Alright, so you’re looking into pro wrestling boots. It’s one of those things, you know? You see ’em on TV, they look cool, but getting a pair that actually works for you, well, that’s a whole different story. Lemme walk you through my own little adventure with these things.
My Old Boots Were Toast
So, my journey started ’cause my old boots, man, they were just done. Soles flapping, leather cracked – the whole deal. I’d had ’em for ages, and they’d seen some action, believe me. But trying to train in boots that are falling apart? Not a good look, and definitely not safe. I knew I needed something solid, something that would give me support and, yeah, look the part too.
First Stop: The Internet Maze
Naturally, I first dived into the internet. Typed in “pro wrestling boots” and bam! A million options. Some looked decent, others looked like they’d disintegrate if you looked at ’em wrong. And the prices? All over the place. I even ordered a pair that looked pretty good online, decent price too. When they showed up, though? Total disappointment. Felt like cheap plastic, and the fit was way off, even though I ordered my size. Sent ’em straight back. That was my first lesson: pictures can be deceiving, real deceiving.
Thinking Custom, Maybe Even DIY?
After that little disaster, I started thinking. Maybe I needed to go custom. Or, for a wild second, I even thought, “Could I make these myself?” I looked into it, watched some videos. You need good leather, the right kind of soles, special tools, and a heck of a lot of skill and patience. I quickly realized that making my own boots was way out of my league unless I wanted to quit everything and become a full-time cobbler. Yeah, not happening.
Finding “The Guy”
So, custom it was. But not just any custom. I wanted someone who actually makes wrestling boots, not just a reseller. This took some serious digging. I asked around at my local training spot, hit up some old forums, you know, the places where people who are really into this stuff hang out. Eventually, I got a few names. I checked out their work, sent a few emails. It’s like finding a good mechanic – you gotta find someone you trust.
The Whole Measurement and Design Dance
Once I found a maker I felt good about, the real process began. And let me tell you, it’s detailed.
- Measurements: I had to send in a ton of measurements. Not just my shoe size. We’re talking circumference of my calf at different points, ankle, the height I wanted the boot to be. They sent me a whole chart to fill out. Very specific.
- Design: Then came the fun part, but also kinda stressful. What color? Classic black? Something flashy? Laces all the way? Zipper assist? What kind of sole? I spent a good while looking at different styles the pros wear. I ended up going for a fairly classic look, black with red accents, traditional laces. Didn’t want to get too crazy on my first custom pair.
- Materials: We talked about leather types. You want something durable but also flexible. Good materials ain’t cheap, but this is an investment, right?
After all that, I paid my deposit. And then, you wait. Good custom work takes time. This isn’t an off-the-shelf thing that ships tomorrow. They told me it’d be several weeks, and it was.
The Unboxing and Breaking In
When that box finally landed on my doorstep, man, I was excited. Opened it up, and there they were. That smell of new, real leather – you can’t beat it. They looked amazing, exactly what I’d pictured.
Slipping them on for the first time, they were snug. Real snug. That’s how they’re supposed to be, though. They need to mold to your feet and ankles.
The break-in period is key. I didn’t just jump into heavy training. I wore them around the house, did some light footwork drills, stretched in them. Slowly but surely, they started to feel like a second skin. The support was incredible, especially around the ankles. Way different from any boot I’d worn before.
So, Was It Worth It?
Absolutely. Look, getting proper pro wrestling boots isn’t a quick or cheap process if you want quality. You can definitely find cheaper options, and maybe they’ll do for a bit if you’re just starting or messing around. But if you’re serious about training, or you just want something that will last and actually protect you, investing in good boots – custom or from a reputable high-end maker – is the way to go. My feet and ankles thank me every time I lace ’em up. It’s a bit of a journey, but stick with it, do your research, and you’ll end up with something that makes a real difference.
