5 Best Wrestling Shoes for Youth in 2024

Last Updated on 20/08/2024 by John Penn

The good wrestlers do not compromise with the wrestling gear while picking the best one, because they know, It is a game of skill, strength, and the right gear. I have tested 100s of pairs to find the Best Wrestling Shoes for Youth in 2024. 

I can tell You from my own experience that the most important factor in youth wrestling shoes is getting the right fit.

​fitting shoes can cause blisters or lack of ankle support during intense matches.

Lightweight wrestling shoes specifically designed for young athletes will have features to stabilize and protect their still-developing feet properly.

Breathable uppers and anti-microbial footbeds also keep feet dry and odor-free in shoes that take a beating.

If You want to learn how do I pick the best wrestling shoes to understand everything in detail.

List of Best Wrestling Shoes for Youth

ASICS Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes

When shopping for the best wrestling shoes for youth athletes, pay close attention to the product details to ensure a proper fit and the features needed to excel on the mat. These Asics Matflex 6 wrestling shoes are imported, with a rubber sole and plastic outer material for durability against wear and tear. 

Care Instructions

Caring for wrestling shoes properly maximizes their lifespan. These shoes can be machine washed for easy cleaning between practices and matches.

Sole Material

The rubber sole provides exceptional grip and traction for quick pivots and lunges on the mat during intense wrestling matches. Rubber soles hold up well over time.  

Outer Material

A plastic outer material resists scuffing during takedowns unlike fabric shoes. The Matflex 6 outer will maintain its look after rough use in the wrestling room.

Shoe Specifications

These shoes contain an EVA sockliner that cushions and supports young wrestlers’ feet. The removable design allows taking it out to air the shoes after sweaty matches.

Ventilation comes from the mesh insole that improves airflow inside the shoe. California lasting helps the Matflex 6 wrestling shoes remain intact through hardcore use in practices and competitions. 

Asics designed the Matflex 6 model specifically for confident wrestling performance. California lasting construction boosts the shoes’ durability so they can withstand wrestling’s wear and tear.

Inside the shoes, the mesh insole circulates air to prevent dampness while the EVA sockliner cushions the feet.

Together, these features optimize comfort and stability so wrestlers can focus on technique rather than discomfort. The Matflex 6 gives wrestlers the tools they need to wrestle with confidence and come out on top.

Customer Reviews

Over 7,000 customer reviews, these shoes average an impressive 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Cons

The main downside of the Asics Matflex 6 wrestling shoes is that they run narrow, especially in the toe box area. Those with wide feet may experience tightness and discomfort wearing this shoe model.

Also, some wrestlers note that the Matflex 6 lacks sufficient arch support for their needs. Considering sizing up or inserting custom orthotics may help.

ASICS JB Elite Wrestling Shoes

These Asics JB Elite wrestling shoes have a synthetic and rubber fabric type for durability and traction. They are machine washable for easy care between matches. The EVA sole provides lightweight cushioning while the rubber outer material is abrasion-resistant.

Care Instructions

The JB Elite wrestling shoes can be machine washed, making cleaning sweat and odors simple. Proper shoe care maximizes lifespan.  

Sole Material  

The EVA sole brings lightweight cushioning without sacrificing flexibility. The material absorbs shock for comfort yet provides rigidity for pushes off the mat. EVA is a common wrestling shoe sole for supporting quick footwork.

Outer Material

The JB Elite IV model boasts a rugged, gripped rubber outer shell that withstands the floor burn of wrestling. Rubber protects against mat abrasion during shots and scrambles. Synthetic overlays offer added reinforcement.

Shoe Specifications 

Inside the shoes, a fixed EVA sockliner delivers cushioning while the mesh insole improves breathability during intense matches. Synthetic overlays on the upper shell enhance structure and durability for high-stress wrestling. The JB Elites help dominate the wrestling mat.

Reviews

Over 2,800 customer reviews, they earn a 4.6 out of 5 star average rating.

Cons 

Some wrestlers report sizing issues, suggesting the shoes may fit small. The rigid sole can also initially feel overly stiff before being broken in.

ASICS Matflex 7 Grade School Wrestling Shoes

The Asics Matflex 7 shoes have a rubber sole for traction and a mesh outer material for ventilation. They are machine washable and made in either the USA or imported.

Care Instructions

The Matflex 7 wrestling shoes are machine washable, simplifying cleaning between matches to remove odors and dirt. Proper maintenance extends their lifespan. ​

Sole Material

The Matflex 7 sole utilizes rubber for excellent grip on wrestling mats. Rubber soles provide flexibility for quick lateral movements while retaining durability over years of use.

Outer Material

A mesh fabric upper allows airflow to keep feet cool and dry during competition. Mesh consists of durable interwoven synthetics, yet remains lightweight and breathable.  

Shoe Specifications

Inside the Matflex 7 shoes, an EVA sockliner cushions each step while a mesh insole circulates air. Together, these materials reduce in-shoe moisture.

Asics employs solutions that cut water consumption and emissions during production as well.

Asics designed the Matflex 7 model with wrestling’s quick changes of direction and impact in mind. Breathable mesh underlays grant ventilation across the feet during intense matches.

Supportive overlays add stability for pivots and shots. An EVA sockliner cushions landings for all-match comfort.

Reviews

Nearly 200 customer reviews, they earn an excellent 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Cons

Some shoppers received shoes with small cosmetic defects like uneven logos. Additionally, purchasing the wrong size can negatively impact performance. Consult a size chart to ensure proper foot sizing.

Adidas HVC Wrestling Shoes

The adidas Combat Speed 5 shoes are machine washable for easy care with a rubber sole for traction. They feature lace-up closure and the material is not water resistant.   

Care Instructions

The Combat Speed 5 can be machine washed, important for cleaning away mat grime and sweat. Follow care instructions to extend their lifespan.

Sole Material

The rubber sole ensures solid grip for pushing off for shots or sprawling during takedowns. Rubber soles are lightweight and flexible while retaining durability over years of wear.

Closure Type 

Lace-up closure allows wrestlers to customize the snugness of the fit as needed. Tying the laces tight before each match optimizes stability and control during intense competition.

Water Resistance Level

These shoes lack water resistance. Feet may become damp from sweat without proper ventilation. Make sure to air shoes out fully after use.

Shoe Specification

Lightweight yet durable uppers provide wrestlers unrelenting quickness with stability. The single-layer mesh boosts ventilation while the grippy rubber sole maintains floor contact for shots or sprawls. An elastic lace cover supplies a streamlined fit.

Built for dominating moves, the adidas Combat Speed 5 gives wrestlers an edge thanks to strategic technologies purpose-built for the sport.

Lateral mesh strips allow rapid heat and moisture escape while the rubber sole sticks to mats for traction. An EVA midsole brings lightweight cushioning and Shock Absorption inserts soften hard landings.  

Reviews

Over 3,100 ratings, these earn a 4.5 out of 5 star average as a testament to their on-mat performance.

Cons

Some buyers find the shoe’s toe box to be more narrow than expected, causing tightness or lack of space for toes to splay during shots. The mesh tongue also tends to slide during movement.

Nike Speedsweep VII Wrestling Shoes

The Nike Speedsweep VII shoes have convenient lace-up closure for a customized, secure fit. They are also machine washable for easy cleaning after grueling matches.

Shoe Specifications

Nike engineered the Speedsweep VII model to help young wrestlers push through full matches with comfort.

Strategically-placed leather stabilizes the feet for shots and sprawls while mesh fabric keeps feet cool through intense competitions.

An EVA foam sockliner brings lightweight cushioning for comfort during takedowns and pin attempts.

Built to help wrestlers battle from start to finish, the durable Speedsweep VII gives middle school and high school wrestlers responsive support for competitive dominance.

Reviews   

Out of 135 total ratings, buyers give the Speedsweep VII wrestling shoes an above-average 4.1 out of 5 stars.

Care Instructions

The synthetic leather and mesh fabric uppers can be safely machine washed periodically. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent damage over time. Proper cleaning removes bacteria and odors that build up inside wrestling shoes.

Sole Material

The gum rubber outsole supplies reliable grip and floor control for shooting doubles or defending single legs. Rubber soles withstand abrasion from daily use on sweat-soaked wrestling mats better than foam or other materials.  

Closure Type 

Lace-up closure gives wrestlers a customizable and secure fit. Tying shoes tightly before stepping on the mat reduces slippage while allowing feet room to swell with cardiovascular effort. Young wrestlers can loosen laces between matches if needed.

Cons

Sometimes the EVA foam sockliner packs down and loses cushioning over time. The shoe tongue also tends to slide during intense lateral motion. Pairing with custom orthotics may help.

Some other Options Available in the Market

Nike Inflict SE Wrestling Shoes

Rudis Kids’ Colt 2.0 Wrestling Shoes

ASICS Men’s Matcontrol 3 Wrestling Shoes

I hope this article will help You finding the best wrestling shoes for youth. If You still have any doubts, let me know in the comment section.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does wrestling shoes cost?

Wrestling Shoes cost somewhere between $30 to $350 but a good Wrestling shoe having all the required features and budget friendly as well, may cost between $50 to $100.

What are the best wrestling shoe brands?

The best wrestling shoe brands suggested by many Pro and Elite Wrestlers are Asics, Adidas, and Nike. Read my survey results in this article.

What size wrestling shoes should be worn?

Always select your true, current athletic shoe size for wrestling shoes – never size up or down seeking a tighter fit. Get professionally fitted each season as young wrestlers’ feet rapidly grow. Proper sizing prevents pain and injury, keeping feet comfortable wrestling hard six minutes each match.

What is the difference between a boxing shoe and a wrestling shoe?

Boxing shoes feature high tops for ankle support and lace-up closure to keep feet stabilized while throwing punches. Wrestling shoes have low tops allowing ankle mobility for shooting takedowns and lace-free instep straps to prevent shoes getting pulled off during scrambles for pins.

Are Rudis wrestling shoes true to size?

Yes, Rudis Wrestling Shoes are true to size and You can buy Your the exact size.

What is the best material for a wrestling shoe?

The best wrestling shoe materials balance durability, ventilation, and flexibility. Leather or abrasion-resistant synthetics reinforce high-wear areas while mesh panels offer breathability. Grippy rubber soles provide floor traction. Inside, EVA foam or shock-absorbing inserts cushion without compromising feel and control needed for reacting quickly.

What shoes do you wear for wrestling?

I personally prefer Asics Matflex 6 for wrestling matches.

Do wrestling shoes have soles?

Yes, all wrestling shoes have a sole. The sole provides essential traction and grip on the mat to allow for quick lateral movements during intense matches. Rubber is the most common sole material seen in wrestling shoes for durability and flexibility when pushing off for shots or sprawling during takedowns. The right sole prevents slips.