wrestling shoes

Conclusion

In order to choose the right wrestling shoe, you must first identify what you need. After you determine what your needs are, decide how much you can afford to spend on a wrestling shoe. Using this list, find wrestling shoes that fit your budget and meet your needs.

Our overall best pick is “ASICS Men’s Aggressor 4 Wrestling Shoes” which will offer you features like durable, portable Breathable, Great ankle support, and a DuoSole outsole. If you are looking for the affordable and best budget product then I recommend “adidas Wrestling Men’s Combat Speed 4-M” which has features like lightweight, durability, and Offers good agility and speed.