You've decided on a pair of wrestling shoes – but what's the right size? That's one of the most common questions we get at Home of Wrestling. And it's a valid one: wrestling shoes work differently than regular athletic shoes. If you choose the wrong size, you'll be training with pressure points, poor grip, or a shoe that slips on the mat. In this article, we'll explain step-by-step how to find the right size – for children, teenagers, and adults, and for all common brands.
Why Wrestling Shoes Are Different from Regular Athletic Shoes
Before we get to sizing, it's important to understand why wrestling shoes have a different fit than regular sneakers or running shoes.
Wrestling shoes are designed to fit snugly – intentionally so. The shoe should feel like a second skin, so you have maximum ground contact on the mat and your opponent can't get a grip on your shoe. This means: If you take your normal shoe size and expect the wrestling shoe to fit the same way as your everyday shoe, you'll be surprised – the shoe will feel significantly tighter.
That's normal. That's not a mistake. That's on purpose.
At the same time, this means you need to pay a little more attention to sizing than when buying regular shoes.
The Basic Rule: Measure Your Foot Length
The most reliable starting point for the correct wrestling shoe size is your foot length in centimeters – not your usual shoe size. This is because shoe sizes can vary considerably depending on the brand, model, and country of manufacture.
How to measure your foot correctly:
Stand with your foot on a white sheet of paper and mark the longest point of your heel and your longest toe. Measure the distance between the two points in millimeters. This is your foot length. Repeat this with the other foot – most people have a slightly different sized foot. Always use the larger value as a basis.
With this number, you can consult the size charts of the respective brand and get a much more reliable recommendation than if you simply take your usual shoe size.
Tighter Than Normal Shoes – But Not Too Tight
Wrestling shoes should fit snugly – but there's a clear line between snug and too tight. Here are the most important guidelines:
Correct: The shoe fits firmly, you feel it all around, but you can move your toes slightly. There is a maximum of 3–5mm of space between your toes and the tip of the shoe. Your foot feels secure and supported, without being constricted.
Too tight: Your toes are squeezed together, you feel tingling or numbness after wearing them for a short time, the shoe leaves pressure marks on your heel or instep.
Too big: Your foot slips in the shoe, you lose ground contact and control on the mat, the shoe gapes at the front.
When in doubt: it's better to choose half a size smaller than usual – not larger. Wrestling shoes stretch slightly over time.
Differences Between Brands
ASICS Wrestling Shoes
ASICS wrestling shoes generally run a bit smaller than European shoe sizes. Many athletes order ASICS a half to a full size larger than their normal shoe size. This is especially true for the Matflex and Matcontrol – two of the best-selling models worldwide.
The ASICS EX-EO (also known as ASICS Tiger or TWR 900) has a slightly different last shape and fits wider in comparison. If you have a narrow foot, you might want to choose half a size smaller for the EX-EO.
Our recommendation for ASICS: Measure your foot in centimeters and compare directly with the ASICS size chart – this provides the most reliable basis. All ASICS wrestling shoes at Home of Wrestling can be found in our collection.
Rudis Wrestling Shoes
Rudis is an American brand – and that's noticeable in the sizing. US sizes differ from European sizes, which makes the choice even more difficult. In addition, each Rudis model has a slightly different cut: the JB1 fits differently than the Colt 4.0, the Hildebrandt differently than the KS Power.
Rudis has recognized this problem itself and offers an individual size calculator per model on the manufacturer's website rudis.com. This is an extremely useful tool – you enter your foot length and get the recommended size for exactly the model you want to buy. We recommend that anyone buying Rudis shoes not skip this step. All Rudis wrestling shoes at Home of Wrestling can be found in our collection.
Phantom Athletics Wrestling Shoes
The Phantom Rookie – our only Phantom model – is a European production and generally runs true to size. Here, you can usually take your usual European shoe size. The velcro closure also provides some leeway in the fit. All details can be found on our Phantom Wrestling Shoes page at Home of Wrestling.
Ringerschuh.ch Private Label
Our private label wrestling shoes in sizes 32–38 are designed for children and teenagers and run true to size. For children, we recommend measuring the foot and choosing the next size up – wrestling shoes should fit snugly, but growing feet still need some room to spare.
Wrestling Shoes for Children – Special Considerations
For children, slightly different rules apply than for adults. Children grow quickly – a shoe that fits perfectly in autumn may already be too small in spring. At the same time, wrestling shoes should fit snugly, which means you can't just buy a size larger "for future growth."
Our recommendation for children: Measure the foot, choose the appropriate size, and plan that you may need to replace the shoe after one season. For children who are growing, it is therefore worthwhile to opt for a cheaper model for the initial purchase – for example, our Ringerschuh.ch private label shoes or the Phantom Rookie.
Socks – The Underestimated Factor
A common mistake when trying on shoes: The shoe is tried on without socks or with the wrong socks. Wrestling shoes are worn with thin athletic socks – not with thick hiking socks or regular athletic socks.
If you try on the shoe with socks that are too thick, you'll end up buying a size too large. If you try it on without socks, you might buy one that's too small. Always try on the shoe with thin wrestling socks – just as you would wear it on the mat. Our Home of Wrestling wrestling socks are specifically designed for this purpose.
What to Do If I'm Between Two Sizes?
This happens often – you measure your foot and land right between two sizes. What then?
Generally, for wrestling shoes: When in doubt, choose the smaller size. The shoe will stretch slightly over time, and a shoe that is too big cannot be corrected. A slightly snug shoe that fits perfectly after a few training sessions is better than a shoe where your foot always has some play.
Exception: If you have a very wide foot or the shoe is truly uncomfortable when you try it on, choose the larger size.
Try Them On Directly at Our Warehouse
Are you unsure or would you like to compare different models directly? At Home of Wrestling, you have the opportunity to try on all wrestling shoes in person at our warehouse. This way, you can compare different models and sizes directly – without risk and without compromise.
A warehouse visit is possible at any time upon request. Simply send us a message via WhatsApp and we will arrange a suitable appointment. We will take the time for you and help you find the right shoe in the right size.
For the complete selection of wrestling shoes at Home of Wrestling, click here.
Summary – Key Points
Measure your foot in centimeters – don't rely blindly on your usual shoe size. Wrestling shoes should fit snugly but not constrict – toes must be able to move slightly. For ASICS, generally order half a size larger than usual. For Rudis, use the model-specific size calculator on rudis.com. Phantom Rookie runs true to size. For children, measure the exact foot length and factor in rapid growth. Always try them on with thin wrestling socks. When in doubt, choose the smaller size – wrestling shoes stretch slightly.
Do you still have questions about the right size? Write to us via WhatsApp – or come directly to our warehouse and try on all models in person. We look forward to seeing you.