Wrestling shoes are where the magic starts! The right pair gives you the grip, support, and style you need to take your game to the next level. Wrestling shoes are specially designed to provide traction, ankle support, and flexibility on the mat. Unlike regular athletic shoes, they allow your wrestler to move efficiently, grip the mat properly, and stay safe during intense contact.

Grip is everything — you don’t want to slip during a big move. Make sure your shoes have solid traction and ankle support to keep you steady and safe. Whether you're quick on your feet or more of a powerhouse, there's a style that fits your wrestling game.

What do they cost?
Wrestling shoes typically range from $40–$100, depending on the brand, style, and size. Higher-end models may offer more support or a snugger fit, but even basic models provide what young wrestlers need.

What is the right fit?
Wrestling shoes should fit snugly—like a sock—but not so tight that they’re uncomfortable. A close fit gives your wrestler better control and minimizes the chance of slipping. Since kids grow quickly, it’s okay to size up slightly, but shoes that are too loose can make it harder to move safely on the mat.

Important tips:

• No outside use: Wrestling shoes should only be worn on the mat—never outdoors. Wearing them outside brings in dirt and shortens the lifespan of the shoes.
• Ankle support matters: Many wrestling shoes come with built-in ankle support. If your wrestler has had ankle issues, talk to a coach for recommendations.
• Laces: Make sure laces are always tied securely. Some shoes come with lace covers, or you can use lace straps or tape to prevent them from coming undone mid-match.

Want to stand out while you dominate? Look for some funky-colored wrestling shoes — purple, green, and more. Who says performance can’t look good too?

When it comes to wrestling, every detail matters — even your socks.

• Avoid Ankle Socks - While ankle socks may be comfortable for everyday wear or casual sneakers, they’re not ideal for wrestling. Wrestling shoes are designed with higher ankle support, and wearing ankle socks can lead to discomfort or irritation from rubbing. Opt for crew or knee-length socks to ensure proper coverage and protection.
• Go with Trusted Brands - Well-known brands like Nike and Adidas consistently deliver when it comes to comfort, breathability, and performance. While brand names aren’t everything, be cautious of generic or low-quality socks — they might save you money upfront but can lead to blisters or discomfort during training.

Comfort = Performance

Above all, make sure your socks keep you comfortable and ready to compete at your best. The right pair can make a big difference in both training and competition.

Protecting your knees is essential in wrestling, and there are several options to choose from — single knee pads, double knee pads, leg sleeves, or even going without. The key is to find gear that suits your needs without interfering with your performance on the mat.

For wrestlers with pre-existing knee issues, wearing two knee pads can offer extra protection. However, there’s a common perception in wrestling culture that wearing two pads might signal inexperience or vulnerability. Because of this, many experienced wrestlers opt for a leg sleeve or a single pad on their dominant leg — the one most often used for shots — to provide targeted protection where it's needed most.

When selecting knee protection, wrestlers are often faced with the choice between gel-based sleeves, which are thinner and more streamlined, or foam-padded options that offer greater impact protection but come with added bulk.

Some wrestlers prefer to train with the bulkier pads for maximum protection during intense drills and switch to thinner gel sleeves for competition, where freedom of movement and minimal adjustment are critical. While bulkier knee pads may shift or require frequent adjustment, the extra cushioning might be worth it — depending on personal preference and wrestling style. Ultimately, it's about finding the right balance between protection and performance.

Many wrestling competitions require headgear but some do not.

What does headgear do?
Despite the name, wrestling headgear doesn’t protect the head—it’s designed to protect the ears. Its main purpose is to prevent a condition known as cauliflower ear, a common injury among wrestlers caused by repeated trauma to the ear. While cauliflower ear is rare in younger athletes, most wrestling programs still require headgear as a preventive measure.

What is cauliflower ear?
Cauliflower ear occurs when the ear is struck hard enough to cause a blood clot or when the skin separates from the cartilage. Over time, this damage can lead to permanent swelling and deformity. The good news? It’s easily preventable with proper headgear.

How much does headgear cost?
You can expect to spend $20–$60 on a pair of headgear.

Choosing and fitting headgear:
There are many styles of headgear, each offering different features. The most important thing is that it fits securely and stays in place during a match. Improperly adjusted headgear can slip down over the eyes, which is both distracting and dangerous. To avoid this, make sure the top straps are adjusted tightly enough so the gear can’t slide down over the head.

Wrestlers with long hair:
If your wrestler has long hair, they may need a hair slicker—a special hair net designed to work with headgear. This helps keep hair contained and compliant with competition rules.

Face guards and masks:
Some headgear comes with built-in face protection, but these are rarely needed. Masks are typically only used when recovering from facial injuries like a broken nose.

Practice Attire:
For regular practices, your wrestler can wear gym shorts and a t-shirt—no need for special gear when starting out. As they gain experience, many wrestlers choose to invest in team gear such as singlets, warmups, and performance apparel, especially for tournaments.

Tournament Attire:

At tournaments, wrestlers typically arrive and stay in their warmups and t-shirts until it's their turn to wrestle. The singlet is worn only during the match, which usually lasts just a few minutes. After the match, they return to their warmups. It's not common for youth wrestlers to walk around in just a singlet between matches.

Singlet Care:

Wrestling singlets are made from lycra/spandex materials that require special care to stay in good condition.

Follow these tips to keep your singlet looking and smelling great:

✅ DO:

Wash in cold water – Heat can damage lycra. Stick to cold or warm cycles only.

Use mild detergent – Choose a non-phosphorous, gentle detergent to prevent color fading.

Hang dry only – Drip dry on a wooden or plastic hanger (metal hangers can leave rust marks).

Presoak if needed – For bloodstains or heavy dirt, soak in cold water with a bit of detergent for an hour or overnight.

Eliminate odors – Add a cup of baking soda to your presoak to remove lingering smells.

❌ DON’T:

No bleach – Chlorine bleach will damage the fabric and dull sublimated (printed) colors.

Don’t wash with rough items – Avoid mixing with clothes that have velcro or zippers; they can snag the fabric.

Never iron – The material is heat-sensitive and will melt or deform under an iron.

Proper care helps extend the life of your wrestler’s gear—and keeps it looking sharp for every match. If you have questions about sizing, fit, or purchasing team singlets, feel free to reach out to us or ask a coach at practice.

Mouthguards are not required for all wrestlers, but they are mandatory in competitions for anyone with braces. If your wrestler wears braces on the upper and/or lower teeth, they must use a mouthguard that specifically protects those areas.

Why are mouthguards important?
In a contact sport like wrestling, it's common for athletes to take accidental elbows or contact to the face. A properly fitted mouthguard helps protect the teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums—especially for wrestlers with braces, where the risk of cuts or dental injury is much higher.

Mouthguards for braces:
Standard mouthguards may not be enough for athletes with orthodontic devices. Wrestlers with braces should use a braces-specific mouthguard, which is designed to fit over brackets and wires while still allowing for comfort and breathing. Some protect just the upper teeth, while others cover both upper and lower, depending on the type of braces worn.

Choosing the right mouthguard:

• Look for "braces-compatible" on the label if your wrestler has orthodontics.
• Make sure the mouthguard allows for easy breathing and speaking, especially during intense matches.
• Custom-fit or boil-and-bite styles both work, but check with your orthodontist if unsure.