Wrestling requires special shoes. Wrestling shoes can be expensive, and you might wonder whether they are worth the investment. They are. For any level of the sport beyond young children, wrestling shoes are a mandatory investment for competition because they improve safety on the mat.
Mobility
Wrestling shoes help you move faster and more effectively than bulky gym shoes. According to the book "Beginning Wrestling," wrestling shoes must fit as tight as a sock on your foot. This makes your feet as sensitive to movement as possible while still giving you support. Wrestling shoes come with either a single or split-sole design, but choosing between these for foot mobility is a matter of preference.
Ankle Support
Wrestling shoes have a high ankle that laces tightly in place. Because wrestlers are often pushed in many directions during a match, this ankle support in the shoe helps prevent sprains to the joint when quickly changing positions. However, the shoe should not be so tight in the ankle that it inhibits your movement on the mat or cuts off circulation to your foot.
Safety
Wrestling shoes are made from soft and pliable materials, typically some combination of leather, mesh and polyester. Not only does this make the shoes better for mobility, but it reduces the damage inflicted if a wrestler is accidentally kicked during a match. Furthermore, the shoes rarely contain metal, which prevents anyone from getting cut when coming in contact with them.
Cleanliness
According to the Long Island Wrestling Association, wrestling mats can be a breeding ground for skin infections and diseases, such as herpes simplex, ringworm and impetigo. Wrestling mats are cleaned and disinfected before every competition, so having specially designed shoes that are only used for wrestling on the clean mats means that wrestlers are less likely to bring dirt and disease onto the mat from the outside world.
Member Comments