Combat sports shoes for Black Friday

What sets a wrestling shoe apart

The wrestling shoe is designed for the mat: a very thin sole, often coming up the sides, that provides grip to push against the opponent, pivot, and get back up. Its high upper keeps the ankle stable during leg grabs and turns on the ground. Competition rules require a shoe with no heel, no buckles or metal parts, and with laces covered or tucked away to prevent them from coming undone and injuring anyone. The adidas Adizero Mat Wizard, very lightweight, is one of the go-to models for competitions; the Combat Speed and the HVC, available for women and children, as well as the Nike Speedsweep are aimed at regular training.

Other combat sports

Combat sports on Black Friday also come in various forms:

• Boxing gloves.
• Boxing shorts.
• Kimonos.
• Protective gear.
• Skipping ropes.

All combat sports are gathered on the combat sports page.

Boxing shoes: support and pivots in the ring

In boxing, the boxing shoe helps with footing: a thin, flexible sole to stay on the balls of the feet, a smooth or circular zone beneath to pivot without getting caught, and a high upper that supports the ankle during lateral movements. The adidas Box Hog, sturdy, is a classic in gyms, with a Wide version for wider feet; the Speedex and Adizero lighten the pair for boxers on the move. Leather models, like the Punch Rexton, adapt to the foot over time, while synthetic uppers, which are lighter, allow for better ventilation during rounds.

Multiboxe and savate: when the shoe strikes too

In some striking disciplines, the shoe is not just for support: it also serves as a striking surface. In savate boxing, it is mandatory, and kicks must make contact with it, never with the shin. Multiboxe models, like the Metal Boxe Viper, reinforce the toe and maintain a smooth sole for pivoting. They are suitable for practitioners alternating between boxing and leg disciplines in training. In Thai boxing and kickboxing, fights are held barefoot: the shoe is mainly used for warming up, skipping rope, and movement drills.

Size and fit: properly try on your pair

A boxing or wrestling shoe should fit snugly, almost like a slipper: the foot should not slide in the upper during a pivot or push. It should be tried on with the thin socks used in training, laced all the way up to check that the ankle is supported without being compressed. Leather softens and conforms to the foot over sessions, while synthetic materials move less: therefore, a leather pair should be chosen a bit tighter rather than looser. These shoes are meant for the gym, as concrete quickly wears down such a thin sole and brings gravel onto the ring or mat.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wrestle in boxing shoes?

For an introductory session, yes, but the boxing sole, being smoother, offers less grip on the mat during pushes. The wrestling shoe, with a enveloping and grippy sole, is preferable once wrestling regularly.

High-top or mid-top boxing shoes?

High-top models provide better ankle support and comfort those who have suffered a sprain before. Mid-top models, which are lighter and allow for more freedom, appeal to boxers who focus on mobility and quick movements.

How can you avoid odours in combat shoes?

Take them out of the bag right after the session, loosen the laces, and let them dry in the open air, away from a radiator. Crumpled newspaper inserted into the upper absorbs moisture, and a second pair allows each to dry completely.

Do you need shoes for practicing MMA?

No, MMA is practiced barefoot, both in competition and training, to grapple and strike without risking injuring the opponent. Wrestling shoes are, however, used during pure wrestling sessions for fighters.

What shoe for a child starting wrestling?

A lightweight pair, with a soft sole and simple lacing that the child can manage alone, like the adidas HVC in the children's version. Get it in their actual size, as shoes that are too big can cause the foot to slide on the mat.