When it comes to any sport, you need to have not only confidence in your ability but also your equipment. For wrestling, that means having the best shoes that will allow you to perform at your highest level.
As a long-time martial arts enthusiast, I’ve come to know the importance of great footwear. You want to have the perfect level of grip, complete comfort, and also durability. These three factors combined are hallmarks of any great wrestling shoe.
Thankfully for you, we’ve scoured the market to find the 15 best wrestling shoes available today. These range from competition-level shoes to perfect beginner footwear. Whatever your level, we’ll find the perfect shoes for you. Let’s get started!
Top Picks
Here are our highest-rated top picks from the wrestling shoes available today. While these are all great, we’ve also looked at 12 other picks which may be better for your specific needs.
| Best Overall | Best Budget | Best for Youth | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Name | ASICS Men’s Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes | Adidas Men’s HVC Wrestling Shoe | ASICS Kid’s Matflex 6 Grade School Wrestling Shoes |
| Image |   |   |   |
| Our Rating | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.8 |
| More Info | More Information | More Information | More Information |
Who Should Get Wrestling Shoes?
Wrestling shoes have become a vital component of high-level wrestling. If you want to win in this sport, you’ll find it very difficult without a great pair of shoes.
There are many different types of wrestling shoes on the market, and it can be difficult to know which pair is right for you. If you’re an amateur wrestler who is just starting out, it’s probably a good idea to invest in a pair of inexpensive shoes that will offer basic support and protection.
However, if you’re a more experienced wrestler who is looking to gain an edge over the competition, it’s worth splurging on a pair of high-end shoes that offer superior grip and flexibility.
Of course, no matter what type of shoe you choose, it’s important to make sure that it fits properly. After all, there’s nothing worse than trying to wrestle with ill-fitting shoes!
Here we’ve looked at a wide range of different good wrestling shoes to give you a great selection to choose from.
Best Wrestling Shoes Reviews
1. Best Overall – ASICS Men’s Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes
Suitable for: Top-level wrestling
Gender: Men’s
Size range: 6.5 – 15
Material: EVA sole and sockliner, mesh insole
Color: Seven color options
If you’re looking for the best overall wrestling shoes, then you can’t get better than the ASICS Men’s Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes. They have exceptional build quality together with the perfect feel to give you the performance and durability that you’re looking for.
When wrestling, you don’t want to be worrying about your shoes, and you want to be comfortable. That’s exactly what you get here. That’s shown by the removable sock liner, which not only gives you that comfort but makes keeping them clean incredibly easy.
The ventilation provided by the mesh insole helps to keep sweat to a minimum, and the EVA sole provides a high level of grip. All in all, there is almost nothing about this shoe I don’t like, and it’s hard to pick any faults with it.
Some users have mentioned fitting issues, so we’d recommend checking the reviews to ensure you get a perfect size.
The bottom line is that these wrestling shoes are going to help you win. You can push your opponent with ease without worrying about whether or not you’ll slip or if the shoes are going to cut into you.
ASICS know how to make a perfect wrestling shoe, and they’ve shown that again here. As an added bonus, they look great too! The color options are fantastic, so you’ll be sure to pick something that matches your style. For us, these are the best wrestling shoes on the market.
2. Best for Ankle Support – Otomix Weightlifting MMA & Wrestling Shoes
Suitable for: Variety of intermediate-to-expert martial artists
Gender: Men’s
Size range: 7 – 15
Material: Leather/synthetic mix, rubber sole
Color: Black, grey (light and dark), red, blue, and pink
If like me you need a bit of extra ankle support, then these shoes will be perfect for you. For those who are prone to ankle sprains, the extra support on these shows is going to help cut down the risk of injury. It’ll also help to give you more stability on the wrestling mat.
The amazing aspect of these wrestling shoes is that they give you extra support despite being incredibly lightweight. That means you don’t have to sacrifice being quick on your feet, which is ideal for those wrestlers who rely on their speed.
The design here isn’t the most stylish in the world, but they still have five great color options. Otomix has made these shoes from a combination of leather and synthetics, which gives them the low weight we talked about but also an impressive level of durability.
With the extra ankle support, you may think that it may lack in other areas, but it doesn’t. Along with all the benefits we mentioned is the thin sole that is still able to give you an exceptional level of grip.
While these shoes are great for wrestling, they are versatile too. They are perfect for weightlifting or deadlifting, as well as any other form of martial arts or MMA that requires footwear.
3. Best for Budget – Adidas Men’s HVC Wrestling Shoe
Suitable for: Beginners on a budget
Gender: Men’s
Size range: 10
Material: Synthetic, rubber sole
Color: Black
If you’re getting into the sport or don’t have a lot to spend, you can still find great wrestling shoes at an affordable price. That’s where the Adidas HVC wrestling shoes come in, they are the best budget shoes on the market today.
While they are not the most expensive wrestling shoe, you don’t notice much in terms of a drop-off in quality. They have that Adidas name you can trust and, therefore, a good level of durability.
These shoes are 100% synthetic which gives them a low weight but they are still able to handle competition after competition without breaking.
The shoes that we looked at come in size ten but you can search for any other sizes, and they’ll be sure to have them. While these shoes are fairly simple in design, they have that effortless style that Adidas has become famous for.
Squats and deadlifts are other disciplines where these wrestling shoes shine. They provide comfort whatever activity you do while also giving you excellent value for money.
You won’t regret getting a pair of these! Even though these shoes are the best cheap wrestling shoes, they can be used by wrestlers at any level.
4. Best for Boxing – Ringside Diablo Wrestling Boxing Shoes
Suitable for: Multi-sport enthusiasts
Gender: Unisex
Size range: 2 -13
Material: Patent leather, mesh, and rubber sole
Color: Black, red, white, green, and orange
Do you love both boxing and wrestling? If so, then you’ll want to save yourself some money and get a pair of shoes that are perfect for both. There are a few shoes in this list that fit that bill, but none more so than these from Ringside.
Having both ease of movement and a high level of support is a delicate balance that a lot of poor quality shoes can’t find. For those who need both, you’ll find them here. It makes them ideal for those who need more stability from the shoe but still have the flexibility to launch attacks.
We love the design here. There are different colors available, along with a patent leather finish which will make you stand out from the crowd. If you were looking for a more subtle shoe, then you may need to look elsewhere!
There aren’t many negatives with these wrestling shoes but many users have noted sizing issues, and therefore you should be careful when selecting your pair. Aside from that, there is very little to grumble about.
With these Ringside Diablo wrestling boxing shoes, you can pivot and turn on the mat with confidence while not needing to worry about sweat, comfort, or performance.
5. Best for Wide Feet – ASICS Men’s Snapdown 3 Wrestling Shoes
Suitable for: Intermediate wrestlers with wide feet
Gender: Men’s
Size range: 5 – 14
Material: Fabric, mesh, and rubber sole
Color: Black/gunmetal, and grey/white
Those who have wide feet know the difficulties in getting shoes that fit properly. This can be annoying in day-to-day life but especially when you’re trying to compete. Thankfully Asics have you covered with this brilliant pair of wrestling shoes.
All their sizes offer a wide-fit design so you can enjoy your wrestling without feeling as though your toes are getting crushed. Meanwhile, you’ll have all the benefits that you’d expect from a great pair of wrestling shoes.
These wide wrestling shoes are made with stitch down overlays, along with mesh underlays. What that all means is that plenty of air travels through the shoe, which allows you to keep cool while any sweat is quickly evaporated.
There are only two color options here but they both look great with stylish designs you’ll surely love. The rubber sole on the bottom is thin enough for the shoe to remain lightweight but sturdy enough to still give you an incredible grip.
The shoes are built to withstand plenty of punishment, so you’ll never need to worry about them failing you in a competition.
You’ll have an excellent foothold to give you the best chance of winning your wrestling matches. For those with wide feet, you won’t find better wrestling shoes than this.
6. Best for Youth – ASICS Kid’s Matflex 6 Grade School Wrestling Shoes
Suitable for: Young wrestlers
Gender: Unisex
Size range: 1 – 13
Material: Synthetic, and rubber sole
Color: 10 multi-colored options
For those looking to buy a pair of wrestling shoes for a child, these from Asics are the ones you should get. They are perfect for school while also coming at an affordable price.
They are perfect for the development of any young wrestler and have enough durability that you won’t need to think about getting a new pair until they move up a shoe size. The fit is highly comfortable and will promote excellent performance.
Part of that comfort with these best youth wrestling shoes comes from its EVA sock liner, which not only gives cushioning for them but also makes them easier to clean for you. The high amount of ventilation will also reduce any excess sweat.
For those kids who care about style, they have a few excellent designs and a great range of colors. The exceptional user reviews show how loved these cool wrestling shoes are, and they would be a wonderful present for any aspiring wrestler.
7. Best for Highschool – Nike Mens Inflict 3 Wrestling Shoes
Suitable for: High school wrestling
Gender: Men’s
Size range: 6 – 14
Material: Mesh, and rubber sole
Color: Blue and black
We just looked at a pair of shoes that are ideal for kids but these are perfect for those that are a little bit older. If your child still has a bit of growing to do while they are developing their love for the sport, then you can’t go wrong with these Nike’s.
Style isn’t the first thing you should look at in a wrestling shoe, but it’s always an important feature, especially for the younger generation. With Nike, you know you’ll get a quality shoe but also a high level of style, and that’s exactly what you get here with their six options.
So they are stylish, great, but are they any good? Thankfully they tick all the right boxes there too. The combination of the gum rubber outsole along with the forefront strap will allow any wrestler to have the confidence to power off the mat.
Flexibility is also high here and promotes excellent mobility for those who rely on dynamic movement. If you or your child loves weightlifting, then these shoes are going to be great for that too.
8. Best Lightweight – Adidas Men’s Mat Wizard 4 Wrestling Shoe
Suitable for: Quick and agile wrestlers
Gender: Men’s
Size range: 2 – 16
Material: Mesh upper, and rubber sole
Color: 14 different options
If you’re in a lower weight category or are particularly quick on your feet, then a heavy shoe can hold you back. If you want something that won’t hinder your performance, then these lightweight shoes from Adidas from the ones you’re looking for. However, even for a heavyweight, these can be a good option.
The design of these shoes will allow you to attack quickly and have faith that you can move around the mat while always getting the perfect level of grip. This is helped by the impressive rubber outsole but also aided by the lightweight upper.
Of all the designs that we’ve seen already, these are perhaps the boldest. We love them and think they look fantastic, especially with the range of colors available, including all black wrestling shoes. You can always rely on Adidas for a stylish shoe.
There are a few issues with durability but that can almost be expected with such a light shoe. But despite that, these wrestling shoes can still give you the stability and traction you want. It all adds up to another brilliant option for those looking for great wrestling shoes.
9. Best High Top Wrestling Shoes – Ringside Undefeated Wrestling Boxing Shoes
Suitable for: Multi-sport ankle support
Gender: Unisex
Size range: 5 – 13
Material: Patent leather, nylon mesh, and rubber sole
Color: Black and white
High top wrestling shoes are not only preferred by some for their style but also for the fact they give incredible ankle support. Ringside has produced these high tops, which are perfect for both wrestling and boxing.
These top wrestling shoes are available in stylish options of either white or black wrestling shoes, and have a striking patent leather finish which makes them a contender for the coolest wrestling shoes out there.
When competing, you’ll look great while also knowing that you have a great shoe to power you to victory.
You’ll have plenty of confidence when fighting in these, and they’ll allow you to perform at your best. You also won’t have to worry about sweating too much either, as they have a breathable mesh pattern that efficiently circulates air.
If you practice different martial arts, then you’ll love these versatile shoes.
10. Best Low Top Wrestling Shoes – Vbestlife Martial Art Shoes
Suitable for: Wrestling practice
Gender: Unisex
Size range: 5 – 9.5
Material: PU, and rubber sole
Color: White with either red or black detailing
We’ve just looked at a great high top, but what about those lovers of wrestling who prefer low top wrestling shoes? These shoes from Vbestlife are the best option for those who want to have something more minimal.
They have been specifically designed for karate but are also great for the likes of boxing, taekwondo, or wrestling. They won’t give you the same level of ankle support as other wrestling shoes but you’ll still have that high flexibility and grip you need.
We were highly impressed by the craftsmanship of these shoes, which you can see by the stitching quality. It means that you’ll never need to worry about your shoes breaking apart, even with the most rigorous of wrestling moves.
Comfort is high here too. They are quite soft on the foot while also being slightly plastic, so there’s no material digging into your feet. The non-slip shoes are ideal for those craving a more minimal design.
11. Best Versatile Wresting Shoes – WHITIN Men’s Cross-Trainer
Suitable for: Multi-sport practice
Gender: Men’s
Size range: 7 – 15
Material: Mesh upper, and rubber sole
Color: 16 color options
Do you have a lot of fighting passions aside from just wrestling? If so, you’ll want a wrestling shoe that can do it all. That’s exactly what you get with this Whitin shoe, as it has incredible versatility over a wide range of disciplines.
They probably aren’t the shoes you want for high-level wrestling competitions, but they are ideal for practice and those just starting out in the sport. There are many different color options to get exactly what you want.
With an affordable price range, you get great value for money, especially with the high level of comfort. They have an anatomical shape which means they follow the natural shape of a foot. This helps to avoid any pinch points or discomfort.
While not specifically made for wide feet, they do offer more room than standard shoes, and therefore they are another good option for those who need that extra space. Their thin and flat sole makes them ideal for wrestling.
12. Best High Grip Wrestling Shoes – Venum Unisex-Adult Elite Shoes
Suitable for: Explosive power
Gender: Unisex
Size range: 4 – 16
Material: Patent leather, mesh upper, and rubber sole
Color: 9 color options
Do you love exploding off the mat into your wrestling moves? Do you find that sometimes your shoes don’t give you a stable enough base for your power? If that sounds like you, then these Venum shoes are going to give you everything you need.
Before we get into its features, let’s talk about the design. Whether it’s boxing gloves, shin guards, or wrestling shoes, Venum products always look amazing, and that’s no different here. The nine colorways all look amazing.
They look amazing, and they perform fantastically too. There will be no slipping here, both inside and outside the shoe. The rubber outsole gives you all the grip you need, and the bonded insole will also prevent your foot from slipping inside the shoe.
The result is a level of durability and stability you can trust. Added to that is the high level of ankle support you’ll get from the higher stop. That stability and support don’t come at a cost, as the shoe is will light and agile.
While marketed as boxing shoes, they are perfect for any wrestler looking to showcase their power.
13. Best Running Training Shoes – COKAFIL Mens Running Shoes
Suitable for: Cardio training and practice
Gender: Men’s
Size range: 7 – 13
Material: Mesh, and rubber sole
Color: 18 color options
Anyone that has wrestled knows how tough it is. Not only physically, but if you’re unfit, you’ll gas out very quickly. If you’re looking for the perfect shoes to improve your cardio while still being great for practice, then you’ll love these.
As you can probably tell from their design, these aren’t shoes that you’ll want to compete in but would complement a pair of competition shoes perfectly. Their clip-on closure makes them very easy to use and adds to their overall comfort.
The breathability here is fantastic. You’ll can go for long runs or brutal training sessions without worrying about sweat. That’s helped by the mesh upper, which will keep your feet as dry as possible. There is even a honeycomb sole that will absorb sweat.
Another great aspect of these shoes is shock absorption. Pure wrestling shoes have a very thin sole for elite performance, but they can be hard on the joints, even on a mat. These will provide you more relief to ensure you 100% when it’s competition time.
Given their price, these are phenomenal value, and with their casual design, you can even wear them out and about.
14. Best Women’s Wrestling Shoes – ASICS Women’s MATBLAZER Wrestling Shoes
Suitable for: Intermediate to expert wrestlers
Gender: Women
Size range: 5.5 – 14
Material: Mesh upper, and rubber sole
Color: 3 multi-colored options
Women in wrestling sadly have fewer options compared to men wrestling shoes. Thankfully Asics is here to plug the gap in the market with this impressive pair. They make the claim that these are the first wrestling shoes that are made just for women.
They come in the more feminine colors that you’d expect, which look great, but there is also a striking black and gold shoe for women looking for something more traditional. Whichever color you choose, you’ll look stylish out there on the mat.
Support with these shoes is exceptional, and you’ll feel confident on the mat. That support also adds up to plenty of stability, giving you the confidence to perform. That confidence is also aided by the high level of midfoot support.
When you add all that to the lightweight construction, it’s no surprise that these shoes are rated so highly. As with many Asics wrestling shoes, they also feature a circular outsole pattern which has been proven to give you exceptional grip.
15. Best Unisex Wresting Shoes – ASICS Unisex Snapdown 2 Wrestling Shoes
Suitable for: Beginner to Intermediate level
Gender: Unisex
Size range: 5.5 – 15
Material: Synthetic, and rubber sole
Color: 8 multi-colored options
Another great option for women (and men) is this unisex shoe from Asics. They provide excellent comfort for everyone while allowing you to perform at a high level. Their excellent customer ratings show that you can buy these with confidence.
They are marketed as a mid-level wrestling shoes, and that makes sense. Beginners would be happy with these, but they are also suitable for intermediate-level wrestlers.
They are a little more expensive than budget-level wrestling shoes but still have exceptional value for money. As with many other pairs on this list, they’ll give you the comfort level, breathability, and performance that you need.
That includes the exceptional grip that you’ll get from these traction pods. They may be the last shoe featured on our list, but we’d still highly recommend them. On top of all of that, we think they look fantastic as well.
What Are Wrestling Shoes?
Wrestling shoes are designed for tough, competitive athletes who need to be able to move quickly and with agility on the mat. Unlike other types of athletic footwear, wrestling shoes have special features that provide the support and traction needed for this high-impact sport.
For instance, most wrestling shoes have a higher level of stability and traction than most standard shoes on the market. In addition, the soles of wrestling shoes are usually much thinner than those of other athletic shoes, and there are even split sole wrestling shoes for a different feel of grip.
This design provides a better feel and grip on the mat, while also allowing wrestlers to move more quickly and with greater agility. If you’re competing at anywhere near a decent level, there’s no doubt that you’d need a pair of high-quality wrestling shoes.
Best Wrestling Shoe Brands
Many wrestling shoe brands out there make wrestling shoes, but not all of them are very good. As you can probably tell from our list, Asics are the kings of making high-quality wrestling shoes. They not only have a range of different types but also a diverse range of styles.
While that’s true, they are far from the only company that makes high-quality wrestling shoes, as the likes of Adidas, Ringside, Nike, and Otomix have some great options. There are even other good brands we’ve not mentioned here, such as Rudis wrestling shoes.
Here’s our list of the top 5 best brands for wrestling shoes:
- Asics
- Adidas
- Ringside
- Nike
- Otomix
Types of Wrestling Shoes
When it comes to wrestling shoes, there are a variety of different types to choose from. For example, there are those that are designed for speed, those that offer extra support, and those that are lightweight and comfortable.
Of course, the type of shoe that you choose will ultimately depend on your own personal preferences. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all shoes are created equal.
In order to find the perfect pair of wrestling shoes, it is important to know your wrestling type and what shoes are going to bring out your best performance.
With so many different options available, there is sure to be a pair of wrestling shoes that are perfect for you.
Facts to Consider When Buying Wrestling Shoes
If you’re in the market for wrestling shoes, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Size – You’ll need to choose the right size. Wrestling shoes tend to run small, so it’s best to order a size up from your regular shoe size. While that can often be true, it’s good to look at user reviews to see what others say about sizing.
Some prefer to have a tighter feel, whereas others like to have comfort as their priority. Having incorrect sizing can affect your performance level and therefore it’s always a good idea to double-check before you buy.
Skill Level – Many think that the difference between beginner and expert shoes is just about cost, but it’s much more than that. An expert-level wrestler will want to have a great feel on the mat and will have a greater awareness of where their feet need to be placed.
Due to this, many expert-level wrestling shoes may have specific features such as a particularly thin sole. As a beginner, you can be a little more flexible in your choices as the equipment will play a smaller role in your performance.
Material – You’ll need to decide what type of material you want your shoes to be made from. Leather is the traditional choice, but synthetic materials can be lighter and more breathable. Often modern shoes will have a mix of both.
Support – Choose a shoe with the right level of support and cushioning. Wrestling is a high-impact sport, so you’ll want a shoe that can provide plenty of protection for your feet and ankles. If you’re prone to ankle sprains, then it makes sense to choose high-top shoes that’ll give you extra protection in that area.
Budget – Pick a shoe that fits your budget. Wrestling shoes can be expensive, but it’s important to choose a quality pair that will last through many practices and matches.
As a beginner, there is no point in getting an expensive shoe unless money isn’t a big factor for you. Those starting out in the sport won’t be able to tell much difference between a cheap or an expensive shoe.
As your ability progresses, it makes sense to save up and get a shoe that’ll give you a higher level of performance.
FAQs
How much are wrestling shoes?
Wrestling shoes can range in price from about $30 to $200 or more. The most expensive wrestling shoes are usually designed for use in professional competitions and are made with very high-quality materials.
Cheaper wrestling shoes may not offer as much support or durability, but they will still provide the necessary traction and protection for basic training needs.
The amount you should pay will depend on your budget and experience level. If you’re just starting out, then paying around $50 would be a great starting point. At this level, you’ll get an affordable wrestling shoe but still with plenty of quality.
How long will wrestling shoes last?
It depends on how often you wrestle and how well you take care of them. If you wrestle three times a week, your shoes should last about six months. If you only wrestle once a month, they might last up to a year.
To make your wrestling shoes last as long as possible, always air them out after use and avoid leaving them in direct sunlight. You can also brush them down with a stiff brush after each use to remove any dirt or debris.
Should wrestling shoes be tight?
It depends on the wrestler’s preference. Some wrestlers prefer shoes that are tight so that they have a better feel for the mat, while others prefer shoes that are a bit looser so that they have more freedom of movement.
Are wrestling shoes good for running?
There is no definitive answer to this question since wrestling shoes are designed for different purposes. Wrestling shoes are typically lightweight and have a thin, flat sole that allows a wrestler to move quickly and grip the mat better.
Running shoes, on the other hand, are typically heavier and have a thicker sole that provides more cushioning and stability.
In general, no, wrestling shoes aren’t good for running. Their thin and flat sole will be tough on your feet if you’re running long distances on hard surfaces.
Do wrestling shoes run true to size?
It depends on the brand, but many users complain about wrestling shoes running a little small. It’s often suggested to get at least half a size up, but you should always be careful doing this as you don’t want shoes that are too big.
A lot of sellers will give you added guidance on shoe size, and it’s always a good idea to check user reviews. In the review section, you can see if anyone is complaining about sizing, and you’ll often find recommendations.
Should you wear socks with wrestling shoes?
It is generally recommended that wrestlers wear socks with their wrestling shoes. The socks will help to keep the wrestlers’ feet dry and free from bacteria. There are other reasons too, as most will say it provides a better feel. Added to that, it will also make your wrestling shoes easier to clean and maintain.
Final Verdict
To perform at your highest level in wrestling, you need a great pair of wrestling shoes. They will allow you to wrestle in comfort, and have a great feel of the mat while also giving you the stability and traction that you need.
We looked at many great shoes here, but none were better than the Asics Matflex wrestling shoes. They ticked all the right boxes of having a brilliant range of features while also being stylish. We’d highly recommend this pair of Asics.
While we loved the Matflex, it was hard to choose a winner. Any of the other 14 shoes we reviewed could have easily taken the top spot. It’s vital that you look at your specific needs to get the best wrestling shoes for your skill level and experience.