2022 BEST WRESTLING SHOES- Get Ahead Of The Competition

We each have our favorite wrestling shoes, but does that make them the best? Not necessarily. Our first research source was Google, and we found a lot of terrible recommendations by people who were just trying to make a quick buck by referring to products without justification.

After hours of research, evaluating thousands of reviews, and consulting the wrestling community, we have narrowed it down to 5 of the best wrestling shoes on the market. Flexibility, breathability, overall fit, support, materials, outsole, and weight were all taken into account. To help you decide which wrestling shoe is best for you, we have reviewed and broken down each shoe. I am certain that you will not find a list like this on the internet.

HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS:

Best Overall: Adidas Tech Fall 2.0

Runner Up: ASICS JB Elite V

Honorable Mention: Nike Freeks

Also Consider: ASICS Dan Gable EVO

Best On A Budget: ASICS Matflex 6

Best Youth: Adidas HVC 2

Best Nike On A Budget: Nike Fury

Best Mat Grip: Nike Inflict 3

Most Versatile: Adidas Combat Speed

Best Durability: ASICS Men's Aggressor 4

Most Breathable: Adidas Mat Hog 2.0

1. The Best Overall-Adidas Tech Fall 2.0

Sold By: DICK's Sporting Goods

Price Check: Amazon

What you should know: There's a good reason why the Adidas Tech Fall 2.0 is our top-rated wrestling shoe. Synthetic material and mesh combine to provide an incredible mix of ventilation and durability, which can come in handy after a long day on the mat or in the ring. Additionally, the Tech Fall 2.0 strikes a solid balance between slippery and grip, allowing show wearers to pull off almost any move during a wrestling match

What you"ll love: The high-tech mesh in these shoes dries faster than any other shoe on our list. With a pair only weighing 1.3 pounds, these wrestling shoes are on the lighter side of the spectrum.

What you should consider: A few consumers have reported you cannot easily clean these shoes due to the mesh and they tend to get dirty quickly.

The Nitty Gritty:

Material- Synthetic leather

Styling- Old School

Sole Type- Solid Sole

Lace Mechanism- Laces

Level- Advanced

Grip- High

Flexibility- Medium

Width- Normal

Shoe Weight-Low

2. ​Runner Up- ASICS JB Elite V

Sold By: DICK's Sporting Goods

Price Check: Amazon

What you need to know: The ASICS JB Elite V wrestling shoe has some of the best ratings among wrestling shoes. The shoe has a split sole design, offering increased grip and flexibility on both the heel and toe when compared with non-split sole models. This sole enables the JB Elite V to have an extremely versatile feel and can adapt to a wrestler’s needs and abilities with ease, giving an advantage over competitors with cheaper shoes.

What you"ll love: The tongue of the shoe is thinner than most, reducing cramping by loosening the tightness on the front of the foot while maintaining tightness throughout the ankle. In addition, Asics designed this shoe for quick lacing.

What you should consider: consumers have reported that the split sole tends to slowly peel off over time. These shoes are a little on the heavier side as well, weighing in at 1.7 pounds for the pair.

The Nitty Gritty:

Material- Synthetic leather

Styling- Modern

Sole Type- Split Sole

Lace Mechanism- Laces

Level- Advanced

Grip- Medium

Flexibility- High

Width- Normal

Shoe Weight- Heavy

#3 Honorable Mention- Nike Freeks

Sold By: Athletic Performance Solutions

Price Check: not available on Amazon

What you need to know: The Nike Freek is one of Nike's most highly acclaimed and popular wrestling shoes. One-of-a-kind grooves on its outsole served as a precursor to the famous Nike Freek articulated outsole. With mesh ventilation in the upper, your body temperature will be easily regulated while training and quicken the drying process between sessions. Support for the wrestler's foot is reinforced with leather and synthetics for even the strongest, fastest, most powerful wrestlers. In addition to the sleek protective layer wrapping around the toe, the midsole was designed and constructed with both style and durability in mind. With these shoes on, your feet will feel supported, powerful, and comfortable. In compliance with High School and Collegiate regulations, it has a unique Velcro lace management system. Lastly, what would a Nike shoe be without the famous Nike Swoosh logo on each side?

What you'll love: Stylish, extremely lightweight, fits a wider foot, very comfortable after break-in.

What you should consider: Customers report that the shoe runs 1/2 size small, and it may be less flexible than other wrestling shoes.

The Nitty Gritty:

Material- Synthetic leather

Styling- Old School

Sole Type- Solid Sole

Lace Mechanism- Velcro

Level- Advanced

Grip- High

Flexibility- Low

Width- Normal

Shoe Weight- Standard

#4 Also Consider: ASICS Dan Gable EVO 2

Sold By: DICK'S Sporting Goods

Price Check: Amazon

What you need to know: A Dan Gable wrestling shoe is one of the longest-running lines in the sport's modern history. It is the new ASICS Octipod Technology sole that really sets the Gable EVO apart from the pack. It is unique to the ASICS line, only the Gable EVO has this sole. With three pieces of rubber, it provides wrestling-specific traction from any position. With the synthetic and mesh upper, the soles create one of the most form-fitting wrestling shoes we have ever seen. Despite being extremely durable, the upper is still breathable and can take whatever workout you put it through. With the non-traditional tongue, you'll experience a true sock-like fit right out of the box. Furthermore, no ASICS shoe would be complete without their signature lace garage. You can easily and quickly strap down your wrestling shoes using this lacing system.

What you'll love: Very comfortable, fits like a sock, extremely lightweight, excellent grip durable design

What you should consider: Consumers report that the shoe runs 1/2 size small and is expensive, but worth it.

The Nitty Gritty:

Material- Synthetic leather

Styling- Modern

Sole Type- Solid Sole

Lace Mechanism- Laces

Level- Advanced

Grip- High

Flexibility- High

Width- Normal

Shoe Weight- Light

#5 Best On A Budget-ASICS Matflex 6

Sold By: DICK's Sporting Goods

Price Check: Amazon

What you need to know: Now into its sixth generation, the Matflex just keeps coming back for more, and we’re here for it. If you are looking for the perfect beginner shoe, practice shoe, or durable jack-of-all-trades shoe, the ASICS Matflex is always our first recommendation. The ASICS Matflex 6’s thinner sole really allows the wrestler to feel the mat under their feet. This provides improved grip, while simultaneously offering superior traction. In turn, this makes this shoe also ideal for boxing.

What you"ll love: ASICS completely remodeled the upper and has created a perfect entry-level shoe that doesn’t scream out “entry-level wrestler”. With a slick modern look, it’s perfect for any athlete wanting to up their game. The ASICS Matflex 6’s thinner sole really allows the wrestler to feel the mat under their feet. This provides improved grip, while simultaneously offering superior traction. In turn, this makes this shoe also ideal for boxing.

What you should consider: There is not adequate padding in the sole of the shoe (which has a split sole). There is a possibility for blisters to form on the ball of the foot after prolonged use. The shoe weighs 1.7 pounds. As with most wrestling shoes, these run quite small. We suggest you get full size to a size and a half larger than your usual casual or running shoe.

The Nitty Gritty:

Material- Synthetic leather

Styling- Modern

Sole Type- Solid Sole

Lace Mechanism- Laces

Level- Beginner

Grip- Medium

Flexibility- Medium

Width- Normal

Shoe Weight- Heavy

#6 BEST YOUTH WRESTLING SHOE- Adidas HVC 2

Sold By: DICK's Sporting Goods

Price Check: Amazon

What you need to know: The HVC 2 Youth is the new and improved update to the original HVC. As a result of its completely updated materials, the HVC 2 provides far greater durability and comfort. The upper features a lightweight synthetic suede and synthetic leather, providing excellent durability. Its one-layer mesh allows those small feet to breathe and stay comfortable during practice and wrestling matches.

What you"ll love: With a full-length rubber sole, the HVC 2 provides superior grip, so your wrestler's feet stay firmly planted on the mat throughout their match. The shoe comes with a nice elasticized lace strap to help keep the laces secure and tied if you manage to wrestle them on your young child's feet.

What you should consider: The build quality lacks, but you get what you pay for with wrestling shoes.

The Nitty Gritty:

Styling- Modern

Sole Type- Solid Sole

Lace Garage- Velcro

Level- Beginner

Grip- Medium

Flexibility- Medium

Width- Normal

Shoe Weight- Light

#7 BEST NIKE WRESTLING SHOE ON A BUDGET-

Nike Fury

Sold By: DICK's Sporting Goods

Price Check: not available on Amazon

What you need to know: The new Fury is designed for the wrestler of today who wants the best of both comfort and simplicity. With a single-layer mesh upper, the mid-top shoe helps keep your feet dry and lightweight. In addition to the suede overlays, reinforced suede toes, and integrated padding, the Fury is also extremely comfortable and durable. Excellent for forwarding pressure and shooting your opponent out of bounds.

What you"ll love: Nike's iconic lace pocket completes the mesh tongue; no worries about loose shoes, or bulky straps. The solid rubber sole allows the Fury to gain traction from every angle on the mat with absolutely no slipping. With the Fury’s simplistic design and a multitude of colors to be rolled out, wrestlers can coordinate with any color or taste. In this latest update from Nike, the Nike Fury truly lives up to its name, whether it's excelling in practice or competing on the mat.

What you should consider: Like most wrestling shoes, there have been reports that the shoe runs 1/2 size small, and a few consumers reported that the outsole came undone after a few uses.

The Nitty Gritty:

Styling- Old School

Sole Type- Duosole

Lace Garage- Velcro

Level- Beginner

Grip- Medium

Flexibility- Medium

Width- Normal

Shoe Weight- Standard

#8 BEST MAT GRIP- Nike Inflict 3

Sold By: DICK'S Sporting Good

Price Check: Amazon

What you should know: It's as though you're stepping boldly into greatness when you put on a pair of Nike Inflict 3's. Since its launch, the Inflict line has defined what it means to combine comfort and performance in wrestling shoes. A lightweight, breathable mesh upper provides a form-fitting and lightweight feel. For superior traction, the midsoles keep your feet low and close to the mat. Gum rubber split outsoles provide maximum flexibility and movement as well as excellent grip in multiple directions. A velcro-secured lace strap helps keep the laces in place at the top. This is the third version of the Inflict, and Nike continues to deliver quality, comfort, and style. Be ready to perform at your best with a pair of Nike Inflict 3's before your next match!

What you'll love: Fast break-in time, good grip, extremely lightweight, excellent airflow.

What you should consider: Customers consistently report that the shoes run a half to one size small

The Nitty Gritty:

Styling- Modern

Sole Type- Duosole

Lace Garage- Velcro Pouch

Level- Advanced

Grip- High

Flexibility- Low

Width- Normal

Shoe Weight- Standard

#9 MOST VERSATILE- Adidas Combat Speed V

Sold By: DICK'S Sporting Goods

Price Check: Amazon

What you should know: The Combat Speed 5 keeps all the features you love. Once you try them on, you'll notice how they feel like socks on your feet. A single layer of mesh makes this shoe extremely breathable. To ensure durability and support, the upper is reinforced with synthetic leather and suede. TPU support stripes and side panels provide more support and stability than previous models. Designed for wrestlers who like to be quick with their footwork, the Combat Speed has a split sole for those who don't want any extra weight to slow them down. There are two rubber traction areas under the heel and forefoot mixed with suede leather, so you can seamlessly switch between attacking, defending, and evading. Having a die-cut EVA midsole provides some extra padding in the heel and keeps you on the ball for a better attack stance. The shoe also offers ridiculous flexibility and range of motion, unlike some other wrestling shoes. However, the high-top lace-up design provides great support. You'll find a convenient little strap up at the top to keep everything nice and tidy once you've finished lacing them up

What you'll love: Very comfortable, confident grip but will slide if necessary, fits a wider foot, very flexible and reasonably priced.

What you should consider: Some consumers complain that the shoe does not have enough grip and the Velcro strap is too short.

The Nitty Gritty:

Material- Synthetic Leather, Suede

Styling- Modern

Sole Type- Hybrid Sole

Lace Garage- Velcro

Level- Advanced

Grip- Medium

Flexibility- Medium

Width- Normal

Shoe Weight- Standard

#10 BEST FOR DURABILITY: ASICS Men's Aggressor 4

Sold By: DICK'S Sporting Goods

Price Check: Amazon

What you need to know- The ASICS Aggressor 4 has a flexible design and offers an excellent grip on the mat. Your laces are protected by an integrated lace garage. Furthermore, the ankles are padded for support when grappling. The one-piece Escaine upper is made of ultra-suede fabric and features technical seam placement for long-lasting durability and comfort. Support and cushioning are provided at the ankle area. Lace garages help keep your laces from coming undone so you can grapple without losing points. Designed for flexibility, durability, and grip, Duosole outsole allows you to move naturally on the mat while maintaining traction.

What you'll love: Exceptionally comfortable, durable, lockdown laces, and incredible grip.

What you should consider: Some consumers say the toe box is narrow, making sizing difficult and the shoe takes a bit longer to break-in.

The Nitty Gritty:

Styling- Modern

Sole Type- Duosole

Lace Garage- Velcro Pouch

Level- Advanced

Grip- High

Flexibility- Low

Width- Normal

Shoe Weight- Standard

#11 Most Breathable: Adidas Mat Hog 2.0

Sold By: DICK'S Sporting Goods

Price Check: Amazon

What you need to know: The Adidas Mat Hog 2.0 is an improvement over the 1.0 model. There are seven eyelets on the shoe for lacing purposes. There is a broad range of lacing options available to wrestlers, so they can choose the degree of snugness they want against their feet and ankles. Although there are plenty of upgrades to get excited about, the Mat Hog will always be able to keep your feet dry, since feet move faster when they're not weighed down with water. The materials of the upper make the Mat Hog light and responsive while still being incredibly durable.

What you"ll love: Wrapping up the front of the shoe is a suede reinforcement that will allow you to be on your toes in every shot. A comfortable EVA foam midsole has been incorporated by Adidas to provide long-term comfort. Adidas' classic full-length sole rests beneath the cloud-like EVA foam midsole. You will stay grounded whenever your feet touch the mat thanks to traction pads. In addition, the Mat Hog comes in a full-size run and has some of the most color options among entry-level shoes.

What you should consider: The sole is extremely slippery, though, which is a noted downside in some reviews.

The Nitty Gritty:

Styling- Old School

Sole Type- Solid Sole

Lace Garage- Velcro

Level- Beginner

Grip- Medium

Flexibility- High

Width- Normal

Shoe Weight- Light

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST WRESTLING SHOES- 4 Simple Tips

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