Issue 079

September 2011

While you may think wrestling boots aren’t essential for an MMA practitioner, the truth is they could be the difference between tears and glory.

1. They prevent injuries

No one wants to be sidelined with a sprained ankle. Wrestling boots have high support to prevent the ankle from going through extreme ranges of motion, while the long lace system will ensure the boot is tight, maintaining further stability. Also, if you’ve grown an elite crop of unsightly toenails, wrestling boots will protect your partner from being slashed with your raptor claws.

2. Keep it clean

Fancy a veruca? How about a bit of ringworm? No, didn’t think so. Wrestling boots will provide protection from all the nasties that lurk on a dirty gym mat.

3. The need for speed

Generally extremely light and flexible, wrestling boots try to mimic the bare foot with slightly more traction, enabling you to shoot faster. There are also higher arches in wrestling shoes to keep you on your toes, allowing more speed.

4. Time to recover

When nursing a pre-existing injury to your toes, wrestling shoes can act as a splint, keeping them compacted together and preventing further risk of injury. Note to all you wannabe warriors: if you’re straight out of hospital with a broken foot, give it a few weeks first. Wrestling boots may help with injuries but they don’t perform miracles, capeesh?

5. Dope designs

Manufacturers offer a selection of colors and designs. Black, red and blue are standard, but if you’re feeling particularly ‘Mr Wonderful’ then brave the backlash and slam on a pair of pink or technicolor delights.

6. They're durable

A new, good-quality shoe will normally last a year or two depending on how much you wrestle. Though no matter how fly they look, wearing them on a night out will only damage them (and potentially lose you friends).

7. Fighters swear by them

You’d be a fool not to embrace the proverbial wisdom of Randy Couture. ‘The Natural’ always trains in his trusty pair, so be a hero and throw some on – ‘Captain America’ style.

8. Buy a size smaller

Wrestling shoes generally run a half to a full size larger than your regular shoe size. Remember that new wrestling shoes will stretch, so choose a fit that is fairly snug. While wrestling shoes aren’t available in wide widths, some brands are cut wider than others. So, for all you ‘Bigfoot’ Silvas out there, make sure you shop around.

9. Hit the stores

Because sizes vary from brand to brand, it’s best to make your first purchase in person. Be a wise warrior and try on several different brands and ask the salesperson for advice. Once you’ve found a shoe you like, you can make future purchases online. 

10. How low can you go?

While top end wrestling boots can set you back as much as $160, it’s possible to find a cheap pair that won’t disintegrate after one training session. Wrestling shoes are available both online and at retail sporting goods stores, with some available for around $30. Bargain.

Pro tip

If your wrestling shoes look dirty, don’t use detergents to clean them because the chemicals can damage the material. Instead, clean regularly with warm water and a wet towel and rub in circular motions to remove dirt. It may take a little elbow grease, but if you’re willing to blast it out in the cage for 15 minutes then five minutes against a shoe isn’t going to hurt you. Hang them out to dry afterwards (just like your opponent).