| A Quick History Lesson About The Sport of | | | | typical "brick and mortar" stores. A good |
| Wrestling | | | | quality-wrestling shoe will normally last a year or |
| Wrestling is the world's oldest sport. Evidence of | | | | two. It all depends on how much you wrestle. |
| wrestling can be traced all the way back to | | | | Keep in mind that comfort is extremely |
| ancient Egyptian times. The first Olympic wrestling | | | | important. Look for a shoe that features a good |
| match was recorded in 708 BC. The earliest form | | | | rubber sole and high ankle support. The higher |
| of wrestling proved to be a violent contest | | | | quality wrestling shoes are made out of a |
| between two combatants. But much of the | | | | lightweight material that breathes well. It is |
| brutality was eliminated as the Romans introduced | | | | recommended that you try on several different |
| a less violent version of the sport. Wrestling | | | | brands to find the one best suited for you. Don't |
| remained popular throughout the Middle Ages in | | | | hesitate to ask the salesperson for help. If you |
| countries such as England, France, and Japan. | | | | are still not sure which shoe to purchase, try to |
| Wrestling continued to increase in popularity as it | | | | get a recommendation from your coach or your |
| found its way to Americaby way of the early | | | | teammates. |
| colonists. The sport was also quite popular among | | | | Color and Style |
| Native Americans. The "catch-as-catch-can" style | | | | Many manufacturers offer a wide selection of |
| finally developed into the modern form of | | | | colors to choose from. Select a color that agrees |
| collegiate wrestling today. | | | | with you and goes well with your other |
| The first national wrestling tournament took place | | | | equipment. |
| in New York City in 1988. The first modern day | | | | Choose either a split sole or a non-split sole shoe. |
| Olympic Wrestling Match was held in 1904 in Saint | | | | Split sole shoes tend to be a little more |
| Louis, Missouri. The first NCAA Wrestling | | | | comfortable and provide better traction. |
| Championships were held in 1912 in Ames, Iowa. | | | | Price |
| Some Important Considerations When Purchasing | | | | Wrestling shoes generally range in price from |
| Wrestling Shoes | | | | $30.00 up to $125.00. It is recommended that you |
| Finding The Correct Size | | | | purchase a more affordable style if you are new |
| The first thing you should do is measure your | | | | to the sport. If you are operating on a really tight |
| foot to determine your normal shoe size. A | | | | budget, you may want to consider purchasing a |
| typical pair of wrestling shoes will generally run | | | | used pair. You might even try to strike a deal on |
| one half to one full size larger than your normal | | | | a used pair of shoes with one of your |
| shoes. Keep in mind that your new wrestling | | | | teammates. The Internet is also a good place to |
| shoes will probably stretch somewhat after a few | | | | locate and purchase used wrestling equipment. |
| practices. Remember, the fit should be fairly snug. | | | | Some Key Points To Remember... |
| Brand Selection | | | | Your wrestling shoes must have a nice snug fit to |
| When shopping for wrestling shoes, you can rely | | | | them. Make sure that you have selected a pair, |
| on "battle tested brands" such as Asics, Nike, | | | | which features a strong sole and high ankle |
| Adidas, Infinity, and Brute. You can purchase | | | | support. |
| these popular brand name shoes online or at | | | | |