Dan Gable is a name synonymous with wrestling excellence. From his undefeated collegiate record to his Olympic gold medal, Gable's impact on the sport is undeniable. One of the ways his legacy continues is through the line of wrestling shoes that bear his name. Let's delve into the history of Dan Gable wrestling shoes and their significance in the wrestling world.
To commemorate the 40-year anniversary of Dan Gable's Olympic gold medal and to honor Dan Gable Day, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum auctioned off five very rare items. Each item had special significance to Dan Gable's wrestling career.
Dan Gable wrestling collage featuring different phases of his career as an athlete and coach.
Dan Gable's Olympic Triumph
Gable won an Olympic title at the 1972 Munich Olympics at 149.5 pounds without surrendering a point. Dan Gable Day was celebrated at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum on October 25, 2012. Gable was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on October 25, 1948.
Among the items auctioned was a pair of Dan Gable Ultimate ASICS wrestling shoes signed by Dan Gable to commemorate Dan Gable Day. Dan Gable Day was declared on October 25, 2012, by Iowa governor Terry Branstad.
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The Evolution of Wrestling Shoes
Over the years, wrestling shoes have evolved. Whether you like a split or a full sole, there are plenty of options to pick from. In addition, a number of some of our greatest champions and biggest stars have been lucky enough to have a signature shoe. And thanks to a number of new brands that seem to be throwing their hat in the ring of designers, we’re getting more options all the time.
Signature Shoes and Their Impact
Back in the day, the signature shoe game entailed shoes from John Smith, Dan Gable, Cael Sanderson, and Cary Kolat among others. In 2013, Jordan Burroughs and Asics released the JB Elite making Burroughs the first - and currently only - black wrestler to ever have his own signature shoe. Since then, the multiple-time World and Olympic champion has combined with the top sponsor on plenty more iterations of the JB Elite.
Dan Gable Ultimate ASICS wrestling shoes.
Here’s a look at Burroughs working with the design team at Asics to create his first shoe:
Since then we’ve seen more of our current athletes get a signature shoe. Kyle Snyder joined Rudis to create his own as well. But the evolution of shoes has gone so far beyond what comes out of the factories and the trendsetter in this realm was NCAA champion Darian Cruz.
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The Dan Gable Ultimate ASICS Wrestling Shoes
The Dan Gable Ultimate ASICS wrestling shoes were a popular choice among wrestlers. California Lasting technology provides you with steadfast stability as you dodge your opponent's attacks, while the porous mesh insole helps to keep feet cool and dry for appropriate comfort. The sockliner also provides moisture management abilities which contribute to a responsive rebound when it comes to those moments that you need to make a quick, strategic lunge or duck. Ultimately, this ASICS shoe is a wrestling must-have for non-slip performance regardless of how long you've been involved in the sport.
It makes sense, you win all of your D1 NCAA matches, you get your own shoe.
ASICS Dan Gable Evo SKU: 8874573
Other Notable Wrestling Shoes
Cael's first and second versions of his shoes were about as awesome and patriotic as it gets. He wore these when he won his Olympic Gold in 2004, and we all know them for their comeback of late. Strangely enough, I also remember Sam Hazewinkle wearing these a couple times during his Olympic and World trials days. Another key component to this, only badasses were able to wear your shoes, and I only knew badasses to have these. In fact, the first person I knew to own these shoes, was 8th grade Scotti Sentes, and that kid was a bonafide badass (2nd in Florida in 8th Grade, followed by 4 state titles). Version 2 of the Cael's was the last one with a patriotic color scheme (that I can remember), and by version 3 they just transitioned from the two color options, black and America (also the only color scheme offered by the Dan Gable Ultraflex), to many more choices.
Jordan Burroughs and the Gold Standard
Prepare yourself, because this pun is as intended as a pun has ever been intended. These are the new Gold Standard of patriotic wrestling shoes. A couple of reasons. First of all, JB is arguably the greatest wrestler in USA History. Secondly, they have already moved on from the original version, which makes them rare.
Also, JB comes with a great catch phrase, "All I See Is Gold", and rocks it with the only gold shoes out there. Nobody else can make gold shoes. EVER!!! Nobody who doesn't don the name Jordan Ernest Burroughs can ever have a gold shoe, and if they do, I will hate them forever (and you should as well). The number of World Championships he's won in these, and his third version of the shoes, is as brazen and as patriotic as it gets. "I'm the best, and I'm going to rock gold shoes before we even finish the match, because I'm untouchable, and I know it." They may not be red, white, and blue, but we all know what they mean. Another interesting fact, these came in only three colors.
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Early Wrestling Shoe Innovations
enjoys a long and rich history of introducing unique and innovative product lines into the world of athletic shoes, fitness equipment, athletic mats and amateur wrestling. William “Bill” Farrell was an alternate for the USA’s Greco Roman team.
On their trip to Japan he met Shozo Sasahara who was an Olympic Gold Medalist in 1956. Bill became fascinated by the lightweight nylon shoes the Japanese National Team was wearing. He had only seen the clumsy, stiff canvas basketball like wrestling shoes sold in the United States.
Vintage Onitsuka Tiger wrestling shoes.
Bill began importing and distributing the first Onitsuka Tiger wrestling shoes in the United States. His employees would drive to the Port Newark, NJ docks to receive them. Along with this distribution agreement Bill also brought over some of the best Japanese wrestlers in the world to work for his growing company.
Shortly thereafter Bill met Warren Tischler, founder and owner of the RESILITE mat company.
Nick Gallo was hired by Bill as an Assistant Director of the wrestling division.This was the year that Nick won the NCAA Wrestling Championship at 126 lbs. and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler. Bill supported Nick in his training for the 1980 Olympic team. Unfortunately, this was the year the United States boycotted the Moscow Olympic games.
Nick Gallo’s office work included signing significant athletes and coaches to represent the “ASICS” brand (The three companies ONITSUKA Co., GTO Co., and JELENK Co., merge as equals to form “ASICS Corporation” in 1977). Universal gyms, our manufacturer in Cedar Rapids, IA discontinued their distributorships and we were out of the fitness business.
Tiger Associates was formed by Bill Farrell, Nick Gallo, and Neil Duncan as the owners.
Nick Gallo signs Jordan to an ASICS sponsorship agreement which continues to the present day. “JB” wins Gold in the 2012 Olympic Games and three more World Championships.