Finding the perfect pair of wrestling shoes can make all the difference in your performance on the mat. With so many options available, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure you select shoes that match your wrestling style and provide the fit, support, and features you need. Let’s explore 15 tips to help you find your ideal wrestling shoes.
Determine Your Wrestling Style for the Right Shoe Fit
The first step is identifying your wrestling style. Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers generally prefer lightweight, flexible shoes for speed and agility. Folkstyle wrestlers often opt for more sturdy and supportive shoes that provide ankle stability during scrambles and takedowns. Think about how you wrestle most often to choose shoes tailored to your techniques.
Consider Low, Mid, or High Top Wrestling Shoe Types
Wrestling shoes come in low, mid, and high top styles. Low tops offer the lightest feel but less ankle support. Mid tops provide a balance of flexibility and stability. High tops give maximum ankle protection and are often preferred by heavyweight wrestlers. Evaluate your support needs to pick the ideal heel height.
Shop Youth vs. Adult Sizes for Proper Sizing
Ensure you get the right shoe size by checking wrestling shoe sizing charts and trying shoes on before buying when possible. Youth sizes are available for younger wrestlers with growing feet. Men’s sizes accommodate older teen and adult wrestlers once feet are fully developed. Correct sizing helps prevent blisters and slippage.
Compare Price Points to Find Affordable Options
Wrestling shoes range widely in price from budget-friendly to premium models. Less expensive shoes from brands like Asics and Adidas often provide sufficient quality for beginners. More advanced wrestlers may benefit from investing in shoes from reputable brands like Nike and Cliff Keen, which cost more but can enhance high-level performance.
Look for Sales on Wrestling Shoes on Amazon
One way to get quality wrestling shoes without breaking the bank is to shop online sales. Amazon offers a wide selection of styles frequently discounted 20-30% or more. Browse their daily deals and lightning sales for opportunities to save on top brands.
Check Local Sporting Goods Stores for Wrestling Shoe Availability
Don’t overlook selection and pricing at local stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, and Modell’s. Trying shoes on in person can help ensure proper fit. Stores may also offer package discounts when buying essential wrestling gear bundles.
Search for Specific Brands Known for Quality Wrestling Shoes
Certain brands like Asics, Nike, Adidas, Cliff Keen, and Brute have earned reputations for durability, traction, and performance. Searching by brand name can help you quickly find proven wrestling shoe options guaranteed to last through tough training and competitions.
Focus on Finding Lightweight Options for Speed
Lightweight wrestling shoes enhance maneuverability and explosiveness on the mat. Models weighing 15 ounces or less provide a barely-there feel ideal for fast footwork. Ventilated uppers also promote air flow to keep feet cool and dry during intense matches.
Prioritize Ankle Support with Some High Top Styles
Sturdy high top wrestling shoes brace ankles to avoid injury during pivots and sudden direction changes. Added stability is key for wrestlers recovering from past sprains or those concerned about rolls and impacts affecting vulnerable joints. Opt for mid or high tops over low cuts if ankle support is a priority.
Choose Flashy Designs and Color Options to Stand Out
Many brands offer wrestling shoes in vibrant colors and bold designs to fit your personal style. Choose bright shades like neon green, orange, or pink if you want to get noticed on the mat. Opt for neutral black and grey tones if you prefer subtlety.
Ensure Proper Fit by Trying Shoes On Before Buying
Don’t just rely on general sizing charts. Visit a store to actually try on different wrestling shoes in your size to assess comfort and support. Walk and lightly jog to detect any slippage, rubbing, or pressure points before making a purchase.
Analyze Material Construction for Durability
Inspect wrestling shoe materials from the sole to laces. Soles with solid rubber offer better traction and longevity versus cheap foam. Uppers made of synthetic leather or mesh promote ventilation without fast wear and tear compared to canvas. Durable laces also withstand knotting and tugging.
Read Online Reviews to Learn from Other Wrestlers
Research wrestling shoe reviews posted by verified buyers on sites like Amazon. Assess feedback on sizing, comfort, ankle support, traction, and durability over time. Popular models beloved by other wrestlers can provide confidence in your choice.
Comparison Shop to Find the Best Deals on Wrestling Shoes
Don’t buy the first wrestling shoes you see. Take time to browse and compare prices across athletic brands, retailers, and e-commerce sites. Sign up for email lists to receive discount alerts and codes. Being price conscious can help you save money on quality shoes.
Take Proper Care of Your Shoes for Longevity
Make your investment last by cleaning wrestling shoes after use, allowing them to fully air dry, and storing them properly. Stuff shoes with newspaper or inserts to absorb moisture and maintain shape. Disinfect innersoles and use odor sprays to prevent bacterial buildup over time.
Finding the ideal wrestling shoes involves careful consideration of comfort, support, traction, and performance features. Evaluate your personal needs and wrestling style, then compare brands, styles, sizes, and prices to select affordable shoes tailored to your goals. With the right selection, you’ll be prepared to dominate your next match on the mat.
When browsing the multitude of wrestling shoe options, one of the most important factors to consider is the heel height and ankle cut. Wrestling shoes come in low top, mid top, and high top styles, each offering their own sets of advantages and disadvantages for performance.
Consider Low, Mid, or High Top Wrestling Shoe Types
Low top wrestling shoes only reach up the ankle slightly, providing the lightest and most flexible feel. The freedom of movement allows for fast footwork and quick changes of direction. However, the low cut offers very little in terms of ankle support and stability. Sudden twists and impacts can lead to rolled ankles or worse injuries.
Mid top wrestling shoes extend higher up the ankle for moderate stability and protection. The cut isn’t so high that it restricts mobility, but it does brace the ankle enough to prevent some hazardous bending and twisting. Mid tops offer a nice balance between flexibility and support for many wrestlers.
High top wrestling shoes provide maximum ankle coverage and the most stability for the joint. The high cut allows very little range of motion, severely reducing the risk of ankle strains and sprains during competition. Heavyweight wrestlers often favor high tops for the sturdy support when grappling larger opponents.
Consider Weight Classes
Lighter weight classes tend to prefer the freedom of low tops for working quick foot sweeps and other agile techniques. Heavier wrestlers are more likely to choose the protection of high tops that anchor their ankles solidly when wrestling larger opponents.
Analyze Past Injury History
Wrestlers recovering from prior ankle sprains or with chronic instability should consider high top shoes to prevent re-injury. Even those with no history of injury may opt for the protection of high tops due to the frequent twisting and impacts in wrestling that can lead to rolls and sprains.
Think About Wrestling Style
Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling require constant motion, with wrestlers needing to swiftly change directions. Low top shoes allow for better freedom and dexterity. Folkstyle wrestling involves more grappling and upper body techniques where high top ankle support comes in handy.
Try On Different Cuts
Test out low, mid, and high top wrestling shoes to assess how your ankles feel. Do some light jogging, pivots, and shuffling to mimic competition conditions. Let your comfort level be the final guide in determining if more or less ankle coverage is right for you.
Choosing the ideal height of wrestling shoes requires balancing stability versus mobility. Fortunately, most brands offer the same shoe models in low, mid, and high cuts. Try shoes on and test different wrestling moves to determine the best option for keeping your ankles supported and injury-free all season long.