Wrestling Shoe Rules: What's Legal in Competition?

Good news first: almost every wrestling shoe sold by ASICS, Nike, Adidas or RUDIS is legal in every major competition. But there are a few rules referees actually enforce, and getting called on one at a tournament is a miserable way to learn it.

Laces must be secured

The rule referees enforce most: laces must be taped down or tucked in so they can't come undone mid-match. High-top shoes with an ankle strap (Nike Inflict 3, Adidas Combat Speed) make this easy — the strap covers the knot. With a pure lace-up shoe, carry a roll of tape in your bag.

No exposed metal or sharp parts

Eyelets, zippers or buckles that could scratch an opponent are not allowed. Standard wrestling shoes use fabric or covered eyelets, so this only becomes an issue if you modify your shoes or wear a non-wrestling boot.

Soles must be non-marking

Competition mats require non-marking gum rubber soles. Every genuine wrestling shoe qualifies — this rule exists to keep street shoes and cross-trainers off the mat. It's also why you should never wear your wrestling shoes outside: grit in the tread can mark and damage mats.

One shoe per foot — no doubling up

You can't wear two shoes on one foot or wrap shoes together. If a shoelace breaks or a sole fails mid-match, the referee stops the match and you get injury time to fix or replace it.

Check your tournament's rulebook

NFHS (US high school), NCAA and UWW (international) rulebooks all cover footwear briefly, and local tournaments occasionally add their own requirements. When in doubt, bring a standard lace-up or strapped wrestling shoe from a major brand and you'll never have a problem.