ASICS Men's MATCONTROL 3 Wrestling Shoes - Supportive Mat Shoe

In this review of the ASICS Men's MATCONTROL 3 Wrestling Shoes the bottom line is simple: these are a well balanced practice-to-match shoe for wrestlers who want dependable support without sacrificing flexibility. The MATCONTROL 3 stands out for its combination of a flexible upper that moves with the foot and a medial side support unit that adds stability during turns and lifts. Reviewers repeatedly praise the shoe for its durability, comfortable break-in, and strong ankle support while the concealed shoelace garage keeps laces tidy under pressure.

Key Features

• Flexion grooves in the outsole: allow the forefoot to bend naturally for improved mobility during quick shots and sprawls.
• Flexible upper construction: moves with the foot to reduce hotspots while still offering structural support for aggressive mat work.
• Shoelace garage: keeps laces tucked away so straps and knots do not catch or come loose during matches.
• Medial side support unit: provides added stability for lateral movement and single-leg takedowns.
• Solution dye sockliner: reduces water use by about 33% and lowers carbon emissions by about 45%, making the shoe a more sustainable choice.

Who It's For

The MATCONTROL 3 is best for competitive high school and club wrestlers who need a shoe that transitions well between practice and competition; its mix of flexibility and medial support suits athletes who rely on quick footwork and frequent directional changes. It also works well for coaches or training partners who put long hours on their gear and need durable construction.

Runners or athletes needing maximal cushioning or maximal ankle restriction should look elsewhere, as this model prioritizes mat feel and mobility over heavy cushioning or rigid external ankle bracing. Those with very wide feet may find the fit narrow and should try them on for sizing before committing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable build that stands up to regular practice and competition without rapid wear.
• Good ankle support compared with many lightweight wrestling shoes thanks to the supportive upper and medial unit.
• Flexible outsole with flexion grooves that enhances natural movement and mat traction.
• Eco-friendlier sockliner that cuts water use and carbon emissions in production.

Cons

• Some wrestlers report a slightly narrow fit, so those with wide feet may need a wider option or a try-on.

Specifications

Model	MATCONTROL 3
Intended use	Wrestling practice and competition
Upper	Flexible construction for natural motion
Outsole	Flexion grooves for improved flexibility and mat traction
Support features	Medial side support unit and supportive upper
Shoelace feature	Shoelace garage in the eyestay to conceal laces
Sustainability	Solution dye sockliner reduces water use ~33% and carbon emissions ~45%

Our Verdict

The ASICS MATCONTROL 3 is a smart choice for wrestlers who want a balanced shoe that emphasizes mat feel, flexibility, and reliable support. It offers strong durability and thoughtful features like the shoelace garage and solution dye sockliner, making it good value for athletes who need a dependable, competition-ready shoe that also considers sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these true to size?
Many customers find them true to size, but some report a narrow fit so trying them on or ordering a half size up may help.

Can they be used for practice and matches?
Yes, the MATCONTROL 3 is designed to transition from practice to competition with a balance of flexibility and stability.

Do they offer ankle support?
Yes, reviewers note good ankle support provided by the supportive upper and medial side unit without overly restricting movement.