10 Best Wrestling Shoes for Kids Reviewed in 2024

Design

The upper is constructed from a form-fitting and soft material that is durable, giving the wrestler an excellent fit each time they lace up. The laces of the shoe come together in a panel that laces up, giving the shoe a more-customized feeling. Around the ankle, the strap is a hook-and-loop-design closure that keeps everything in place and secure. This wrestling shoe provides a lightweight, flexible, and durable design that helps maintain traction and never weighs them down.

Comfort

With a sole of rubber that covers the complete outsole of this wrestling shoe, it provides some of the best traction that they can get. The treaded sole and sidewall give strength and traction that will ultimately allow a smooth transition through every move.

Value

The colors of these wrestling shoes really make you stand out. They look awesome and feel comfortable. The bonus is the treaded sidewalls and soles on this shoe, really a great pair for traction on the mats.

Design

They feel like a sock and grip like a shoe but are super lightweight. The single-layer body of the shoe has been constructed out of mesh giving it a real sock-like feeling but is durable and flexible during matches. The side panels have integrated logos with supportive and flexible support straps. On the outsole, you will find a suede leather that overlays, giving the grip of the shoe just the exact amount that is needed without having to plant your foot down and dig in. Why settle for anything but the best original wrestling shoe on the market? This is the shoe that made the mark.

Comfort

Breathable shoes are ideal for many sports, but in wrestling, it is a must-have. The mesh layer that this shoe has been constructed from makes it feel like you are wearing a sock, but it has all the traction of a running shoe. It is a single-layer mesh that is breathable and flexible giving a great lightweight feeling.

Value

The design is simple and these shoes have been worn by wrestlers around the world for many years. It gives you the traction that you need, a comfortable fit, and lightweight design that cannot be redone by any other shoe company.

Design

Anima Sana In Corpore Sano or ASICS started in 1949 and is dedicated to the idea of “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body”. They keep these ideals by providing the same high-quality craftsmanship in their youth shoes as they do in their professional line. One of the biggest concerns as a parent when your little one talks about trying a new sport is the cost, especially when it comes to shoes. Kids can outgrow their wrestling shoes more than once in a season, so it’s important to find a quality brand for a budget price. That is exactly what ASICS offers.

Comfort

The Matflex 5 GS features a full-length gum rubber outsole for increased traction. The breathable fabric reduces sweating and provides a better form fit. These shoes tend to run a bit narrow in the arch so most reviewers recommend purchasing between 1-2 sizes larger than your child’s street shoes to maximum comfort. The Matflex is a tied-lace shoe which can allow a smooth transition from velcro and provide more opportunities to practice lace tying. They are designed to withstand daily practice without splitting or fading.

Value

This shoe provides professional level traction and support at an entry-level price point that is perfect for parents on a budget.

Design

It is made of leather and suede but mostly leather. These shoes, however, do have Velcro to them, so they stretch a little bit across the laces. They are comfortable for your child to wear and perfect if your child might have some sensory issues when it comes to shoes.

Comfort

These shoes are wonderful for anyone who’s looking for a shoe to wear as every day or for wrestling practice. While they do only come in one style, this shoe is true to size. It has a rubber sole and made up of materials 30% suede and 70% leather. They are extremely lightweight making it so for children they can easily slip on and off. They are perfect for wrestling or any physical contact sport your child might be enduring. They are also 100% true to size.

Value

We like this item because it is perfect for your young athlete at home. Not only are they comfortable to wear but they will keep your child nice and safe with the right equipment when it comes to wrestling.

Design

Speaking of pros, the JB Elite is the official shoe of Olympic and World Wrestling Champion Jordan Borroughs. These shoes were made according to Borrough’s specifications for maximum comfort and functionality, starting with the split sole for enhanced flexibility and traction. Next, you’ll notice the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) overlay over a layer of durable, yet stylish suede. Finally, the single layer mesh panel over the top provides great fit and comfort. Even the tongue is a superlight, mesh design that takes off weight while enhancing comfort and flexibility.

Comfort

Jordan Borroughs is a hero among wrestling enthusiasts, so you’ll have no problem convincing your teen to try these on! In addition to the Borroughs name, these shoes really are superior in construction and design. Since they’re designed by a wrestler, all the important elements -- fit, comfort, durability, and range of motion -- have been fully addressed. Then, there are the “extras”, like the split sole with Asics’ signature cushioning, combined with added traction and flexibility. With the JB Elites, you can be sure that your teen is getting a top-quality, professional grade pair of wrestling shoes.

Value

There’s really something special about wrestling shoes that are designed by a professional wrestler. Those athletes know exactly what it’s like to wear wrestling shoes for hours a day. They’ve also tried many pairs of shoes throughout their careers, so they have extensive knowledge of the features that help or hurt wrestlers. When such expertise is brought to life by a company like Asics, the result is a pair of highly functional, durable and protective shoes that look and feel great on your teenager’s feet.

Design

What’s not slippery, though, is the rubber sole with a suede layer outsole for maximum traction. The body itself has that “sock-fit” look that many wrestlers prefer because it feels lighter, yet more secure on the foot. All in all, this is a highly functional, lightweight wrestling shoe that any teen will enjoy wearing.

Comfort

These shoes are known for having that “broken-in feel” right out of the box. That feeling is due to the material and construction, which makes the shoes super flexible from top to bottom. They’re also much more breathable than standard wrestling shoes, thanks to the rows of breathing holes all throughout the sides and back. Wrestlers also rave about the reinforced sole, which has just the right amount of friction and slide for greater maneuverability on the mat.

Value

Honestly, we’re still trying to figure how such a thin, lightweight shoe can be so durable and functional at the same time. These shoes are from the Varner 2 collection, the follow-up to the immensely successful Varner 1s. The reason they’re so popular is that they look like sleek, stylish shoes you could wear anywhere, yet they’re made specifically for wrestling. Even better, they come in a wide range of color patterns to suit any boy or girl.

Design

In addition to being a great design element, the Escaine upper provides superior fit and comfort. Next is the single layer mesh tongue, made thinner and less bulky for greater breathability. Integrated into the tongue is the lace garage to keep laces secure without needing to be taped. Teens love this feature since it’s one less thing they have to do before they get on the mat. The final improvement is in the flexible, lightweight sole, which has even more grip and traction for greater advantage when pinning down an opponent.

Comfort

Teens love shoes that go on and off with minimum effort, but wrestling shoes tend to require a lot of work, especially with the laces. That’s why we were excited to see these new and improved Asics Aggressors with the stretchy Escaine upper and the compact, fully concealed lace garage. As you know, laces have to be taped down or concealed according to regulation rules in order to prevent them from coming apart during matches. Many shoes come with lace garages, but it’s hard to find ones as durable and stylish as the ones on the Aggressor 3. Overall, this is a wrestling shoe your teen will love putting on year after year!

Value

It seems like wrestling shoes fall into two categories: thicker, padded shoes or thin and sleek shoes. Both suit different types of wrestlers, but most teenagers want a shoe that falls somewhere in the middle. That’s why we love the redesigned Aggressor 3s, which were made with the idea that superior grip and ankle protection doesn’t mean sacrificing great fit and comfort. A sense of balance can also be seen in the color choices, which are fashionable without being flashy.

Design

First, these are man-made, so you can be absolutely sure of the construction and quality. Second, the lacing is an eight eyelet closure system with a lace garage for guaranteed lace concealment. Third, the breathable mesh lining ensures ventilation and comfort hour after hour. Comfort is enhanced by the built-in anti-odor properties that keep feet drier and cooler. All in all, the Cael V6.0 is the ideal shoe for any teen wrestler, designed by one of the world’s most famous former teen wrestlers!

Comfort

Sanderson is an undefeated college wrestler who went onto become an Olympic Gold gold medalist, so you can say he knows a thing or two about a wrestler’s needs. He is particularly knowledgeable of the needs of young wrestlers, whose feet and ankles are not quite at the level of an adult’s. Each of the Cael V6.0’s features aims to protect your teen’s delicate bones and joints while giving them the competitive edge they need at tournaments.

Value

This is one of the few wrestling shoes we’ve come across with a dry-fit layer, similar to the ones you see in running shoes. It makes perfect sense when you think of the all pressure that gets put on the feet during all those squats, flips and turns. Teens tend to sweat a lot in general, and there’s nothing more distracting than damp, sticky feet when you’re trying to focus on an opponent. It takes a professional coach to know exactly what matters to a young wrestler, which is why we’re proud to include the Cael V6.0 on our list!

Design

Finally, the wide, durable ankle strap with the Adidas logo lets you know that this is no ordinary wrestling shoe. Indeed, the Adidas HVC is known as a “workhorse shoe”, known for its dependability while remaining lightweight and comfortable. Teen love that they’re not too high and not too low, with durable construction that moves and flexes with them season after season. In fact, these shoes are so durable, many teens have used for other tough-on-feet sports such as boxing and basketball.

Comfort

Adidas is known as a fashion brand, as well as a shoemaker, but it all started from classic black and white shoes with the signature three-stripe sides. It’s nice to see that retro design brought back in a highly advanced wrestling shoe that’s built to last. Some people doubt the durability of a shoe that looks so thin and sleek, but both coaches and teens will attest to the high-quality stitching and molding, with that all-important ankle strap.

Value

Many schools and tournaments have very strict rules about what types of shoes are allowed, which is why we wanted to give classic black and white options that still had a bit of flair. The special twist with these shoes is the multi-textured look achieved by a combination of leather, suede and synthetic fabrics. And of course, the famous 3 stripe TPU overlay that lets everyone know it’s Adidas. These may seem like small details, but teens feel confident when they look good, and confidence is the key to achieving their best on and off the mat.

Design

The shoes have the “sock-fit” comfortability that Adidas is known for, with strategically placed performance fabric overlays. Superior grip in the soles is provided by molding synthetic performance fabric over the rubber sole. The sole, by the way, has an internal EVA midsole, which is a technique used in orthopedic shoes to provide additional cushion and shock absorption. The midsole also adds more flexibility for a perfect, effortless “attack stance”.

Comfort

Adidas is a leader in shoe technology, as well as shoe design and construction. They also listen to their customers, ranging from teens to professional athletes. That’s why they continue to evolve with innovations like the EVA midsole. Sports like wrestling are so tough on the balls of the feet, especially on tender, still-growing teenage feet. With the Mat Wizard 3, your teen will get an added layer of protection for those many hours of squatting and pushing off the mat.

Value

We know how much teens care about brand names, even for shoes they’ll only be used for wrestling. As parents, your primary concern is the durability with built-in comfort and safety features. Shoes like these, from a trendy and reputable company like Adidas, make both parents and teens happy. We especially love the Mat Wizard 3’s layers of reinforcements, from the synthetic strips around the ankles to the fabric overlay molded onto the rubber soles.