Over the years, wrestling shoes have evolved. Whether you like a split or a full sole, there are plenty of options to pick from. 

In addition, a number of some of our greatest champions and biggest stars have been lucky enough to have a signature shoe. And thanks to a number of new brands that seem to be throwing their hat in the ring of designers, we’re getting more options all the time. 

One of the latest designs is the one coming with Reece Humphrey’s wild style attached to it. 

Back in the day, the signature shoe game entailed shoes from John Smith, Dan Gable, Cael Sanderson, and Cary Kolat among others. Then in 2013, Jordan Burroughs and Asics released the JB Elite making Burroughs the first – and currently only – black wrestler to ever have his own signature shoe. Since then, the multiple-time World and Olympic champion has combined with the top sponsor on plenty more iterations of the JB Elite. 

Here’s a look at Burroughs working with the design team at Asics to create his first shoe:

Since then we’ve seen more of our current athletes get a signature shoe. Kyle Snyder joined Rudis to create his own as well. 

But the evolution of shoes has gone so far beyond what comes out of the factories and the trendsetter in this realm was NCAA champion Darian Cruz. I sat down and talked with Darian about that first custom pair done by Daniel Ortiz of DoDo Customs. 

Unlock this video, live events, and more with a subscription!

Sign Up

Already a subscriber? Log In

Even though Burroughs' shoe is already created with his full input, he got some custom work done by DoDo as well. 

The surge of customization in the wrestling world goes beyond shoes, but it’s the wrestling shoe game that is allowing guys and girls to bring more of their own style to the mat that goes further than how they shoot or ride.