Wrestling: the mat shoes

Free and Greco-Roman Wrestling

Wrestling is practiced in two Olympic forms. In freestyle, wrestlers can grab their opponent's legs and use theirs to throw. In Greco-Roman wrestling, holds are restricted to the upper body, above the waist, and using legs to attack is prohibited. In both cases, the goal is to make both of the opponent's shoulders touch the mat, called a fall, or to score more points.

The Other Martial Arts

Martial arts also include:

• Boxing.
• Judo / Jiu-Jitsu.
• Karate / Taekwondo.
• MMA.

All martial arts are gathered on the martial arts page.

Wrestling Shoes

Wrestling shoes are high-top: they support the ankle during pushes and weight shifts. Their thin rubber sole grips the mat and allows you to feel the floor. The split soles, in two parts under the front and heel, like those of the Nike Speedsweep, provide great flexibility and encourage quick movements; the full soles, like those of the Asics Matflex, offer more stability and are suitable for beginners. The laces are tucked away in a pocket or under an elastic band, to prevent them from coming undone or injuring the opponent during the match.

Choosing Your Model

Lightweight and flexible models, like the adidas Mat Wizard or the Nike Freek, focus on speed; more enveloping models, like the adidas HVC or the Nike Fury, offer more support. Wrestling shoes should fit snugly to avoid slipping inside; they are often chosen in your exact size or even half a size down. The children's versions of the Asics, Nike, adidas, and Phantom Athletics support young wrestlers. Highly appreciated for their lightness, these shoes are also used in boxing and MMA for stand-up training. They are reserved for the mat to preserve their soles.

Bargains

Good deals can also be found in bargains, promotions, clearances, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and 24-hour dispatched items are prepared and sent in 24 hours. The key times of the year follow a steady order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, and then the summer sales and back-to-school season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use wrestling shoes for boxing?

Yes, many boxers wear wrestling shoes, which are lightweight, high-top, and have a thin sole that grips without marking the floor. They support the ankle and make pivoting and moving around the ring easier.

What size should you take for wrestling shoes?

Wrestling shoes should fit snugly to the foot, with no space at the front, so you can feel the mat well. Take your usual shoe size and, if between two sizes, go for the smaller one, as the upper will stretch with use.

One-piece sole or split sole, what's the difference?

A one-piece sole covers the entire bottom of the foot and offers more stability and durability. A split sole, separated under the arch, makes the shoe more flexible and enhances sensations on the mat.

Why are wrestling shoes high-tops?

The high-top design supports the ankle during throws, pivots, and pushes, and prevents the shoe from coming off. The lacing is often hidden under a strap to avoid injuring the opponent.

How to take care of your wrestling shoes?

Reserve them for the mat to keep the sole clean and grippy, and don't walk outside with them. After your session, air them out and clean the sole with a damp cloth to remove dust and sweat.