ASICS Men's MATCONTROL 3 Wrestling Shoes - Supportive, Flexible

Our review of the ASICS Men's MATCONTROL 3 Wrestling Shoes finds them best suited for wrestlers and regular mat athletes who want a durable, supportive shoe that still moves with the foot. The single biggest reason to buy is the balance of stability and flexibility: a medial side support unit and flexion grooves in the outsole combine to keep the foot secure during turns and shots while allowing natural motion. These shoes transition well from practice to competition and include practical details like a shoelace garage and a more sustainable solution dye sockliner.

Key Features

• Flexion grooves in the outsole: provide improved flexibility so the shoe bends naturally with foot movements during takedowns and scrambles.
• Shoelace garage: keeps laces tucked and secured in the eyestay so they stay out of the way during matches and drills.
• Medial side support unit: offers added stability for lateral motion and single-leg positions common in wrestling.
• Flexible upper construction: moves with the foot to reduce hotspots while still maintaining structural support for aggressive footwork.
• Solution dye sockliner: reduces water usage by about 33% and carbon emissions by about 45%, lowering the environmental footprint of the insole component.

Who It's For

The MATCONTROL 3 is aimed at wrestlers who need a versatile shoe that performs across practice sessions and competitive bouts; it works well for high school and club athletes who value grip and durability without a heavy, rigid feel. Coaches looking for a dependable shoe for team issue will also appreciate the blend of stability and flexibility.

Those who want a minimalist, barefoot-style wrestling shoe or who require a very wide fit may want to try other models first, since customer feedback on sizing is mixed and the construction favors a supportive, closer fit rather than an ultra-roomy toe box.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong combination of stability and flexibility thanks to the medial support and flexion grooves.
• Durable materials and outsole give excellent long-term grip and wear resistance on mat surfaces.
• Practical design features like the shoelace garage keep laces tidy during matches.
• Solution dye sockliner reduces environmental impact while providing comfort.

Cons

• Sizing is reported as mixed by customers, so some buyers may need to try a different size than usual.
• The supportive construction may feel snug for athletes seeking an ultra-light, barefoot feel.

Specifications

Model	MATCONTROL 3
Primary use	Wrestling - practice and matches
Outsole	Flexion grooves for improved flexibility and traction
Support	Medial side support unit for lateral stability
Upper	Flexible construction that moves with the foot
Closure detail	Shoelace garage in eyestay to keep laces concealed
Sockliner	Solution dye sockliner to reduce water use and emissions

Our Verdict

The ASICS MATCONTROL 3 is a smart choice for wrestlers who want a durable, supportive shoe that still allows natural foot movement; it offers strong grip, sensible match-focused details, and an eco-minded sockliner. Given its balance of performance and construction, it represents good value for athletes who need reliable footwear for both practice and competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for competition?
Yes, the MATCONTROL 3 is designed to transition from practice to matches, with a support unit and outsole pattern that work well on mat surfaces.

Do they run true to size?
Customer feedback is mixed on sizing, so trying the usual wrestling shoe size is a good start, but be prepared to size up or down depending on foot shape.

Is the sockliner environmentally friendly?
The solution dye sockliner reduces overall water usage by about 33% and carbon emissions by about 45% compared with standard dyeing for that component.