1. Confidence
Confidence starts by feeling the part. When you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you wrestle good. Every wrestler begins this sport with nerves, curiosity, and uncertainty. That’s normal. What matters is showing up ready to learn and trusting that you belong here.
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build, rep by rep. Step on the mat looking the part, lift your head high, and let that energy carry you through every stance, every drill, every moment. You’re capable of more than you know.
2. A Positive Attitude
Wrestling will challenge you. Some moves take time. Some practices feel harder than others. That’s part of the journey. Show up ready to grow, stay open, stay hungry, and treat every practice like an opportunity… not a scoreboard.
A strong attitude fuels faster improvement, deeper discipline, and long-term love for the sport.
3. Heart
Heart is the engine of every wrestler. It’s choosing to push when things get tough, staying committed in the grind, and learning to love the process.
You’ll have highs and lows, just keep wrestling. What matters is the fire you bring through all of it.
4. Wrestling Shoes
Your shoes are your foundation. They’re built to grip the mat, move with your feet, and give you confidence in every stance and scramble. For your first season, focus on comfort, fit, and a look that gives you confidence. Your personal style and preferences will come with experience.
Recommended for First-Year Wrestlers
Unisex: Colt 4.0, JB1, Courage
Lightweight, breathable, priced right, and available in a wide range of colors for both boys and girls.
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JB1 was designed with 7x World Medalist Jordan Burroughs, made to work for every level, from a first-year wrestler to an elite athlete.
Our first women’s-specific wrestling shoe, anatomically built based on feedback from Olympic Medalist Sarah Hildebrandt. Made to fit and support the unique structure of the female foot.
5. Headgear
Protection is key to longevity in wrestling. Headgear shields your ears, absorbs snaps, and helps prevent cauliflower ear. It’s also required by NFHS for all high school competitions.
Recommended:
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Elite Headgear – ideal for beginners
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RUDIS Airflow Headgear – our most advanced model, designed to reduce heat, minimize sweat, and improve hearing during practice and competition
6. Shorts & T-Shirts
Come ready to move. Athletic shorts and a comfortable tee are essential. Wrestlers often dress in layers to stay warm and adjust throughout practice. Wear a hoodie or crewneck over your t-shirt and sweats or joggers over your shorts.
Wear apparel that gives you confidence and makes you feel part of the sport—we recommend shirts and gear that say Wrestling loud and proud.
7. Socks
The right socks matter. They add comfort, reduce friction, and help your shoes fit snug. Start with a 6-pack of RUDIS Wrestling Socks to stay ready for practices and tournaments.
Wrestlers also love expressing personality through their socks, RUDIS offers styles for every kind of competitor.
8. Water Bottle
Wrestling demands everything you’ve got. Staying hydrated before, during, and after practice keeps you energized, focused, and recovering properly.
Recommended:
Titan 64oz Water Bottle – built to keep water cold and keep you hydrated through the hardest practices.
9. Sole Covers
Wrestling shoes are for the mat, nowhere else. Keeping the mat clean protects the health of every athlete and preserves your shoe’s grip. Walking in your wrestling shoes outside the mat will break them down fast, reducing traction and increasing wear.
Sole Covers slip on quickly to protect your shoes and keep dirt, moisture, and bacteria off the mat. They’re designed for moving between matches, grabbing a drink, heading to the bench, or walking around tournaments.
Bonus for young wrestlers:
Putting on wrestling shoes correctly requires loosening and tightening the laces all the way down the foot. With Sole Covers, parents can lace the shoes properly at home, slip the covers on, and send their athlete out the door—quick, clean, and stress-free.
10. Kneepads
Learning a new sport comes with bumps and bruises. Kneepads add protection, absorb impact, and give wrestlers confidence to shoot hard and finish strong. Whether you prefer one or two, kneepads are preventative and can make a big difference in long-term comfort and consistency.
