ASICS Men's MATCONTROL 3 Wrestling Shoes - Stable, Flexible Mat Shoe

Our review of the ASICS Men's MATCONTROL 3 wrestling shoes finds them best suited for wrestlers and committed training athletes who need a balance of stability and mobile performance on the mat. The single biggest reason to consider these shoes is their combination of flexible outsole design and built-in medial support, which lets the foot move naturally while still resisting collapse during aggressive pivots and shots. The review highlights the durable build and a shoelace garage that keeps laces tucked during live rolling, making them practical for both practice and competition.

Key Features

• Flexion grooves in the outsole: provide targeted flexibility to help the shoe bend with the foot during stance changes and explosive movement.
• Flexible upper construction: moves with the natural motion of the foot while maintaining overall support to reduce restrictions during transitions.
• Shoelace garage: keeps laces concealed and secured in the eyestay so they do not come loose or catch during matches.
• Medial side support unit: adds stability on the inner side of the foot to help resist inward roll during takedowns and heavy movement.
• Solution dye sockliner: reduces water usage by roughly 33% and cuts carbon emissions by about 45%, making the shoe a more sustainable option among wrestling footwear.

Who It's For

These shoes are ideal for competitive wrestlers and serious club-level athletes who need a mat shoe that bridges practice and match use. The design favors wrestlers who value ankle support and a stable platform while still wanting the foot to flex naturally when shooting and sprawling.

They are less appropriate for athletes who require an exceptionally wide fit or who prefer heavily cushioned cross-training shoes for off-mat conditioning; several customers report a mixed fit, with some finding them narrow. If you consistently need extra room in the toe box, try them on before committing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable construction that holds up through regular practice and competition.
• Strong ankle and medial support that improves stability during aggressive moves.
• Functional outsole flexion grooves that enhance natural foot movement and traction on mat surfaces.
• Shoelace garage keeps laces tucked and reduces distractions mid-match.

Cons

• Fit runs mixed for customers; some find the shoe too narrow rather than true to size, which may require sizing up or trying on first.

Specifications

Model	MATCONTROL 3
Primary use	Wrestling / practice to matches
Outsole	Flexion grooves for improved flexibility
Support features	Medial side support unit and flexible upper construction
Lacing	Shoelace garage in the eyestay to keep laces concealed
Sustainability	Solution dye sockliner; ~33% less water usage, ~45% lower carbon emissions

Our Verdict

The MATCONTROL 3 is a solid, well-balanced wrestling shoe for athletes who need both mobility and support on the mat; its durability and functional details like the shoelace garage make it good value for regular training and competition. Those who require a roomier fit should try them on first, but for most wrestlers seeking stability with natural flex, they represent a sensible buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these shoes work for both practice and matches?
Yes. The MATCONTROL 3 is designed to transition from practice to competition with durable materials and a secure fit suitable for live wrestling.

Are they environmentally friendly?
The shoe includes a solution dye sockliner that helps reduce overall water usage by about 33% and lowers carbon emissions by about 45% compared with conventional dyeing.

How do they fit?
Fit is mixed among customers; some report a true-to-size fit while others find them narrow, so trying them on or considering a half size up is advisable if you prefer extra room.