Welcome to our guide on finding the best wrestling shoes for this coming wrestling season. As the fall approaches, we want to help you find the best gear to rock during this season! Here are some of our top choices!
In this post, we break down some of the top-rated wrestling shoes on the market and give you a list to choose from.
In our post, we try to be as partial as possible. All the brands on the list fit our criteria of being good, durable, and reliable wrestling shoes but some rank higher strictly due to style.
In the sport of wrestling, your shoes matter. The last thing you want to do is slip and have your shoes give out in a crunch-time moment or for them to tear randomly because the material isn’t as strong as you thought it was.
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Grapplers Graveyard Top Rated Wrestling Shoes - UPDATED
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Designed for All Performance Levels
This is why shoes are the most important part of a wrestler’s gear. A proper set of wrestling shoes can make a lot of difference on the mat. There are several important characteristics that need to be considered when you’re buying shoes for the mat. These include grip, durability, weight, support, stability, comfort, and style.
Whether you are in high school or wresting at your local BJJ gym, having the right pair of wrestling shoes needs to cater to your output.
You may be a BJJ athlete wanting a nice pair for wrestling practice, a highschool athlete, or an aspiring MMA fighter, wherever you are, we wan tot save you the time.
This list operates as a living, breathing document. It will continue to be updated over time as we continue to try and test out new gear.
How to Choose the right shoe?
Finding the right wrestling shoe for yourself or for your child is an essential part to get the best performance on the wrestling mats. Now, obviously, shoes don’t make the athlete, but they can significantly help.
The right pair of these shoes will help you have better traction that can help a make-or-break situation and the comfort needed so that you don’t walk away from the mats with massive blisters on your feet.
There are several factors that you need to look for here. While there are no perfect wrestling shoes, you can get the ones most suited to you by knowing the following:
- Traction & Grip
- Comfort & Fit
- Durability
- Weight
- Price/Value
Each review on Grappler’s Graveyard uses the graveyard scale to help rate and rank gear. Wrestling shoes are rated on those five categories. To keep this post simple, we will not be breaking down each category for each shoe, but you are always welcome to go and check the individual review for the shoe that you’re looking for.
Best Wrestling Shoes in 2026
Asics Agressor 6
ASICS continues to prove why they are one of the most respected brands in wrestling. From beginner shoes all the way up to premium-level competition shoes, they have options for pretty much every type of wrestler and budget. The Aggressor 6 currently sits near the very top of our list because it delivers one of the best all-around experiences we’ve had testing wrestling shoes.
The Aggressor 6 feels like a true premium wrestling shoe. It combines lightweight performance, strong durability, excellent ankle support, and a very natural fit that molds well to the foot over time. Compared to a lot of other shoes we’ve tested, the Aggressor 6 feels more refined across the board, especially in terms of comfort, build quality, and long-term support during hard training sessions.
Why Did They Make This Spot?
The Aggressor 6 earned its spot because it does almost everything well. The shoes are lightweight at only 8.8 oz per shoe, flexible enough for explosive movement, and supportive enough to feel stable during scrambles, shots, and hard mat returns. The traction is reliable without feeling overly sticky, which we actually think helps the grip last longer throughout a season compared to some other wrestling shoes.
What really separates these shoes from a lot of the market is the overall construction quality. The materials, stitching, outsole, and ankle support all feel premium and built to last. While the price point is definitely higher than budget-friendly options, these feel much more like a long-term investment for serious wrestlers.
How Do They Fit: True to Size
The Aggressor 6 fits true to size overall and offers a secure, supportive fit around the ankle and foot. There is a slightly snug feeling near the front of the shoe at first, but after loosening the laces and breaking them in, they mold very naturally to the foot. We think these will work well for most foot types and widths.
Pros
- Lightweight and flexible feel on the mat
- Premium construction and durability
- Excellent ankle support without feeling restrictive
- Reliable traction for shots, pivots, and scrambles
- Comfortable fit that molds well to the foot over time
- Built to last much longer than entry-level wrestling shoes
Cons
- More expensive than budget wrestling shoes
- Slightly snug near the toe box during initial wear
- Grip is not as “sticky” as some other wrestling shoes right out of the box
The ASICS Aggressor 6 might be one of the most complete wrestling shoes we’ve tested so far. Lightweight, durable, supportive, and built for serious mat time, these shoes feel like a premium step up from entry-level options. They are ASICs premium option to choose from and carry a larger price
Rudis Wrestling Shoes
Honestly, at this point if a list does not have Rudis Wrestling shoes on it we do not want to read or hear their opinion. These shoes are incredible, not only in quality but come on, look at these things! Rudis is ahead of the game in the style category for all wrestling shoes and there is no one even coming close to second.
We said earlier that all the shoes on our list were there for a reason and some had climbed higher just due to the style. Well, in case you didn’t guess, we were 100% talking about the wrestling shoes from Rudis.
The shoes that I bought from Rudis are bound to last me a long time. They are both responsive (to movement) and stylish. I believe that these shoes are amazing and are built with an extreme sense of detail.
Rudis sponsors some of the biggest named wrestlers. on the planet and live up to their motto of crafting elite shoes for elite athletes.
Why did they make this spot?
The main reason why Rudis got the number two spot in our eyes is a combo of a couple of things. First off, they are objectively good wrestling shoes. The quality of the material, the fit, and the feel all met our criteria of what is considered a “good wrestling shoe”.
It really got brownie points for the styles that they continue to produce. No one on the market makes a better-looking shoe than Rudis. No questions about that.
How do they Fit: True to Size (they have a unique way to calculate your shoe size on their site using your camera)
Pros
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Made with quality in mind
- Light
Cons
- Pricier than all the shoes on the list
RUDIS Wrestling Shoes pays homage to the life of a warrior while also serving as a weapon for those seeking victory in battle on the mat. Rudis shoes are not only crafted to perfection but also extremely lightweight.
Nike Inflict 3
Sitting at the number three spot on our list of top 10 wrestling shoes for the season we have the Nike Inflict 3. Seeing something made by Nike close to the top of the list should not come to any kind of shock to you. Nike is notorious for making high-quality products and these Inflict 3 live up to the standard. They are currently sitting at $180 so this is one of the more expensive pairs of wrestling shoes on the market but if you are a huge Nike buff these will go well in your collection.
We love the Inflicts not only for the minimalist feel and look but also because of how well they fit to your feet and how comfortable they are. You will notice a pattern that comfort and style are a huge determining factor for making it on our list of best wrestling shoes and the Nike Inflict 3 definitely fit the criteria here. Now one thing that I don’t necessarily love about these shoes is the lack of options that they have for color ways. Rudis and the ASICS have so many options to choose from while there are only 3 from these shoes. Your choices here are black, blue, or white with different accent colors to choose from but nonetheless, only three colorways is too little for us on the style points.
Still. a great shoe to go with if you end up deciding to get them.
Why did they make this spot?
Again, we love the Nike Inflict wrestling shoes. Personally, the feel and comfortability of the shoe is what gets it its spot on the list. The reason we have it lower is mainly due to the lack of flash and lack of options that are available online. We want to not only have good wrestling shoes that help us perform well but we want something that catches eyes and has good appeal. Call us superficial or whatever, sue us!!!!
Here is a quick pro and con list.
How do they fit: True to Size
Pros
- Comfortable
- Fits well to the foot with great ankle and arch support
- Nike Quality
- Flexible and support mobility
Cons
- Pricey
- People say they scuff easily on reviews (not our experience)
- Not many colorway options as other brands
ASICS Matblazer (Top Rated for Women)
At the number four spot on our list of top 10 wrestling shoes, we have the ASICS Matblazer Women’s wrestling shoes. This was an exciting one for us being that this is the highest-rated women’s wrestling shoe on the list and boasting at the number 4 spot on our list is no small feat.
The Matblazers (along with the Rudis Wrestling shoes) are the best options to go with if you are a female athlete looking to dominate on the mats this upcoming season. These wrestling shoes not only come in a number of colorways to choose from but they live up to the quality standard that all ASICS wrestling shoes have.
Our daughter and her friends who train both BJJ and wrestling solve these shoes, they fit comfortably to their feet, are flexible promoting mobility, and are designed exclusively for women.
Why did they make this spot?
The Matblazers are sitting at the coveted number four spot for a reason. By no means is this a low-ranking shoe and anyone looking to make a purchase for female athletes would not be making a mistake here but keep in mind, that wrestling is a male-dominated spot and putting a shoe mainly designed for women in the above spots really wouldn’t make sense.
These are of the highest quality women’s wrestling shoes on the market, no questions asked. The appearance, quality, versatility, and traction of these shoes are up there with the best. Not to mention that AISCS always creates shoes that are meant to last, so this wrestling season get yourself a pair and you’ll see them all the way to the end.
How do they fit: They Run small, get a size bigger than usual
Pros
- Best women’s wrestling shoe on the market
- Built to last you all season
- Comfortable, flexible, and promotes mobility
- Light
- Less than $100
Cons
- Run a size too small
- Narrow to the foot so again, get a size bigger
Adidas Tech Fall 2.0
The fifth wrestling shoe on our list is Adidas’s Tech Fall 2.0. This is the first Adidas shoe to make it on the list of best wrestling shoes this season from Grapplers Graveyard.
This shoe is a successor to the original Tech Fall that debuted at the 2016 Summer Olympics. It became acclaimed for its lightweight, high performance, and superb comfort. The Tech Fall 2.0 takes it all up a notch.
This new version is everything the first version is not. Its highlights include its balance and stability when you’re on the wrestling mat. The Tech Fall 2.0 is made from high-quality materials, giving it immense durability and grip and it feels amazing on your feet after you break them in.
The shoe itself is not too heavy so you will feel light on the mats but one thing it does lack is in durability of the shoe (meaning that you may have to buy another pair sooner than you would like) and when you have to break them in they feel stiff.
Like the original model, it has a mesh design that increases ventilation and breathability. This allows you to train for hours. This shoe is designed for all types of wrestlers – from beginner to advanced.
Why did they make this spot?
In our opinion, Adidas being behind Nike for a top-rated wrestling shoe makes sense. Bringing this shoe higher than the number 5 spot in our eyes is something that could not happen. It is a great wrestling shoe especially when you start to break it in and your foot gets accustomed to the feel of it.
The initial stiffness of the shoe is what turned this from a top 4 wrestling shoe to a top 5. Going from 4 to 5 is really not a huge leap back in our opinion and we do not think that getting these shoes is a bad idea (much like any of the shoes on this list) but we just think there are better options to choose from.
How do they fit: A bit narrow, 1/2 size off. Fit more snugly for people with wider/flat feet
Pros
- Best-rated Adidas Wrestling Shoe
- Plenty of colors to choose from
- Great ankle support
- Grippy
Cons
- When the mesh gets dirty hard to clean
- A little narrow and stiff at first
Adidas Mat Hog 2.0
Alright, now we are more than 70% of the way done with our list, at the number 7 spot for the top-rated wrestling shoe we have the (current) second-best Adidas wrestling shoe, the Adidas Mat Hog 2.0.
The second-generation Adidas Mat Hog is an absolute banger with lots of features. It is easily the most versatile wrestling shoe on this list. Many choose it due to the numerous customization options available on it; there are many colors, designs, sizes, etc.
It comes with a whole range of lacing options, which allows wrestlers to loosen it up to create more room or tighten it for more ankle support. You also get a mesh design that adds breathability and prevents sweating. A lacing garage is offered here as well.
Why did they make this spot?
Being at the number 7 spot should not be a flinch but it is a bit away from the top-rated spot nonetheless. The mat hog 2.0 does have an issue with separating between the sole and the shoe. That can be. a bit frustrating when you pay to have a reliable shoe and it falls short on you like that.
For the most part, the Adidas Mat Hog 2.0 is a high-quality wrestling shoe from our point of view. They are comfortable, light, fit well, and made with quality in mind (despite the wear and tear mentioned in the online reviews).
How do they fit: True to size
Pros
- Not an expensive shoe ($75)
- Good quality
- Fits well and are comfortable to train/compete in
- Grippy
Cons
- Separate pretty quickly if not properly maintained
- Fit a little more on the tight side
- Not ideal for those with arched feet
Adidas Wizard 4
At the number 8 spot, we have the Adidas Mat Wizard 4 Wrestling Shoe. Not only is this shoe a high quality one but very price friendly only being $70. Adidas has a wide range of colors to choose from on this wrestling shoe so whatever your needs are you are covered here with them. From a quality standpoint, the Mat Wizard is up there with some fo the best wrestling shoes on the market the biggest downfall from what we see is the durability. The Mat Wizard does tend to split a little more quickly than other pairs after excessive use of the shoe. Other than that, the grips, appearance, comfort, and fit of the shoe feel incredible on our feet.
Why did they make this spot?
The Adidas Mat Wizrd 4s are an extremely high-quality shoe outside of the fact that it does have a tendency to split after excessive use. For only $70, we thought the shoe was a decent purchase and would recommend anyone who needs a solid pair of wrestling shoes go with these.
Now are there better options? Yes, of course. Are these horrible? No, not even close.
How do they fit: Perfect Fit, Fit to Size
Pros
- Affordable
- Stylish
- Fit well to the foot and are comfortable
- High quality
Cons
- Not the best grips on the list
- Split after excessive use
Asics Matflex 7
The ASICS Matflex 7 continues to be one of the most recognizable beginner wrestling shoes on the market, and honestly, there is a reason for that. ASICS has dominated the wrestling space for years, and the Matflex line has become a staple entry-level option for athletes who want something lightweight, affordable, and reliable enough to get started. For many wrestlers, this is one of the first shoes they ever put on their feet.
The Matflex 7 is built around simplicity and value. It is extremely lightweight at only 7.2 oz per shoe, offers some of the stickiest traction we’ve tested right out of the box, and gives wrestlers a very flexible, unrestricted feel on the mat. While it definitely is not a premium-level wrestling shoe from a durability standpoint, it still fills an important role in the market as an affordable practice or beginner shoe.
Why did they make this spot?
The Matflex 7 earned its spot because it provides a strong overall experience at one of the lowest price points in wrestling. The grip on these shoes is genuinely impressive and gives athletes a ton of confidence during shots, scrambles, and explosive movements. On top of that, the flexibility and lightweight feel make these easy to move in and very approachable for newer wrestlers.
That said, there are trade-offs that come with the lower price tag. The materials feel thinner than premium wrestling shoes, the durability is more limited long term, and the fit can feel snug around the upper part of the foot until broken in. We view the Matflex 7 as a great beginner option, a solid practice shoe, or a budget-friendly choice for athletes who understand exactly what they are buying.
How do they fit: May run small, size up for wide feet. Fits to size for narrow.
The Matflex 7 fits true to size overall, but the upper part of the shoe can feel snug initially, especially for wrestlers with wider feet. After a handful of sessions, the material starts to mold more naturally to the foot and becomes noticeably more comfortable. We had enough room in the toe box with a size 9 and did not experience issues with blisters or instability during training.
Pros
- Extremely affordable compared to premium wrestling shoes
- One of the stickiest outsoles we’ve tested out of the box
- Lightweight 7.2 oz design feels fast and flexible
- Great beginner or practice wrestling shoe
- Comfortable once properly broken in
- Reliable ASICS entry-level option with years of reputation behind it
Cons
- Durability is noticeably lower than premium wrestling shoes
- Thin mesh materials feel somewhat flimsy over time
- Initial fit can feel tight around the upper foot area
- Grip may wear down faster with heavy long-term use
The ASICS Matflex 7 are one of the better budget wrestling shoes for beginners or athletes looking for a lightweight practice option. The traction is pretty sticky right out of the box, the flexibility is noticeable, and the overall fit feels secure once broken in. just a fair warning: don't be surprised if these shoes end up having to be replaced a couple times throughout the season if you buy them.
Nike Speed Sweep VII
Finally, you made it to the end of the list of top-rated wrestling shoes. Here at Grapplers Graveyard we pride ourselves in quality and do not take your attention for granted. Thank you for making it this far!
With that being said to wrap up our list at the number 10 spot we have the Nike Speedsweep VII.
Wrapping up the list with a pair of wrestling shoes from Nike just feels right. On the list, Nike has quite a bit of a lack of representation but we were happy to put this wrestling shoe up there with some of our top choices.
This ticks all the boxes of what a wrestling shoe should be. It is lightweight, so it allows wrestlers to move quickly. It has a lot of grip and traction so that you don’t slip on the wrestling mat.
As expected from Nike, the shoe has been designed and built with quality in mind. The quality of the materials used is astounding and so are the aesthetics. It is also comfortable and has a reasonable price tag. A lacing garage further separates it from most other wrestling shoes.
Why did they make this spot?
Number 10 is not a bad spot to be in but they are here for a reason and may potentially be soon replaced. Nike is not really known for its wrestling attire so it can be a bit harder to find these shoes online to purchase and get delivered to you in a quick fashion. The shoe is alright and mainly fits our criteria of being durable, having good grips, and being comfortable but lacks severely on options in both colorways and sizing.
How does it fit: Runs Smaller
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Quality is good
- Lightweight
Cons
- No colors to choose from
- Hard to find a size
- Runs small
