Wrestling

The 10 Best Wrestling Shoes for training & practice

Whether you have aspirations of becoming a D1 Wrestler, or you just like to casually wrestle – then we have you covered. This article has a list of 10 of the best wrestling shoes for training. As you may expect, this includes top brands such as Adidas, Asics, and Nike. However, we’ve also thrown in a couple of lesser-known brands which may also work well.

With this said, remember that just because wrestling shoes look good, they won’t improve your technique! Arguably, the best thing about any wrestling shoe should be its comfort and longevity so they protect your feet for a long period of time. Everything else is a bonus.

These wrestling shoes have been picked on the following criteria:

  • Price (affordability)
  • Durability
  • Comfort
  • Look and design

Adidas Men’s HVC Wrestling Shoe

These are 100% synthetic with a rubber sole, so you know that your feet won’t smell after a long session. If you’re fluent with wrestling then you’ll know that Adidas have made wrestling shoes for years so the quality is not in question.

The HVC shoes also have a handy velcro strap that covers the top of your laces. The last thing you’d want to do is for you to trip over your laces whilst training which is where the strap comes in handy.

ASICS Men’s Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes

Another brand that has dominated wrestling shoes for years is Asics. Generally, they also offer high quality shoes but are also known for their affordable prices. The same goes for the Matflex 6 shoe. Perhaps the main benefit of this shoe isn’t just the price though, it’s also its lightweight nature.

This means training almost feels like you’re wrestling without wearing any shoes which is a great feeling. Obviously, speed is a big part of wrestling so having the lightest shoes possible may just give you the edge on the mats.

Xtreme Pro Adult Wrestling Shoes

If you’re after something a bit different then the Xtreme Pro Adult Wrestling Shoes are worth considering. These are made with a foam sock liner and arguably have one of the best soles out there. As you can see by the picture, the sole is very well made and has extra grip which is ideal when you’re defending or shooting takedowns.

These also have some of the most flamboyant designs out there that sport a retro look – which is good if that’s what you’re into.

Adidas Mat Wizard 5 Wrestling Shoes

Another one of the higher priced wrestling shoes on this list is the Adidas Mat Wizard 5’s. Once again, if you can afford these then they’re a good deal, although they’re not exactly cheap. As most of the shoe is made from mesh, it means that these are very comfortable with lots of room for movement.

They’re also available to choose from in three different designs and the sole has plenty of ridges which will help with your balance.

Core Wrestling Shoes

Designed to be lightweight, these shoes are also built with a mesh fabric which makes it easy for your feet to breathe. Combined with a tough, rubber sole and velcro strap as well as synthetic leather, it ticks all of the boxes.

What’s more, Core are some of the cheaper names on this list but you can tell there’s been a lot of effort and quality put into these wrestling shoes. For those on a budget, these are a solid purchase but don’t let the price fool you, they’re still good in all areas.

Mens Nike Inflict 3 Wrestling Shoes

In terms of style, the Nike Inflict 3 wrestling shoes are probably the best out there in terms of image as they look pretty beautiful. These have breathable air holes, a rubber sole, and a foot strap to tighten everything together.

As this is Nike, expect to pay higher than most of the brands on this list. In terms of a long-term investment though, these are a good pair of shoes and won’t exactly fall apart after being worn a few times.

Adidas Men’s Mat Hog 2.0 Wrestling Shoe

What’s nice about this shoe is that it’s also made with breathable air holes on the side. This means that your feet don’t just breathe by using the mesh, but also by the air holes which is quite a rare feature as far as wrestling shoes are concerned.

Elsewhere, it’s fitted with the usual stuff and above all, it’s mostly comfortable. As said earlier, Adidas knows what they’re doing when it comes to making wrestling shoes, so you can’t really go wrong with these.

ASICS Men’s JB Elite V Wrestling Shoes

As far as Asics shoes go, these are quite expensive but well worth it if you can afford them. In short, they are incredibly flexible and comfortable to wear so if you buy these, you’ll never want to wear anything again.

Apparently, these were made by the specifications of Jordan Burroughs, so you know why they’re so good as they were made by a top wrestler, for other wrestlers.

Nike Men’s Speedsweep VII Wrestling Shoes

These are made with a suede sole and are available in a few different varieties which is nice if you want to look good whilst wrestling. It should be noted that when it comes to Nike, you’ll typically pay a bit more but you’re guaranteed quality.

Simply put, these are comfortable and built to last as well as looking nice. In other words, if these fit within your budget then it’s definitely something worth considering.

ASICS Unisex Snapdown 2 Wrestling Shoes

One of the best value for money wrestling shoes out there is the Asics Snapdown 2 shoes. These are unisex too which may further suit your needs. Not only are these cheaper than certain shoes on this list, but they’re also made with a sturdy rubber sole, as well as using mesh material on the upper part of the shoe. This is good for hygiene as it allows your feet to breathe whilst giving you a firm base. Visually, these look pretty cool too with various designs which is another nice touch.