Wrestling shoe recommendations.

**Deadmeat** · Posted On: 6/19/2008 7:22pm

I haven't really worn wrestling shoes since about... oh... 2002, when I stopped because kicking with them was considered a no-no. Anyway, I play Judo now, and recently took up freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. I'm really enjoying it, and currently do two hours a session, twice per week. I have found it's helped my judo immensely, and intend to stay with both sports indefinitely.

Anyway, I'm thoroughly accustomed to playing with bare feet on the mat, and it's never been a problem, but I'm beginning to find that my toes are copping a beating. About 90% of the guys in wrestling wear wrestling shoes, so I've decided to get a pair as well.

Anyway, I asked the guys at the club for tips, and most of them have bought their shoes while wrestling overseas. It's actually surprisingly difficult to find decent wrestling shoes here in Aus, as the sport is not as common here as elsewhere.

I did manage to find a supplier nearby, however, but before I lash out the money, I was wondering if anyone here could make a recommendation, or indicate what I should be looking for in terms of a wrestling shoe?

The cheapest one I've been able to find thus far is:

Originally Posted by the Supplier

ASICS Mens Matflex

The Matflex is an entry level wrestling shoe featuring gum rubber outsole and a traditional ASICS image.

It seems to be a decent, if not great show that will serve my purposes well at a reasonable price.

I also like the fact that they aren't particularly garish, unlike, say:

Originally Posted by the Supplier

ASICS Mens Dan Gable Ultimate

Named after legendary American Wrestler Dan Gable, this sleek shoe was designed with perfomance in mind. Features include a special outsole which wraps around the upper for extra grip on the matt. This also is an ideal shoe for martial artists and boxers alike.

So... Any advice, suggestions, or useful information in regards to selecting an appropriate shoe.

**Little Lamb** · Posted On: 6/19/2008 8:19pm

toughest thing I've noticed is finding wide shoes. Nobody manufactures wides, as far as i can tell, but asics seem to be much wider than nike

I ordered from some website...maybe midwest sports. I paid around $30.

Judo guys, at least the ones I know, are very hard headed about shoes. Personally, I believe sambo shoes would work great for judo (as you prob know, sambo shoes don't have a sole like wrestling shoes). I have seen debilitating toe breaks that I believe would not have happened with shoes. But my judokas would say: No way. Shoes are for pussies. Or. No way. That's not traditional. whaddya gonna do.

**Deadmeat** · Posted On: 6/19/2008 9:04pm

Sambo shoes. That's an awesome idea. Thanks mate. I will look into it further.

**Kentucky Fried Chokin** · Posted On: 6/20/2008 1:30am

I like my nike's. They don't have arch support (I'm flat footed) and they were pretty cheap: $36 on sale.

**cuatro76** · Posted On: 6/20/2008 1:39am

I also just started taking some wrestling this summer and need some shoe advice, too. What price/quality range should I buy at if I practice wrestling twice a week at most. Also, are split sole shoes more comfortable than regular sole shoes?

**KayRoc** · Posted On: 6/20/2008 2:12am

What are the pros & cons of wearing shoes? (wrestling shoes, duh)

*edit, nevermind, I just used the search function :) *

**Teh El Macho** · Posted On: 6/20/2008 9:10am

I got both a pair of Adidas Mat Hogs and a pair of ASICS (bot gotten for less than $50.) Decent shoes.

**cuatro76** · Posted On: 6/20/2008 3:48pm

I've also heard wearing Sambo shoes is better for grappling than wrestling shoes because the soles are leather and don't grip the mat as hard as rubber soled wrestling shoes – which could put a lot of torque on the knees and ankles if one spins quickly to do shoulder and hip throws. Any recommendations on Sambo shoes?

**Aaron Fields** · Posted On: 6/21/2008 12:03am

If you are interested in Sombo shoes contact myself or SamboSteve.

Aaron Fields

**bob** · Posted On: 6/21/2008 12:10am

I would recomend going and trying on the shoes you like, then buying them online from the States. With the dollar nearly one for one you can get them much cheaper, even with shipping.