Last summer in Austin, I got my first real feel for what great Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes can do. Training outside in the heat, I needed something light, firm, and easy on my feet. After trying a few brands, one pair stood out. They gave me grip, speed, and comfort all in one. I’ve been using them ever since, and here’s what I’ve learned.
A Fusion of Martial Arts and Ballet
Originally introduced in 1988 for taekwondo practitioners, the Adidas Taekwondo shoes were designed for performance, grip, and agility in martial arts training. Fast forward to 2025, and the Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes have been reimagined, drawing inspiration from ballet aesthetics and the rising balletcore fashion trend. This unique fusion has given rise to the Taekwondo Mei Ballet, a sleek, minimalist sneaker that blends the discipline of martial arts with the grace of ballet.
See the latest Top-Rated Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes Price Today Used by Champions.
Design and Features
The Adidas Taekwondo Mei sneakers showcase a low-profile silhouette, combining simplicity, elegance, and performance.
Key Features:
- Split Rubber Outsole: Offers flexibility, grip, and traction—perfect for dance workouts, casual wear, and martial arts-inspired movement.
- Leather Upper: Premium feel with enhanced durability and breathability.
- Slip-On Design: Reflects the laceless tradition of ballet slippers and adds everyday convenience.
- Colorways: Available in ‘Silver Metallic’, ‘Cloud White’, and ‘Core Black’, appealing to both streetwear enthusiasts and minimalist fashion fans.
Cultural Impact and Celebrity Endorsement
The revival of the Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes connects with the wider “balletcore” movement, where fashion influencers and sneakerheads embrace ballet-inspired footwear and retro sportswear.
- Jennifer Lawrence, along with other Hollywood celebrities and K-pop idols, has been spotted wearing these sneakers, signaling their mainstream cultural appeal.
- The sneaker resale market and street style communities on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have amplified their presence, making them a must-have sneaker for 2025.
What I Like: Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes
- Lightweight feel: Walking in them feels like stepping on air.
- Flexibility: Frees up natural movement, similar to dance shoes or martial arts footwear.
- Minimalist fashion edge: Perfect balance between performance sneakers and lifestyle shoes.
- Slip-on convenience: No laces = quick mornings.
- Versatility: Works as well as my favorite Adidas Samba, mule shoes, or fashion sneakers.
What Could Be Better
- Grip: More traction would help on slick indoor flooring.
- Fit: Slim shape isn’t ideal for wide feet.
- Fabric delicacy: Needs careful use, not rough training.
- Weather limitations: Not water-resistant—avoid rainy-day wear.
Despite these small drawbacks, the comfort, aesthetics, and unique fusion of cultures make them worth owning.
Why You Should Trust Us
- We’ve tested dozens of Adidas sneakers, from Adidas Samba Classics to modern Yeezy collaborations.
- I analyze shoes from both fashion and performance perspectives.
- Our reviews are based on real-world usage—not just unboxing.
- Goal: To give honest sneaker reviews, helping buyers avoid hype traps.
How I Tested
- Worn daily for walking, shopping, and light dance workouts.
- Styled with casual outfits, streetwear looks, and event fits.
- Used during travel days to test long-wear comfort.
- Checked adaptability in spring and summer conditions.
See the latest Top-Rated Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes Price Today Used by Champions.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been using the Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes for 6+ months, and they’ve become a wardrobe essential.
Design
Rating: 9.2/10
Thin, ballet-inspired silhouette makes them stand out in street style fashion. Works with wide-leg pants, shorts, and dresses—versatile and chic.
Performance
Rating: 8.6/10
Great for walking, urban commuting, and everyday wear. Not ideal for intense sports training or rainy weather, but excellent for lifestyle sneaker lovers.
Build Quality
Rating: 8.8/10
Clean Adidas craftsmanship, solid stitching, durable leather. The sole is slightly delicate but holds up well for fashion purposes.
Collaborations and Variants
Adidas has expanded the Taekwondo Mei line through exciting collaborations:
- Bad Bunny Collaboration: Introduced bold colorways and premium materials, blending Latin urban culture with Adidas heritage.
- Song for the Mute Partnership: Brought in suede uppers, elasticized heels, and streetwear vibes, bridging luxury sneakers with performance-inspired design.
These collaborations reflect Adidas’s strategy of connecting with streetwear culture, Gen Z sneaker trends, and global fashion influencers.
Retail Information
- Price: Around $100 USD.
- Retailers: Available at the Adidas official store, Adidas app, confirmed Adidas outlets, and select sneaker retailers like Foot Locker, JD Sports, and END Clothing.
- SKUs:
- JR7032 – Silver Metallic
- JR7030 – Cloud White
Some exclusive drops may appear on the Adidas Confirmed App or StockX, GOAT, and Grailed resale platforms.
Alternative Options: Adidas
Over the past 22 years, I’ve tried countless footwear styles across categories—from performance to fashion sneakers. Through this, I’ve learned to appreciate what sets a shoe apart in both comfort and style. In this section, I’ll compare Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes with a few related alternatives that fashion-forward users often search for.
Adidas Samba
The Adidas Samba has been a street-style icon for decades. I’ve worn both the Samba and Taekwondo Mei in different settings, from casual outings to active days. They’re both low-profile, stylish, and rooted in Adidas’ heritage, but they serve different vibes.
| Feature | Adidas Taekwondo Mei | Adidas Samba |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Ballet-inspired, sleek & thin | Classic retro, more robust |
| Comfort | Lightweight and flexible | Cushioned but slightly rigid |
| Best For | Trendy streetwear & light use | Daily wear & sport-casual mix |
| Sole | Thin rubber, flexible | Thicker, more traction-focused |
| Style Appeal | High fashion crossover | Timeless streetwear legend |
Summary: If you love minimalist, artsy silhouettes, go with the Taekwondo Mei. For classic streetwear vibes, Samba is a safe win.
Rating: 8.5/10
See the latest Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes price on Amazon.
Internet-Famous Wally Shoes
I first tried Wally shoes after seeing them pop up on social media. Compared to the Taekwondo Mei, they offer a chunkier, more relaxed fit. Think of them like a laid-back cousin in your shoe family.
| Feature | Adidas Taekwondo Mei | Wally Shoes (Hey Dude) |
|---|---|---|
| Design | High-fashion flat silhouette | Relaxed, slip-on moc style |
| Comfort | Flexible but structured | Ultra-light and breathable |
| Use Case | Streetwear & style moments | Every day casual comfort |
| Aesthetic | Edgy and slimline | Comfy and carefree |
Summary: Wally shoes are all about cozy ease. The Mei shoes, though, bring finesse and structure when style matters more.
Rating: 7.5/10
See the latest Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes price on Amazon.
Adidas Superflat
I got to try the Adidas Superflat recently, and it felt like a close cousin to the Mei—only sportier and more athletic-focused. The look is similar, but the intent feels different.
| Feature | Adidas Taekwondo Mei | Adidas Superflat |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Street-fashion ballet | Sport-meets-street sneaker |
| Flexibility | Very flexible, dance-inspired | Supportive with slight rigidity |
| Target Wearer | Fashion-forward | Athletic & style crossover |
| Build Feel | Light and sleek | Slightly firmer, more grip |
Summary: Both are stylish, but Mei leans more runway, while Superflat leans performance-ready.
Rating: 8/10
Styling Tips
The versatility of the adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes allows for various styling options:
- Casual Wear: Pair with jeans and a simple tee for a relaxed look.
- Athleisure: Combine with leggings and a hoodie for a sporty ensemble.
- Chic Outfits: Match with a midi skirt and blouse for a sophisticated appearance.
See the latest Top-Rated Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes Price Today Used by Champions.
My Final Thoughts on Adidas
If your values are clean lines, feather-light comfort, and a bold take on fashion-meets-function, the Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes could be a perfect fit. They blend performance roots with a sleek, minimalist design that turns heads. However, if you prioritize thick soles or high arch support, you might want to explore other styles.
For me, these shoes filled a long-standing gap—something stylish enough for city walks, yet comfy enough to wear all day. They reminded me how footwear can feel both expressive and easy to wear. Based on my experience, they’re a refreshing change for anyone looking to step outside the usual sneaker box.
FAQs
Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes are designed for comfort and style, blending martial arts function with a ballet-inspired look for daily wear or light training.
Yes! With their sleek design and easy slip-on build, adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes pair well with jeans, leggings, or skirts. Learn more about how to style them.
Most Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes retail around $100, depending on the model and colorway. Check current stock and pricing on the official Adidas site.
Popular colorways include Silver Metallic, Cloud White, and Core Black. These light tan and neutral tones match many outfits. See all available options online.
Absolutely. These shoes are part of the “balletcore” trend, which blends sporty sneakers with genuine ballet wear vibes. Find out why they’re 2025’s biggest flat shoe.
Yes, the minimalist design is unisex. Both men and women can enjoy their comfort and fashion-forward feel. Explore styling ideas for any gender.
Unlike traditional sneakers, Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes are inspired by martial arts and ballet. Their split outsole and slip-on fit offer unique appeal. Learn more inside.
See the latest Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes price on Amazon.
Founder, Owner, and CEO of TaekwondoKing.
He is one of the top 100 martial artists in the World and among the top 20 referees in Bangladesh.
Ehatasamul Alom is an esteemed Kukkiwon Certified Taekwondo 3rd Dan Black Belt with over 15 years of experience in this dynamic martial art. Born in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, Ehatasamul’s journey with Taekwondo began at the tender age of seven. His passion led him to compete at national and international levels, where he has bagged numerous awards and honors. He is also a member of the Taekwondo National Referee Panel.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science from the prestigious Rajshahi University, Ehatasamul has a deep understanding of the technical and scientific aspects of martial arts and some other martial arts.
In 2022, Ehatasamul created the “TaekwondoKing.com” to share his knowledge, Free Resources, Values, and Real experiences. His articles focus on Taekwondo training techniques, competition strategies, Sport Products Reviews, and the art’s rich history and philosophy. He also writes about the importance of mental fortitude and discipline, key aspects of his teaching philosophy. He has already launched many sports, Taekwondo, and health-related Free online tools. His goal is to inspire both beginners and seasoned practitioners worldwide through insightful and engaging content.
If you need any help, contact Ehatasamul Alom at any time.
