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Wrestling Gear Buying Guide: 5 Must-Haves for the Mat

Expert Advice

Wrestling Gear Buying Guide: 5 Must-Haves for the Mat

Nov 20, 2023

Step onto the mat with confidence! Explore our Wrestling Gear Buying Guide to discover the 5 essential must-haves for every wrestler this season!

You’re no stranger to early-morning wrestling workouts, brutal weight cuts and day-long wrestling meets. You understand how to keep your body in peak condition, and you work hard to stay at the top of your game. Let Hibbett | City Gear hook you or your kid up with the wrestling gear you need to get to the top and stay there. 

Our wrestling equipment and gear guide is here to help you determine what you need before you step onto the mat. 

Rudis men's Wrestling Shoes

Wrestling Shoes

Choosing the right supportive footwear gives you the breathability and ankle stability you need to execute seamless moves — all while gripped to the mat. When selecting the right shoe, you want a snug fit, a good traction pattern that will prevent you from slipping and sliding, and excellent ankle support. If your main focus is on flexibility, look for shoes with a split sole; if you require more stability, try a uni-sole.


  • The Nike Fury ¾ wrestling shoes not only meet tournament competition requirements, but a breathable mesh upper keeps feet comfy and cool under pressure.
  • ASICS Snapdown wrestling shoes include a kimono tongue for improved fit, stitched-down overlays with a breathable mesh underlay and plenty of ankle support.
  • A split-sole RUDIS shoe, like the Alpha 2.0, offers the right balance of flexibility, while forefoot and heel pods with multi-directional traction deliver great grip on the mat.

Wrestling Bags & Backpacks

Stash your keys, wallet, phone, water bottle, wrestling gear, extra socks, you name it, in a bag or backpack. Perfect for carting to practice and competitions, wrestling backpacks offer ample storage with smaller and larger zippered pockets and compartments.

Man wearing wrestling mouthguard

Wrestling Mouthguards

Dental work is pricey, but a wrestling mouthguard is a cost-effective way for teeth to remain in place. Made of silicone or rubber, most mouthguards provide a custom fit. Choose a simple black or blue colorway, something that matches your singlet or uniform, or go with vibrant patterns and colorful branding.

Wrestling Kneepads

Another key body part to protect on the mat? Knees. Kneepads provide protection via foam or rubber padding, held in place by a sleeve or strap. RUDIS Omni-Impact Kneepads offer unmatched protection and comfort without any bulk.

Headgear

Wrestling Headgear

You’ve heard the term “cauliflower ear,” a condition that plagues boxers and wrestlers who take a blow to the ear. Avoid head (and ear) injuries by making sure you find protective headgear designed to protect the wrestler's ears, head and face from injury.


Hard-shell headgear is the most common and features harder, less flexible ear cups for better impact protection. More flexible soft-shell cups still provide plenty of protection, but they don’t have that tougher exterior.


Typically made of foam or rubber, headgear like this hard-shell RUDIS edition features a two-slot holder that keeps the easily adjustable straps together, with rigid ear cups padded with EVA foam. A soft chin pad also helps absorb shock.


You’ve got your uniform, coordinating shoes, a matching mouthguard and the motivation to power through takedowns and headlocks. Shop Hibbett | City Gear for all your wrestling equipment needs, as well as athletic gear for any sport imaginable!

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