ASICS Men's MATCONTROL 3 Wrestling Shoes - Balanced Support

Our review of the ASICS Men's MATCONTROL 3 Wrestling Shoes finds them best for wrestlers and workout athletes who need a dependable, flexible shoe that holds up through practice and competition. The single biggest reason to buy is the blend of stability and mobility: a flexible upper and flexion grooves in the outsole let the foot move naturally while a medial side support unit and shoelace garage keep the foot secure and laces tucked during intense mat work. The shoe also emphasizes durability and sustainability with a solution dye sockliner that reduces water use and carbon emissions.

Key Features

• Flexible outsole: Flexion grooves in the outsole improve forefoot flexibility so transitions and pivots feel more natural on the mat.
• Secure fit: A shoelace garage keeps laces concealed and tied so they do not interfere during matches or drilling.
• Supportive midfoot: The medial side support unit adds stability for lateral drives, shots and scrambles.
• Durable upper: The flexible upper construction moves with the foot without sacrificing the structure needed for aggressive wrestling movements.
• Lower environmental impact: The solution dye sockliner helps reduce overall water usage by about 33% and carbon emissions by about 45%, making the shoe more sustainable than traditional dye methods.

Who It's For

These shoes are for competitive wrestlers, high school and club athletes, and anyone who wants a shoe that can move from daily practice to live matches. The combination of ankle support, medial stability and outsole flexibility makes them particularly useful for athletes who rely on quick direction changes and need reliable traction on wrestling mats.

People who need a very wide fit or who prefer heavily cushioned, running-style training shoes should look elsewhere; customers report mixed fit feedback, with some finding the shoe narrower than expected. If a roomier toe box is essential, try a different model or size up to ensure comfort.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Quality construction and durable materials hold up well with frequent use and provide long-lasting performance.
• Good ankle support and a secure fit help during takedowns and defensive movements.
• Comfortable for workouts and matches thanks to a flexible upper and thoughtful internal features.
• Environmental benefit from the solution dye sockliner reduces water and carbon footprint.

Cons

• Fit runs mixed; some users find the shoe narrower than expected, so sizing may require attention.

Specifications

Model	MATCONTROL 3
Brand	ASICS
Intended use	Wrestling, practice and matches
Outsole feature	Flexion grooves for improved flexibility
Support feature	Medial side support unit for stability
Lacing	Shoelace garage in the eyestay to keep laces concealed
Sustainability	Solution dye sockliner reduces water use ~33% and carbon emissions ~45%

Our Verdict

The MATCONTROL 3 is a strong choice for wrestlers who want a balanced shoe that blends flexibility with targeted support and long-term durability. It delivers good value for athletes who prioritize mat performance and a reduced environmental footprint, but buyers should verify fit because some may find the last on the narrow side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for both practice and competition?
Yes. The MATCONTROL 3 is designed to transition from practice to matches with features like medial support and a secure shoelace garage.

Do these run true to size?
Fit is mixed; many find them true to size, while others report a narrower fit, so consider trying on or ordering with a return option.

What sustainability benefits does this shoe offer?
The solution dye sockliner reduces overall water usage by about 33% and carbon emissions by about 45% compared with traditional dye processes.