Wrestling Gear, Shoes and Equipment

Is wrestling dangerous? If wrestling is really dangerous, then what could be the measures to overcome the danger? Risks are always present in each and every sport. If this is so, then what are we going to do?

Being careful in everything, keeps us from harm. That’s true! But can we predict danger? It’s a fact that we can’t control accidents, if we are really meant to experience them. In wrestling, we can’t control it because that’s what wrestling is for– to hurt and to get hurt.

If this is the case, if we can’t stop harm, all we can do is to lessen it. We can lessen the impact of getting hit by using protective gear on our body.

A Wrestler’s Gear and Equipment

In basketball, the common protective gears are knee pads, elbow pads, supporter and much more. In wrestling, it is natural thing that athletes get hit, because that’s wrestling. Similar to basketball, some pro-wrestlers also use knee pads, elbow pads, supporter plus a mouthpiece. In the Olympics, wrestlers are required to have this gear: as well as specialized wrestling shoes, a wrestling singlet and a head gear.

What are these specialized wrestling shoes? Wrestling shoes have a thin sole and are light and flexible. It is an ankle-high sneaker which allows maximum speed for the wrestler and maximum fraction on the mat. It is specialized so that it gives special support to the ankles. Usually, shoe laces are required to be covered to prevent them from becoming untied during the match.

Shoes are common gear in any sport, but what is a singlet? It is simply a wrestler’s uniform. It is an over-all attire, colored lycra outfit that defines the shape of the one wearing it. It is designed to fit muscle curves so that they won’t be able to accidentally grasp each other. This design also aids the ref to properly see their bodies when giving points and falls in a game. On the other hand, a high-cut uniform is made for women. They are also required to wear a sports bra beneath their uniforms.

Aside from shoes and uniforms, protection for the head is also required. Thus, this is called “head gear”. It is made up from either a plastic polymer or foam inside covered with vinyl with a solid layer outside. It is used to protect the ears from getting hurt as it is usually seen securely tied on the head.

Unlike in basketball, players compete in a basketball court. This is quite large for a wrestling match. Professional wrestlers are staged as they fight in the ring or a cage. In Olympic wrestling it is on a cushioned mat. The mat needs to be resistant from wear and tear, as it must also be able to absorb shocks superbly. Usual mats are crafted from rubber foams. However, as technology advances, new models were made. Such modern ones are made of closed cell and polyethylene foams enclosed in vinyl. The reverse side is made using polyester.

Some additional wrestling gears and equipment are made available on the market which features signature wrestling socks, wrestling singlets or uniforms, wrestling headgear, wrestling shoes, wrestling knee pads, wrestling tights as well as gear bags. Athletes who compete internationally are usually sponsored by Adidas, ASICS, Brute, Matman, Cleef Keen and many others.

Additional Accessories

Olympic wrestlers are just required to wear a singlet, headgear and wrestling shoes. No additional accessories are allowed so as to ensure the safety of athletes while on the mat. However, in the professional world of wrestling, there are many extras.

Just imagine Rey Mysterio. Rey was known to be ‘Rey Mysterio’ because of the stylistic mask that hides his face. Triple H on the other hand would not have been Triple H without his sledge hammer. Edge, he’s popular for his Rated R Superstar T-shirt while ‘The Big Show’ is dressed like a Goliath, if you can imagine how Goliath dressed.

These additional accessories and costumes make these pro-wrestlers well-liked by fans. These things create different images for every superstar in the ring.