How do you pick out a wrestling shoe?  What's split sole?  What's the deal with lace guards?  Are knee pads required?  Will my child need a singlet?  What size headgear?  Confused?  Don't worry, here's everything you need to know.

Basics

To start with, if your child is just getting started, you need little to no gear.  I'd recommend a headgear and shoes, unless you want to wait a few weeks to see how they are going to take to the sport.  A tight fitting gym shoe (cross-trainer or running shoe) will do to start.  Just make sure to avoid any clothes or shoes with zippers, buttons, snaps or hooks.

Cost

As stated above, you can get by initially without purchasing any wrestling gear, but in general, the equipment cost for a first-year wrestler will average $60 to $100.  Equipment cost for the experienced wrestler can range from $70 to $150 or possibly more.

Headgear

The headgear does not protect the head -- it protects the ears.  The sole purpose of the headgear is to prevent the start or progression of cauliflower ear, which is extremely difficult to get at a young age, but you will find that some coaches require headgear.  Flip through a wrestling gear catalog and you will find about a dozen different styles of headgear, each with their own supposed advantages.  This might be obvious, but I'll say it anyway...No headgear, despite advertiser's claims, will make a wee bit of difference when it comes down to competition, safety, etc., with the possible exception of fit.  I recommend a headgear that fits snug, without a big enough opening on top for your wrestler's head to fit through.  Now and then you will see a headgear slip down over a wrestler's head possibly covering their eyes during competition, which can be a bit distracting.  To avoid this, stay away from headgears with the most space between the top and rear straps and adjust those straps short enough so there is no way it can possibly fit over the head.  So in the end, it really comes down to what looks "cool" and how much you are willing to spend.

Additional headgear notes:  If your wrestler has long hair (I mean really long) a "hair slicker" may be required.  It's basically like a hair net that's made to work with the headgear.  You may also notice the headgear mask or faceguard.  This is quite rare and only needed when wrestling with a facial injury such as a broken nose.

Shoes

Wrestling shoes can be expensive primarily because they are not produced in the same quantities as other types of athletic shoes.  The most important job of a wrestling shoe is simply to stay on while you are wrestling (regular gym shoes will fall off) and that they all do quite well.  You will see claims of "lightweight", "split sole", "comfort", "traction", etc.  Again, when it comes down to it, shoes make little if any difference in actual competition.  It mostly comes down to what looks cool, but here are a few things to consider.

Laces can get in the way because they come untied too often.  Most tournaments now require that laces be covered and you will see that in most newer shoe designs, but you can also wrap athletic tape around the ankle to cover the laces prior to competition, which is very common.  Traction can be important at times, but most shoes have the traction needed.  The split sole was introduced to offer flexibility for ease in bending the foot.  Sounds good, but I've never heard anyone say they notice much of a difference or that it even matters in competition.  The final bit of advice on wrestling shoes is to avoid buying shoes that are a size or two too big so junior can wear them again next year.  Loosely fitted wrestling shoes can impede performance.

Knee Pads

These are more for facilitating knee motion (ability to slide against the mat) than anything else.  There are some wrestling moves that can be executed easier with knee pads.  There are two reasons for wanting pads: 1) "I saw other kids wearing them and they look cool", or 2) "I believe I can score more takedowns with a kneepad, or two".  My advice to the parent is to wait until you hear #2.  Nonetheless, if you buy a knee pad or two, the fit is important.  They need to be tight enough to stay up during competition but you don't want a tourniquet either, and that difference can be a fine line.

Singlet (uniform)

Oh, so many choices!  Bottom line is that if this is your child's first year, then unless you have a good reason, wait until you find that a singlet is needed before you purchase one.  Some teams provide them, and they are not worn in practice -- only in competition, and not even required there.  Gym shorts and t-shirt are the typical practice attire. 

Where to Buy

If you are ready to start with a pair of shoes and a headgear, or ready for more equipment, you can find exactly what you need easy enough and at the lowest price on-line through the following link.