ASICS Men's Matcontrol 2 Wrestling Shoes - Supportive, Durable Mat

Our review of the ASICS Men's Matcontrol 2 Wrestling Shoes finds them best for wrestlers and athletes who need a dependable training-to-match shoe that balances support with flexibility. The single biggest reason to consider the Matcontrol 2 is its combination of a flexible upper that moves with the foot and design details that keep laces tucked and stable during intense movement, making it a practical choice for practice, competition, and even weight room work.

Key Features

• Flexible upper construction: Provides natural foot motion while maintaining enough structure to support quick directional changes during practice and matches.
• Shoelace garage in the eyestay: Keeps laces tucked and tied so they stay out of the way and reduce distractions in live wrestling situations.
• Flexion grooves in the outsole: Help generate both flexibility and stability on mat surfaces, improving traction and foot placement.
• Durable build: Designed to withstand frequent use in the gym and on the mat without losing key performance characteristics.
• Versatile use case: Suitable for practice sessions, competition, and cross-use in the weight room, reducing the need for multiple specialized shoes.

Who It's For

The Matcontrol 2 is aimed at competitive wrestlers and club athletes who want a shoe that transitions easily from drilling in practice to match day. It will suit athletes who value a balance between flexibility for ankle mobility and enough supportive structure for stability during takedowns and sprawling.

Those seeking a maximalist, heavily cushioned trainer or a shoe built solely for casual wear should look elsewhere, as the Matcontrol 2 prioritizes mat traction and functional durability over everyday fashion or plush running-style cushioning.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Flexible upper offers a natural range of motion while retaining support for wrestling movements.
• Shoelace garage helps keep laces secured during matches and live training.
• Outsole flexion grooves improve flexibility and stability on mat surfaces for better traction.
• Durable construction stands up to repeated use in practice and the weight room.

Cons

• Not intended as an everyday casual sneaker, so styling and cushioning may feel basic off the mat.

Specifications

Product	MATCONTROL 2 wrestling shoe
Brand	Asics
Primary use	Wrestling practice, matches, weight room
Upper	Flexible construction for natural foot motion
Outsole	Flexion grooves for added flexibility and stability
Eyelet feature	Shoelace garage to keep laces tucked

Our Verdict

The ASICS Matcontrol 2 is a practical, well-rounded wrestling shoe for athletes who need a reliable mat shoe that also performs in the weight room. Its flexible upper, lacing garage, and outsole grooves make it a good value for wrestlers who want functionality and durability without unnecessary extras.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for both practice and matches?
Yes. The Matcontrol 2 is designed to transition from practice to competition with features that keep laces secure and provide mat traction.

Do they offer much cushioning for gym work?
They are functional for weight room use but focus on support and durability rather than plush cushioning like a running shoe.

Will the laces come untied during a match?
The shoelace garage in the eyestay helps keep laces tucked and reduces the chance of them coming untied during matches.