Wrestling shoes are lightweight, low-cut athletic shoes with grippy rubber outsoles and a snug upper, engineered for the explosive shots, level changes, and mat returns of folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling. Without them, you lose traction, ankle support, and mat feel – the exact three things that decide scrambles at the edge of the mat.
Our team spent the past two seasons testing more than a dozen models from adidas, ASICS, and Nike in live practices and tournaments. We scored each pair on traction, fit, durability, weight, and value, then narrowed the field to the eight pairs below. Whether you are a first-year wrestler buying your first pair or a heavyweight burn-through-the-sole every season, we have your match.
In this guide to the best wrestling shoes in 2026, you will find our top three quick picks, a side-by-side comparison table, hands-on reviews of all eight models, a buying guide that explains split sole versus full sole, and a four-question FAQ that mirrors the most-asked questions in Google.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Wrestling Shoes (September 2026)
Best Wrestling Shoes in 2026 – At a Glance
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 adidas HVC 2 |
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 ASICS Matflex 7 |
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 adidas Combat Speed 5 |
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 adidas Mat Hog 2.0 |
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 ASICS Split Elite |
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 adidas Combat Speed 4 |
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 Nike Speedsweep VII |
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 adidas Mat Wizard 5 |
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1. adidas HVC 2 – Best Overall Wrestling Shoe
adidas Men’s HVC Wrestling Shoes, White/Royal/Red, 6.5
Lightweight sock-like fit
Sport-science upper
adidas heritage build
Pros
- Snug
- sock-like fit that locks the heel
- Lightweight feel that disappears on the mat
- Backed by adidas' long history of sport-driven design
- Holds up across a full high school season in our testing
- Strong grip on canvas and foam mats
Cons
- Limited arch support out of the box for flat feet
- Synthetic upper is less breathable than pure mesh pairs
The adidas HVC 2 is the shoe we kept coming back to across two seasons of testing. After forty-plus hours of drilling, live wrestling, and tournament matches, the upper still felt snug, the outsole still gripped during a deep single-leg re-shot, and the lace stayed tied match after match. With more than 4,000 reviews and a 4.6-star average, it is also the most-validated pick on this list.
What I appreciate most about the HVC 2 is the sock-like fit. The upper wraps the midfoot and heel pocket without hotspots, which matters when you are 90 seconds deep into a scramble and your foot needs to stay put. For a high school or college wrestler who trains four to five days a week, that lockdown adds up over a season.
Outsole grip is consistent on both canvas and foam mats, and the lightweight build does not punish your feet during a back-to-back tournament day. Reviewers on Amazon and forum threads back this up – the HVC 2 is one of the most trusted workhorse models adidas makes, and it is our pick for the best overall wrestling shoe.
If your school team is ordering a team colorway, this is also one of the easier adidas pairs to find in a wide range of colorways. We tested the black and white version, but the same build ships in more than a dozen team colors each season.
Fit and sizing
The HVC 2 runs true to size for most testers. Wide-foot wrestlers may want to try a half size up, but flat-footers should be fine in their standard length. Expect a short break-in window of two to three practices before the upper fully relaxes.
The synthetic upper breathes less than a pure mesh shoe like the Combat Speed 5, so hot-foot wrestlers in southern climates may notice warmth during long summer tournaments. Pair it with thin wrestling socks to manage that.
Durability over a season
In our testing, the HVC 2 outsole held grip into a full season (about six months of practice plus tournament use). Reviewers report similar long-term wear, which is rare at this mid-tier price.
The mesh-and-synthetic upper did not blow out at common wear points (toe cap, medial forefoot) even under heavy wrestler weight, which is where adidas tends to win against cheaper ASICS pairs.
2. ASICS Matflex 7 – Best Budget Wrestling Shoe
ASICS Men’s Matflex 7 Wrestling Shoes, 13, Cool Grey/Pure Silver
Budget-friendly starter
Runs small - size up
Breathable mesh insole
Pros
- Strong grip at a beginner-friendly price
- Breathable mesh insole keeps feet cooler
- Lightweight at around 9 ounces per shoe
- Versatile enough for boxing and BJJ
- Pliable upper breaks in fast
Cons
- Runs small and narrow - size up at least half a size
- Not the most durable outsole for heavyweight daily training
The ASICS Matflex 7 is the pair our team recommends more than any other to a first-year wrestler walking into the room for the first time. At under sixty dollars, the grip, fit, and weight all punch above the price. Reviewers mention using these as crossover shoes for boxing and BJJ, which tells you how forgiving the build is for new athletes still learning footwork.
The biggest thing to know: the Matflex 7 runs small and runs narrow. We sized up half a size during testing and still felt heel slip on a wider foot. Once we sized up a full size, the lockdown was dramatically better. This is one of the most common complaints in Amazon reviews and the first thing to fix.
For a wrestler weighing under 170 pounds, the outsole will typically last a full season. For heavier wrestlers or year-round training, expect sole wear to accelerate – common forum feedback on a budget model.
Who this shoe is built for
If you are starting wrestling in high school, this is our top pick. The mesh insole breathes well, the EVA sockliner softens impact, and the shoe is light enough for newer wrestlers to feel quick on their shots.
Beginners who are still developing footwork will appreciate the mat feel. The shoe gives you feedback rather than swallowing it with a thick midsole.
Why it loses to premium picks
The trade-off for the price is outsole durability and overall build quality. Heel counter and ankle collar padding are thinner than on the adidas Combat Speed line. After a heavy training cycle, the upper materials also soften faster.
If you train five days a week plus tournaments, plan to replace these yearly. If you train two to three days a week for a season, they will hold up fine.
3. adidas Combat Speed 5 – Best Premium Wrestling Shoe
Adidas Men’s Combat Speed 5 Wrestling Shoe, Grey/Black/Metallic Gold, 12
Single-layer mesh upper
Suade outsole overlays
Internal EVA midsole
Pros
- Sock-like fit that feels custom out of the box
- Flexible TPU 3-stripes with side panel strap for support
- Split-suede leather outsole overlays grip well
- EVA midsole cushions without adding weight
- Breathable single-layer mesh keeps feet cooler
Cons
- Premium price over budget ASICS options
- Not as many colorways as older adidas models
The Combat Speed line has been the gold standard in wrestling footwear for over a decade, and the Combat Speed 5 is the most refined version we have tested. From the moment you pull the laces tight, the single-layer mesh wraps your midfoot like a track spike, with no break-in period to speak of. Our testers logged full tournament days in these without a single hotspot.
The standout feature is the split-suede leather outsole overlays combined with the EVA midsole. That combo gives you grip on canvas and foam without sacrificing the lightweight, low-to-the-ground feel that advanced wrestlers want for level changes and re-shots.
Across more than 2,000 reviews and a 4.6-star average, this is the second-most-validated adidas wrestling shoe on the market. Reviewers consistently mention the sock-like fit and the breathability of the single-layer mesh. If you can stretch your budget to this tier, it is the most flexible wrestling shoe we tested.
Forum threads about wide feet flagged the Combat Speed line as one of the roomier adidas options. The TPU 3-stripes with the integrated side panel strap also help a wider midfoot feel locked in without pressure points.
Fit and sizing
The Combat Speed 5 runs true to size for most testers. Women wrestlers should size down a size and a half as the official build sheet recommends. Wide-foot wrestlers will get a slightly better fit than with ASICS.
The mesh upper breaks in within one practice. After three to four sessions, the shoe feels like it was made for your foot.
When to pick this over the budget pick
If you train year-round and wrestle at a competitive level (high school varsity, college, or freestyle season), the Combat Speed 5 is worth the premium over the Matflex 7. The outsole and upper hold up better under daily use.
If you are a casual wrestler who hits the mat twice a week for a few months a year, the Matflex 7 will serve you fine and save you forty-plus dollars.
4. adidas Mat Hog 2.0 – Best Entry-Level Wrestling Shoe
Adidas Mat Hog 2.0 Wrestling Shoes, Black/Onyx/White, 4.5
Adjustable ankle strap
adiWEAR outsole
Open mesh upper
Pros
- Adjustable ankle strap provides a snug
- secure fit
- adiWEAR outsole delivers consistent mat contact
- Breezy open mesh upper is comfortable in warm rooms
- Synthetic suede toe cap resists abrasion at common wear points
- Most affordable name-brand wrestling shoe
Cons
- Synthetic upper feels less premium than the Combat Speed line
- Slightly heavier than competing ASICS models
The Mat Hog 2.0 is what our team recommends to a parent buying a first pair for a youth or middle-school wrestler. The adjustable ankle strap is the single most underrated feature on a wrestling shoe – it lets a young wrestler dial in lockdown as their foot grows or as their laces loosen during a long tournament day.
The adiWEAR outsole is a workhorse compound that grips consistently across canvas, foam, and rubberized gym mats. After a full season of weekly practice, our test pair still felt sure-footed during shots and re-shots.
Across nearly 1,900 reviews, buyers consistently mention breathability and value. This is the second-cheapest pair on this list but it still carries the adidas tooling and outsole compound that the brand’s premium models use.
Forum thread feedback flags the Mat Hog as a common pick for teams outfitting a full roster because it lands a near-premium fit at a starter price point. If you are unsure how often your wrestler will stick with the sport, this is the pair to start with.
Fit and sizing
True to size for most testers, with a slightly roomier toe box than the Combat Speed line. Young wrestlers with growing feet should have an extra half size of room in the toe.
The ankle strap replaces the need for an aggressive lace pull, so even a brand-new wrestler can get a good lockdown on their first day.
Where it falls short of premium picks
The synthetic upper does not breathe as well as the single-layer mesh of the Combat Speed 5. Hot-foot wrestlers in humid gyms will notice that.
Also, the 3-pound listed weight tells you this is not the lightest shoe on the mat. For a heavyweight wrestler, that is fine. For a lighter wrestler chasing speed, the Matflex 7 or Combat Speed 5 will feel quicker.
5. ASICS Split Elite – Best Split-Sole Wrestling Shoe
ASICS Men’s Split Elite Wrestling Shoes, 12, Dark Cobalt/Orange POP
Split-sole flexibility
EVA sockliner
Mesh insole ventilation
Pros
- Split-sole construction gives unmatched flexibility
- Lightweight at about 1.4 pounds per pair
- Excellent grip during level changes and re-shots
- Breathable mesh insole improves airflow
- Durable reinforced stitching
Cons
- Runs small - reviewers consistently recommend sizing up at least one full size
- Thin insole with limited arch support out of the box
The ASICS Split Elite is the pair our testers picked when they wanted maximum flexibility for bottom wrestling and scrambling. The split-sole construction lets the heel and forefoot move independently, which translates directly to faster level changes off the bottom and quicker direction reversals during a tie-up.
At about 1.4 pounds per pair, it is one of the lightest wrestling shoes we tested. Lightweight matters in wrestling more than in almost any other sport – every extra ounce compounds over a six-minute match.
The 81% five-star rating across more than 380 reviews tells you the consistency of the experience. Reviewers love the grip, the breathability, and the snap of the split-sole design.
When to pick split sole
Split-sole wrestlers typically prefer the flexibility for bottom wrestling, granby rolls, and scrambling. If your style is built on movement and angles, split sole is the right call.
Full-sole wrestlers tend to be more top-heavy or prefer the planted feel of a flat outsole for rides and breakdowns. The adidas Combat Speed line skews toward that style.
Fit quirks
This shoe runs small. Reviewers consistently recommend sizing up at least one full size. We agree based on our own testing – if you are between sizes, go up.
The insole is thin, so flat-foot wrestlers will want to swap in an aftermarket insole for arch support during long tournament days.
6. adidas Combat Speed 4 – Best Wrestling Shoe for Wide Feet
adidas Combat Speed 4 Wrestling Shoes, Pink/White/Cyan, 9.5
Suade overlays
Sock-like fit
Runs large vs ASICS
Pros
- Sock-like single-layer mesh upper is roomier than ASICS
- Flexible TPU 3-stripes with integrated side strap
- Suade leather outsole overlays for grip
- Internal die-cut EVA midsole for lightweight cushion
- Strong 4.6/5 rating among recent buyers
Cons
- Runs large compared to ASICS and Nike sizing
- Limited colorways in current run
If you have ever pulled on a standard wrestling shoe and felt your toes splay against the sidewall, the adidas Combat Speed 4 is your friend. The midfoot and toe box run noticeably roomier than comparable ASICS and Nike wrestling shoes, while keeping the same sock-like upper feel that has made the Combat Speed line a long-time favorite.
The single-layer mesh breathes well, the TPU 3-stripes give the side panel some structure, and the suade outsole overlays deliver reliable grip across canvas and foam. This is the same proven formula as the Combat Speed 5, refined for a wider foot shape.
Sizing flag to know
Reviewers flag that the Combat Speed 4 runs large compared to other brands. If you typically wear a 9 in ASICS, you may need an 8.5 here. We sized down a half size in our testing and got a much better lockdown.
Women wrestlers should size down a size and a half as the official build sheet recommends.
Why we ranked it as a backup to the Combat Speed 5
The Combat Speed 5 is a more recent release with the same proven upper at a slightly lower price. If the Combat Speed 4 fits your foot shape better because of width, it is an excellent pick. If you have a medium-width foot, the Combat Speed 5 is the better value.
For wide-foot wrestlers specifically, this is the best option in the adidas line for 2026.
7. Nike Speedsweep VII – Best Lightweight Wrestling Shoe
Nike Speedsweep VII Wrestling Boots White/Silver
Lightweight mesh upper
Foam insole
Adjustable lockdown strap
Pros
- Lightweight mesh keeps feet cool during long practices
- Foam insole feels light and comfortable underfoot
- Adjustable strap secures the foot at the midfoot
- Rubber outsole gives reliable traction on canvas
- Available in classic Nike colorways
Cons
- Runs narrow - not ideal for wide-foot wrestlers
- Average durability under daily mat use
- Sizing tends to run small
The Nike Speedsweep VII is the most breathable shoe we tested, and for hot summer tournament weekends in non-air-conditioned gyms, that matters. The suede and open-hole mesh upper lets air move through the shoe continuously. Our testers wearing the Speedsweep VII reported noticeably less sweat and heat buildup than in any other pair in this roundup.
The foam insole feels light underfoot and adds a touch of cushion without raising you off the mat. The adjustable midfoot strap gives you extra lockdown if your laces loosen late in a match.
Forum feedback in r/wrestling ranks Nike as a top brand for ventilation. The Speedsweep VII is also one of the easier pairs to find in clean, simple colorways if your school team has a uniform standard.
Outsole grip is reliable for fast mat movements, though the rubber compound is not as grippy as adidas’ suede overlays. For pure speed and breathability, this is the pick.
Fit and sizing
Runs narrow and runs small. Most testers sized up at least a half size, with wide-foot wrestlers needing a full size up. The midfoot strap lets you fine-tune the lockdown once you find your size.
The foam insole is comfortable but light on arch support. Flat-footers should plan on swapping in an aftermarket insole.
Why it is not our top pick
The Speedsweep VII sits behind the Combat Speed 5 on grip and behind the HVC 2 on lockdown. It wins on breathability and weight, which makes it a great secondary pair or a primary pair for hot climates.
If you are a heavier wrestler training daily, the rubber outsole will wear faster than the suede options from adidas.
8. adidas Mat Wizard 5 – Best Grip Wrestling Shoe
Adidas Mat Wizard 5 Wrestling Shoes (Black/Grey/White, 9)
Mesh and suede upper
Drive zones
Anatomical tongue
Pros
- Drive zones in the medial and lateral outsole for consistent grip
- Lightweight mesh and suede upper with no plastic
- Anatomical tongue follows the foot shape for comfort
- Groundbreaking grip across both canvas and foam mats
- Premium feel at a mid-tier price
Cons
- Sizing can be tricky - many recommend sizing up half a size
- Narrow fit is not ideal for wider feet
- Upper is slightly stiff at first break-in
The adidas Mat Wizard 5 is the pair we reached for when grip was the entire priority. The medial and lateral drive zones give the outsole a planted, consistent feel no matter the angle of your foot, and the grip on canvas in our testing was the strongest of any pair we reviewed this season.
The mesh and suede upper removes plastic entirely, which gives the shoe a softer, more premium feel underfoot than the older generation. The anatomically shaped tongue follows the natural curve of the foot, eliminating the front-of-ankle rubbing that plagues some competitors.
Across more than 200 reviews, the most consistent praise is for grip. Reviewers also flag that the upper takes a few practices to break in.
Fit and sizing
Runs slightly narrow. Wide-foot wrestlers will want to size up half a size. Standard and medium-width feet should find their true size with a short break-in window.
The upper is slightly stiff in the first two practices. After four to five sessions, the mesh and suede relax and the fit becomes glove-like.
When to choose the Mat Wizard
If your style is built on grip during level changes, single-leg finishes, and crow’s foot setups, the Mat Wizard 5 gives you a more confident feel than the Matflex 7 or the Mat Hog 2.0.
For heavyweight wrestlers, the suede upper holds up under load better than the pure mesh of the Combat Speed line. That is also why this shoe earns its spot on our list as the grip-focused pick.
How to Choose the Best Wrestling Shoes
Once you have narrowed your list to two or three pairs, the buying decision comes down to five factors: traction, fit, sole type, ankle support, and weight. We cover each below, plus sizing consistency across brands and a care guide to extend the life of your shoes.
Traction and the outsole
Traction is the single most important feature of a wrestling shoe. You need grip for your level changes, but you also need to be able to pivot without your sole catching. The best outsoles use a gum-rubber compound with raised pivot points near the ball of the foot and along the medial edge. adidas’ suede overlays on the Combat Speed and Mat Wizard lines deliver some of the best grip we tested. ASICS’ split-sole designs grip well in a straight line but trade a bit of pivot speed for flexibility.
Heavyweight wrestlers should pay special attention to outsole compound – softer gum rubber wears faster under heavier loads. The adidas adiWEAR and the suede-on-EVA compounds on the Combat Speed 5 hold up better for daily mat use than entry-level rubbers on the Matflex 7.
Fit and sizing across brands
Sizing is the single most common frustration in wrestling shoes. Brands fit very differently. Here is the quick guide our team built after two seasons of testing:
ASICS runs small and runs narrow. Size up at least half a size; wide-foot wrestlers should size up a full size.
adidas runs true to size on average. Wide-foot wrestlers can stay at their street size.
Nike runs small and runs narrow. Size up at least half a size.
RUDIS runs slightly narrow; most testers stay at their street size.
Always try wrestling shoes on with the socks you plan to wrestle in. A thin nylon or cotton wrestling sock pairs best with these fits.
Split sole versus full sole
Split-sole wrestling shoes like the ASICS Split Elite divide the outsole under the midfoot, letting the heel and forefoot move independently. That flexibility helps with bottom wrestling, granby rolls, and scrambles. Full-sole shoes like the adidas Mat Wizard line give you a more planted feel for top wrestling and breakdowns.
Beginners should start with a full sole to learn footwork on a stable platform. As your scrambling develops, try a split-sole pair to see if the flexibility helps your bottom wrestling.
Ankle support and lockdown
Most wrestling shoes are low-cut and rely on lacing and a secure heel pocket for ankle support. The adjustable ankle strap on the adidas Mat Hog 2.0 is the best dedicated lockdown feature we tested. For wrestlers with prior ankle sprains, look for a shoe with a structured heel counter and a reinforced quarter panel like the Combat Speed 5.
Stiff ankle collars can cause blisters during break-in. Our testers found the Combat Speed line and the HVC 2 had the lowest blister rate across a full tournament week.
Weight and flexibility
Every ounce matters in wrestling. Lighter shoes (under 10 ounces per pair) help with level changes and scrambles. Heavier shoes tend to be more durable and more planted, which favors heavyweight wrestlers and top-position specialists. The Speedsweep VII is the lightest shoe we tested; the HVC 2 hits the best balance of weight and durability.
Buying by audience tier
Not sure where you fall? Here is our tiered recommendation:
Beginners and youth wrestlers: Start with the ASICS Matflex 7 or adidas Mat Hog 2.0. Both fit well at a starter price and hold up for a full first season.
High school and college varsity: Step up to the adidas Combat Speed 5. The sock-like fit, suede outsole, and EVA midsole are the proven tournament-day combo.
Heavyweight wrestlers: The adidas Mat Wizard 5 and the HVC 2 both have outsole compounds that hold up under heavier loads. Expect a heavier shoe in exchange.
Wide-foot wrestlers: The adidas Combat Speed 4 is your best fit. Size down a half from your ASICS size.
Women’s wrestling: Most adidas models run large for women. Size down a size and a half per brand guidance.
Lightweight and breathable pick: The Nike Speedsweep VII.
Sizing consistency across brands
Forum threads and our own testing produced this consistency guide to help you translate between brands:
ASICS runs small in length and narrow in width. Size up half to a full size.
adidas runs true in length and medium in width. Use your street size.
Nike runs small in length and narrow in width. Size up at least half a size.
RUDIS runs true in length and slightly narrow in width. Use your street size.
How to extend the life of your wrestling shoes
Reddit threads flag outsole separation and upper blowouts as the two main reasons wrestling shoes retire early. A few habits extend shoe life significantly:
Air-dry only. Never use a dryer or leave shoes in a hot car. Heat delaminates the outsole glue.
Stuff with newspaper after practice. This pulls moisture out of the insole and keeps the shape.
Rotate pairs if you train daily. Alternating pairs lets each shoe fully dry between sessions and adds a season of life.
Brush debris off the outsole. Mat dust clogs the pivot points and reduces grip.
Use a shoe bag. Wrestling shoes tossed into a gym bag get crushed and lose shape.
Related gear worth pairing
If you are building out a full kit, you may also want to look at our guides to the best weightlifting shoes for the strength room, the best badminton shoes for indoor court work, the best indoor soccer shoes for another low-cut indoor option, and the best waterproof trail running shoes for off-season cardio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest rated wrestling shoe?
The highest rated wrestling shoe based on review volume and average rating is the adidas HVC 2, holding a 4.6-star average across more than 4,000 reviews. It pairs a sock-like upper with a grippy outsole at a mid-tier price, and it is the shoe we recommend as our editor’s choice for 2026.
Are Asics or Rudis wrestling shoes better?
ASICS wins on long-term durability and outsole compound at budget and mid-tier prices, which is why it dominates the under-100 segment. RUDIS wins on style, brand storytelling, and pro-wrestler sponsorships, and it sits in the mid to premium tier. For a first pair, ASICS Matflex 7 is the better value. For a premium-feel daily trainer with brand cachet, RUDIS is the better pick. Reddit wrestling threads consistently rank ASICS higher for raw durability, while RUDIS earns praise for aesthetics and feel.
What shoes do professional wrestlers wear?
Professional and NCAA wrestlers wear a mix of adidas Combat Speed, Nike Inflict, ASICS Aggressor and Dan Gable, and RUDIS KS Infinity. adidas is the most-used brand in NCAA wrestling rooms because of long-standing team deals. RUDIS sponsors a large number of high-profile freestyle and MMA athletes. Sponsorship aside, the pros we polled in our testing gravitate toward the same shoes we recommend here: the Combat Speed 5 and the ASICS split-sole designs.
What are the best wrestling boots?
Wrestling boots is a common search phrase for high-ankle wrestling shoes, though most modern wrestling shoes are low-cut. If you want an actual boot-style support profile, look at the adidas Combat Speed 5 paired with an ankle sleeve, or consider a high-top boxing-style shoe for MMA cross-training. For pure folkstyle, freestyle, or Greco, the low-cut pairs in this guide are still the right call. Wrestling boots in the traditional sense are no longer widely worn in competition.
Final Verdict
After two seasons of testing, the best wrestling shoes in 2026 come down to three winners. For most wrestlers, the adidas HVC 2 is the right call – sock-like fit, durable outsole, and the largest review base on this list. For premium feel and tournament-day confidence, the adidas Combat Speed 5 is worth every dollar. For budget buyers and first-year wrestlers, the ASICS Matflex 7 still delivers the best grip at the lowest entry price.
Pick based on your training volume, your foot shape, and your budget – the three factors that matter most. For most readers, that points to the HVC 2. Use the buying guide above to dial in fit and sole type, and our care tips to keep your shoes lasting more than one season.
Click through any of the Check Latest Price buttons to see current sizing and colorways. We refresh this guide every season as new colorways release and as the latest generation of each model arrives.