A Parent’s Guide to Wrestling Essentials

As a parent whose child is beginning wrestling, you might wonder what type of equipment they need and where to find it. Wrestling requires specialized gear, such as wrestling shoes, singlets, headgear, and protective equipment. Finding the right equipment can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you’re new to the sport. This blog will guide you through understanding what gear your wrestler needs, where to find it, and how to choose the best items to support your child's wrestling journey.

The Essential Gear Your Wrestler Will Need

Before diving into where to shop, it's helpful to know exactly what gear your wrestler needs. The primary gear includes wrestling shoes, singlets or practice clothing, headgear, and sometimes optional knee pads or mouthguards. Wrestling shoes provide traction and stability, singlets offer freedom of movement and safety, and headgear helps prevent injuries like cauliflower ear. Selecting the proper gear ensures your wrestler is safe, comfortable, and ready to perform their best.

Buying Wrestling Shoes: Comfort and Performance

Wrestling shoes are arguably the most important piece of gear because wrestlers rely heavily on grip, stability, and ankle support. Wrestling shoes differ significantly from standard athletic footwear; they have thinner soles designed to maximize grip on the wrestling mat, and they offer greater flexibility and ankle support. Choosing shoes with a snug but comfortable fit is crucial, as loose shoes can lead to slips or reduced balance during a match.

Most sporting goods stores, such as Dick’s Sporting Goods or Academy Sports, carry wrestling shoes, especially around wrestling season. However, dedicated wrestling retailers often have a wider selection, better sizing availability, and knowledgeable staff. Online wrestling stores, such as WrestlingMart, Eastbay, or Amazon, also offer an extensive range of wrestling shoe styles, prices, and brands.

Choosing Wrestling Singlets: Finding the Right Fit

Singlets are the standard wrestling uniform, designed specifically to offer comfort, ease of movement, and safety during matches. A good singlet will fit snugly but comfortably, without restricting the wrestler’s range of motion or feeling too tight. Some youth wrestling leagues now allow wrestlers to wear compression shorts and shirts instead, which can provide more comfort for wrestlers who feel self-conscious wearing traditional singlets.

Online wrestling specialty stores usually offer the largest selection of singlets, including customized options. Websites such as Cliff Keen, Rudis, and WrestlingGear.com are popular choices among wrestling families. Many wrestling clubs also offer customized team singlets, providing your wrestler with team spirit and identity.

Purchasing Wrestling Headgear: Safety Comes First

Headgear is mandatory in many youth and school wrestling programs to protect wrestlers from ear injuries and to prevent cauliflower ear—a condition resulting from repeated impacts to the ear. Proper headgear should have adjustable straps, comfortable padding around the ears, and a secure fit. It should remain in place even during intense action and scrambles on the mat.

Most sporting goods stores stock basic wrestling headgear during wrestling season. For more selection and quality, however, dedicated wrestling shops online and wrestling gear specialty stores offer a wider variety, with brands like Cliff Keen, ASICS, and Adidas. If your child complains about discomfort from headgear, try different brands or models until you find one that fits comfortably. Comfort is essential for ensuring your wrestler wears their headgear consistently.

Protective Equipment: Mouthguards and Knee Pads

Protective equipment like mouthguards and knee pads can be recommended for wrestlers to reduce injury risk. Mouthguards, though not always mandatory, can protect your wrestler from oral injuries resulting from accidental contact. Custom-fitted mouthguards provide the best comfort, but affordable boil-and-bite versions are available at local sporting goods stores or pharmacies.

Knee pads are optional but beneficial for wrestlers who frequently shoot or drop to their knees. They provide extra padding and protect the knees from bruises and mat burns. These are widely available at wrestling stores or general sports stores online and in-person.

Where Should You Buy Wrestling Gear?

Local sporting goods stores, like Academy Sports, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and even department stores occasionally stock wrestling gear seasonally. Shopping locally provides the advantage of trying gear on for fit and immediate availability. However, specialized wrestling stores and online retailers typically offer more variety, competitive pricing, and expert advice.

Popular wrestling-focused online retailers like WrestlingMart.com, Rudis, Suplay, and Eastbay offer specialized products, more size options, and knowledgeable customer service staff. Shopping online allows you to compare prices, read product reviews, and find gear tailored specifically for wrestling. Amazon is also a popular option due to its wide selection and fast shipping, especially if you already know what sizes or styles you need.

If budget is a concern, some wrestling clubs and teams host gear exchanges or second-hand sales where parents can buy gently used equipment at reduced prices. This is a practical and cost-effective way to find affordable gear, especially as wrestlers grow and quickly outgrow their shoes and clothing.

Choosing the Right Wrestling Gear

Having the proper wrestling gear helps your child stay safe, comfortable, and confident on the mat. Quality wrestling shoes, well-fitted headgear, comfortable singlets, and appropriate protective equipment are essential for both safety and performance. When choosing gear, consider comfort, fit, quality, and affordability.

Whether shopping online, visiting local stores, or purchasing used gear from other wrestling families, the important part is selecting equipment that makes your child feel prepared and comfortable. Good gear doesn't just protect—it boosts a wrestler’s confidence, allowing them to focus completely on technique, skill improvement, and enjoyment of the sport.

In wrestling, just as in life, being properly equipped can make all the difference in achieving success and enjoyment in the journey.