Both boxing shoes and wrestling shoes are similar to each other. Both the pieces of footwear are important pieces of gear in their respective sports. Lightweight made to fit form, designed to provide stability for fast foot movement; these two have a lot of qualities which make it difficult to tell them apart.
While they are very similar, they do have their differences, which is why one is not recommended in their respective sport by professionals. We’re going to take a look at the subtle differences that the two different types of shoes have:
Boxing shoes vs. wrestling shoes – the ankle height
During both sports, athletes are expected to fall down. When it comes to boxers, they are more inclined to stand straight and when they fall, they are likely to fall without warning. Wrestlers fall down a lot more than boxers but they usually see it coming and they know how to fall down safely.
Elite Boxing Shoes
by Venum
Venum Elite Boxing Shoes Highlights:
- Tri-material: Glossy PU Patent, PU Flex, Mesh Honeycomb;
- Rubber outsole: increased grip, durability and stability;
- Optimized comfort with anatomical designed insole;
- Bonded insole to prevent slipping.
Boxers are at a bigger risk of breaking their ankles if they fall without expecting it, and that is why there’s a difference in the height of the ankles. Boxing shoes have higher ankles that are held into place using straps or laces. This helps decrease the likelihood of breaking the ankles by falling unexpectedly.
Boxing shoes vs. wrestling shoes – the material of construction
Wrestling shoes, more often than not, are made using synthetic and lightweight materials. Material like mesh upper portions and rubber soles to prevent the aspect of slipping on the mat.
The soles of the shoes have to be flexible so they can allow the feet to move into any required position without causing discomfort to the wearer during the match.
Men's HVC Wrestling Shoe
by adidas
adidas Men's HVC Wrestling Shoe Highlights:
- Rubber sole;
- The adidas brand has a long history and deep-rooted;
- Connection with sport. Everything we do is rooted in sport;
- Driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation as well as decades of accumulating sports science expertise, we cater for all, from elite professional athletes and teams to any individual who wants to make sport part of their lives.
Boxing shoes are also mostly made of the same synthetic and lightweight materials, but wrestlers often also wear lightweight leather or suede shoes with textured rubber soles. There are also boxing shoes with mesh designs for the upper portion to make the shoes breathable and prevent them from becoming heavy because of the sweat.
Boxing shoes vs. wrestling shoes – the soles
The last key point that differentiates the footwear for the two sports is the sole. In boxing shoes, the soles are actually completely smooth. This allows the boxer to make quick movements on the canvas without any interruptions to the movements.
There are textures and grooves cut into the sole, which allow traction for backward and forward movement. Wrestling shoes are more likely to have rigid soles that are designed to cut into the softer wrestling mat surface.
This actually allows a better grip for them while engaging in the sport. Most of the models in wrestling shoes will have circles carved into the soles to provide traction in all directions whenever it is needed.
The soles for both shoes are thin with limited arch support or padding. This is due to the fact that the surface of both these sports are played on already are soft.
The focus in both their designs is on the aspect of keeping them lightweight rather than providing the sportspersons extra comfort. Apart from all of that, they are pretty much the same.
