Mat Shoes for Grappling and MMA by Pine Tree!
Thursday, July 3rd, 2008
Pine Tree Mat Shoes!
Pine Tree’s mat shoe, is a single lace shoe made of durable leather, w/ rubber soles. There’s an elastic instep that stretches to make sure the shoe fits snug and there’s no slipping off. There’s a multi-circular disc sole, which actually eases any pivoting that you may do. They currently come in 2 colors, Black and White, Junior sizes and also make a High Top Sneaker.
I have been doing some type of martial art or combat sport for most of my life. I am 37 years old and IMO the Pine Tree shoe is the best mat shoe I have ever put on my foot. Many complain that a wrestling shoe grabs the mat TOO much, and in a battle for leglocks they act as “velcro” for you training partner and make it easier for him to maintain a grip on your foot. All the extra “meat” that a wrestling shoe has makes it more difficult to free your foot when it’s grabbed.
The Pine Tree shoe doesn’t grab the mats anywhere as great as a wrestling shoe, however it does grip just right. It’s substantially lesser bulk allows you to pull your foot free when the battle for leglocks is going on. When doing the standup portion of your MMA or Wrestling training you will notice an ease in mobility if you are used to using a wrestling shoe. They feel LIGHT on your feet, almost like a slipper. In addition, they are so light that your feet won’t become a swamp. Your feet can breathe real well and stay cool.
In the 8 years that I have used them, they have never come off accidentally and I’ve never had to adjust them. My first pair lasted 6 years of 3-5 workouts per week, of constant punishment before my toe began to poke out of one of them. I still have those shoes, because I am partial to them! When I bought my first pair (8 years ago) they were on sale for $30.00 and that came out to $5 per year for those shoes. One of the single best investments in training gear I’ve ever spent money on.
They are a great looking shoe, highly durable, & inexpensive. One of my favorite pieces of gear.
-Joe Silvia
Help support this site, by purchasing a pair through Amazon.com! THANKS!
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