words // Brandon Richard

With the pursuit of gold in mind for the upcoming 2012 London Olympic Games, the appropriately named ASICS Omniflex-Pursuit may be the obvious wrestling shoes of choice for the world’s best mat warriors. Designed with international competition in mind, the Omniflex-Pursuit features an ultra-flexible sole for elite performance on any mat surface. A conforming, compression-fit bootie system is utilized on the upper, surrounded by thin polyurethane support straps to provided a close fit without increasing weight. Wrestling-specific traction zones on the outsole enhance overall grip. An Integrated Lace Garage (IGS) increases the foot’s natural gait from heel to strike off. Lastly, a Mono-Sock Fit System features an elastic internal sleeve that replaces the traditional tongue for a sock-like fit. The Omniflex-Pursuit weighs in at just 7.3 ounces.

While anybody can wear these new Asics wrestling shoes, Team USA wrestlers may have an added incentive to pick them up due to the patriotic colorway. A mixture of navy, white and red is used on the shoe, which also features metallic gold trim. Your message is clear when you lock up wearing these on the mat.

Also be sure to stop by the Eastbay Athlete Resource Center for more wrestling moves, training tips and gear.

Available: ASICS Omniflex-Pursuit