Review ASICS Men’s Matflex 7 Wrestling Shoes – Lightweight Performance Under $80

Between school pickup Tuesday and my son’s wrestling practice, I realized his current shoes were falling apart – literally separating at the sole mid-warmup. Mike here, and as a parent who’s bought way too many wrestling shoes over the years, I was frustrated but determined to find something that could handle a full season without breaking the bank. That’s when the coach mentioned the ASICS Matflex 7s that several varsity guys were wearing. After 8 weeks of testing these through practices, matches, and even some gym sessions, here’s the unfiltered truth about whether they deliver on their promises.

Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance

The first thing you notice about the Matflex 7 is how surprisingly light they feel in your hands. At 10.2 ounces for a size 9, these are noticeably lighter than most wrestling shoes in this price range. The polyester upper feels sturdy but flexible, with mesh underlays strategically placed for ventilation. The black and white colorway I tested has a clean, understated look that works well both on and off the mat.

The construction quality impressed me for the price point. The stitching is clean, and after 8 weeks of intensive use, I haven’t seen any separation or significant wear patterns. The ankle-high design provides decent support without feeling restrictive, and the traditional lacing system allows for a customizable fit. However, there’s one major caveat we need to address upfront – sizing.

The Sizing Reality Check

Let me be straight with you – these run small. Really small. I typically wear a size 10.5 in most athletic shoes, and the 10.5 Matflex 7s were so tight I couldn’t even get my foot in properly. I had to go up to an 11, and even then, they fit snugly with no room to spare. Based on the feedback from dozens of other users, this isn’t just my experience – it’s the norm.

The other consistent feedback I can confirm is that these are narrow. If you have wide feet, you’ll really feel the squeeze, especially across the toe box. The good news is that the material does give slightly after a few sessions, but don’t expect dramatic stretching.

Mat Performance – Where These Shoes Shine

Once you get the sizing right, the Matflex 7 delivers solid performance where it matters most – on the wrestling mat. The rubber sole pattern provides excellent grip without being overly aggressive. During quick direction changes, takedown attempts, and scrambles, I felt confident and planted. The lightweight design really shows its value here – your feet don’t feel weighed down during longer matches or practice sessions.

The E.V.A sockliner provides adequate cushioning for the impact absorption you need in wrestling. It’s not the plushest cushioning system, but it’s appropriate for the sport and price point. The mesh insole does help with ventilation, though your feet will still get warm during intense sessions – that’s just the nature of wrestling shoes.

Performance in Various Wrestling Conditions

I tested these across different mat surfaces and conditions over 8 weeks. On standard wrestling mats, the traction is excellent – no slipping during aggressive movements or when the mat gets slightly damp from sweat. The ankle-high design provides good stability without restricting ankle movement, which is crucial for proper wrestling technique.

During longer practice sessions (90+ minutes), comfort remained consistent. The lightweight design means less fatigue, and the breathable mesh helps prevent the feet from getting completely soaked in sweat. However, these aren’t moisture-wicking miracles – expect normal levels of warmth and moisture during intense wrestling.

One area where these surprised me was versatility. Several wrestlers I know use them for other activities – boxing training, martial arts, even gym workouts. The minimal profile and excellent ground contact make them surprisingly effective for deadlifts and other floor-based exercises.

Does ASICS Deliver on Their Promises?

ASICS markets the Matflex 7 as designed for “durability and comfort” with “breathable mesh underlays and supportive overlays that help to improve stability.” After 8 weeks of testing, here’s how they measure up:

Durability: Solid for the price range. No significant wear after 24 practices and 6 matches. The rubber sole shows minimal wear, and the upper construction has held up well.

Comfort: Good once you get the right size. The narrow fit is the biggest comfort limitation, but if the shoe fits your foot shape, comfort is adequate for wrestling needs.

Breathability: The mesh insole helps, but don’t expect exceptional ventilation. It’s about average for wrestling shoes in this category.

Stability: The ankle-high design and overall construction provide good stability for wrestling movements. No complaints here.

The one claim that falls short is sizing accuracy. ASICS really needs to address the fact that these consistently run 0.5 to 1 full size small.

My Overall Assessment

After 8 weeks of real-world testing, the ASICS Matflex 7 delivers solid value in the budget wrestling shoe category. The lightweight design, good mat traction, and decent durability make them a reliable choice for beginning to intermediate wrestlers.

Detailed Scoring

What Other Wrestlers Are Saying

The community feedback aligns closely with my experience. Parents consistently praise these for being a good value starter shoe, while noting the sizing challenges. Several Spanish-speaking customers mentioned “muy cómodos” (very comfortable) and “buena calidad y económicos” (good quality and economical), reinforcing the value proposition.

Experienced wrestlers appreciate the lightweight design and mat feel, though some moved to premium options like Rudis after gaining more experience. The consensus is clear: these are excellent for beginners and budget-conscious buyers who get the sizing right.

Final Verdict

The ASICS Matflex 7 Wrestling Shoes succeed in their primary mission: delivering solid wrestling performance at an accessible price point. The lightweight design, excellent mat traction, and decent durability make them a smart choice for the right buyer.

Who Should Buy the ASICS Matflex 7?

• Beginning wrestlers who need reliable performance without premium pricing
• Budget-conscious parents buying for growing kids who’ll outgrow shoes quickly
• Multi-sport athletes who want one shoe for wrestling, martial arts, and gym training
• Wrestlers with narrow feet who struggle with wider wrestling shoes
• Backup shoe buyers who want a reliable second pair for practice

Better Options for Specific Needs

• Wide feet: Look for ASICS Snapdown models that offer wide sizes
• Premium performance: Consider Rudis or higher-end ASICS models
• Advanced wrestlers: Invest in models with better ankle support and cushioning
• True-to-size fit: Try brands with more consistent sizing like Adidas Combat Speed

Final Recommendation

If you can navigate the sizing challenge (order 0.5-1 size up) and have average to narrow feet, the ASICS Matflex 7 delivers excellent value. They’re not the most advanced wrestling shoes on the market, but they get the fundamentals right at a price that won’t break the bank.

For families just starting in wrestling or anyone needing a reliable budget option, these are worth serious consideration. Just remember to size up, and you’ll likely be happy with the performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do ASICS Matflex 7 shoes run true to size?

No, they consistently run 0.5 to 1 full size small. Based on extensive user feedback and my testing, I recommend ordering at least a half size larger than your normal shoe size. If you have wide feet, consider going up a full size.

Are these good for wide feet?

Unfortunately, no. The Matflex 7 has a notably narrow fit that can be uncomfortable for wide feet. Even sizing up doesn’t fully address the width issue. Consider the ASICS Snapdown series which offers wide sizes.

How long do they typically last?

For recreational wrestling (2-3 times per week), expect 1-2 seasons of use. Daily intensive training will reduce lifespan to about one season. The durability is appropriate for the price point.

Can these be used for other sports besides wrestling?

Yes! Many users successfully use them for boxing, martial arts, gym training, and deadlifts. The minimal profile and excellent ground contact make them versatile for floor-based activities.

What’s the break-in period like?

Minimal break-in required. Most users find them comfortable after 2-3 sessions, with the material giving slightly over time. The narrow fit doesn’t change dramatically, so proper initial sizing is crucial.

Are they good for kids/youth wrestlers?

Excellent choice for youth wrestlers. Parents consistently praise them as a good starter shoe that balances performance and price. Perfect for trying the sport without major investment.

How do they compare to Adidas wrestling shoes?

Several users noted these are “better than Adidas wrestling shoes” in terms of comfort and traction. However, Adidas models often have more consistent sizing, so factor that into your decision.

What about arch support?

Minimal arch support, which is typical for wrestling shoes. The E.V.A sockliner provides basic cushioning but don’t expect significant arch support. This is appropriate for wrestling technique and mat feel.

Review Scoring Summary

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