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

Our review of the ASICS Men's MATCONTROL 3 finds a wrestling shoe built for athletes who want a balance of support, durability, and mat-friendly flexibility. Designed to move with the foot, this shoe's standout trait is dependable flexibility without sacrificing stability, making it a solid choice for practice sessions and competitive matches alike. The shoe also integrates practical details such as a shoelace garage to keep laces tucked and a medial support unit for controlled movement, so wrestlers seeking reliable traction and long-term wear will find real value here.

Key Features

• Flexible outsole: Flexion grooves in the outsole allow the shoe to bend naturally with the foot for smoother transitions and agile footwork.
• Concealed laces: The shoelace garage in the eyestay keeps laces tucked away so they stay tied and out of the way during matches.
• Eco-conscious sockliner: The solution dye sockliner reduces overall water use by about 33% and lowers carbon emissions by roughly 45%, cutting environmental impact in production.
• Medial support unit: Built-in medial side support enhances stability for takedowns and defensive positioning without overly restricting motion.
• Flexible upper: The upper construction moves with natural foot motion to deliver a balance of mobility and structural support for wrestling-specific demands.

Who It's For

The MATCONTROL 3 is best for wrestlers and grapplers who need a shoe that performs both in practice and in competition, particularly those who value ankle support and a shoe that moves with the foot. It will suit athletes who want a durable, low-profile wrestling shoe with thoughtful details such as a lace garage and improved outsole flexibility.

Runners or athletes who require a very wide fit or specialized cross-training shoes should look elsewhere, since customer feedback shows mixed fit impressions with some users finding the shoe on the narrower side. Those who need heavily cushioned running shoes will also want a different model.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Quality construction and durable materials hold up through regular wrestling drills and workouts.
• Good ankle support and a medial support unit improve stability during aggressive movement.
• Flexion grooves and a flexible upper enable natural foot motion and improved mat traction.
• The shoelace garage keeps laces concealed and reduces distractions in matches.

Cons

• Fit runs mixed for some users; players with wider feet may find the shoe too narrow.
• Not intended as a running or high-cushion cross-train shoe, so cushioning is modest.

Specifications

Brand	Asics
Model	MATCONTROL 3
Primary use	Wrestling, practice and matches
Outsole feature	Flexion grooves for improved flexibility
Special features	Shoelace garage in the eyestay; medial side support unit
Sockliner	Solution dye sockliner reducing water use and carbon emissions
Fit notes	Mixed fit feedback; some users report narrow fit

Our Verdict

The MATCONTROL 3 is a practical, well-built wrestling shoe for athletes who need a balance of flexibility and support on the mat. Its thoughtful features, such as the shoelace garage and medial support, make it a reliable choice for practice and competition, and the eco-minded sockliner adds value. Those with wider feet or who need heavy cushioning should try these on first, but for most wrestlers this shoe offers strong performance and durability at a reasonable value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for competition?
Yes, the MATCONTROL 3 is designed to transition from practice to matches with features like a lace garage and stable medial support for competition use.

Do they run true to size?
Fit is mixed in customer reports: many find them true to size while some users report a narrower fit, so try them on if possible.

Is the sockliner eco-friendly?
Yes, the solution dye sockliner is designed to reduce water usage by about 33% and lower carbon emissions by roughly 45% during production.