The adidas Taekwondo Mei is the ballet sneaker that has been everywhere for months: rounded toe, low and supple upper, elastic at the instep and - in the version we carry in our boutique - a pony-hair animal print that makes it impossible to ignore. It is the hybrid between a ballet flat and a sneaker, what magazines call a "sneakerina", which became the it-shoe of the moment after appearing on the feet of Bella Hadid and Jennifer Lawrence.
Two things first, because these are the questions we get in store. Fit: the Taekwondo has a soft, slightly generous fit, so if you are between sizes or have narrow feet, you may want to consider going half a size down. Styling: it works well with both denim and skirts and dresses, while the animal print takes it straight into the autumn-winter mob wife trend. Below, you will find details on both, plus three concrete outfits.
What is a ballet sneaker and why is the Taekwondo the it-shoe of the moment
The ballet sneaker takes the shape of the classic ballet flat - round toe, low profile, that lightweight feel of a shoe you can slip on and go - and combines it with a sneaker construction: rubber sole, sporty upper, sometimes laces. It is not a novelty invented out of nowhere: the adidas Taekwondo was originally designed as a martial arts shoe, with its thin rubber sole made for the tatami. The fashion world brought it back precisely for this reason - it is flat, essential, and already has the right aesthetic.
Balletcore, the aesthetic inspired by the world of dance, has been driving this model for a couple of seasons. This season, it has exploded: the Italian editorial SERP for "adidas taekwondo mei" is still almost empty, while on TikTok and the runways, the shoe is everywhere. The name "Mei" identifies the version with a pony-hair print, and it taps into the season's second major trend: the mob wife aesthetic's animal print.
The model we carry in the boutique
We are authorized adidas retailers and have the shoe physically in stock, so we can tell you how they are made without copying the manufacturer's product description. Our selection from the Taekwondo line includes four variants, all adidas Originals:
| Model | Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Taekwondo Mei in Pony Hair | Animalier ballet flat, rubber sole | 110€ |
| Taekwondo Animalier | Pony-hair print version | 110€ |
| Taekwondo Slip-On Cloud White | White/black, gum sole | 80€ |
| Taekwondo Slip-On Women's | Essential slip-on version | 60€ |
The two Mei/animalier styles are true ballet flats: an ultra-low profile, elastic that holds the foot securely, and a pony-hair print that changes character depending on the light. The slip-ons are the sportier, cleaner take on the same model, with the gum sole visible - a gentler introduction if the animalier print feels too bold. You can find all four in the adidas Originals collection.
What size to choose: how they really fit
This is the part that matters, because the Taekwondo does not fit like just any sneaker. We carry sizes from 36 to 38 2/3, with the half sizes typical of adidas.
Our advice, after handling and trying them on in store:
- Standard feet: your usual size will be fine, bearing in mind that the fit is soft and not tight.
- Narrow feet or between two sizes: go down half a size. The shoe tends to "open up" slightly with wear, and going down half a size keeps it more secure.
- Mei ballet flat with elastic: here, the elastic across the instep works in your favor. Even if you take your full usual size, the fit remains snug and the shoe stays securely in place.
If you're unsure, write to us before ordering: we'd rather tell you to try half a size smaller than handle a return. It's the kind of advice we've always given in store.
Adidas Taekwondo Slip-On Cloud White
Mou Lace-Up Suede Ballet Sneaker with Suede Laces
Kasar Suede Ballet Sneaker
How to style the adidas Taekwondo: 3 outfits
The strength of this shoe is that it is flat and discreet in its shape but bold in its print. It works through contrast.
Casual denim
Straight-leg or slightly cropped jeans, a white tank top, and a tailored blazer thrown on top. The Taekwondo Mei in pony hair serves as the only pop of color here: everything else stays neutral, letting the shoe speak for itself. It’s an everyday look that works from a casual office to aperitivo, genuinely comfortable thanks to its flat, slim rubber sole. If you prefer a cleaner look, the white slip-on does the same job without the animal print.
Feminine with a skirt or dress
A wrap midi skirt or satin slip dress, with sheer tights or bare legs depending on the season. The ballet sneaker takes all formality out of the dress and makes it wearable during the day - that is exactly the balletcore concept: a dance shoe worn with something fluid. With the pony-hair print, the look remains feminine but never predictable. Find more ballet sneakers and low-top sneakers to style this way in the women's shoes collection.
Animal print / mob wife
Here, the print sets the tone: a warm-toned total look - camel, chocolate, cream - with a long coat, structured bag, and the Taekwondo Mei bringing in the animal print without overdoing it. It’s the autumn-winter mob wife interpretation, opulent yet suited to daytime. If you like this direction, we also explored it when discussing the "cow-print" Samba: the same spirit, a different print.
The alternatives in store
The ballet sneaker is not only about adidas. If you’re looking for the same silhouette in a different material, we have two options in store that customers often compare with the Taekwondo:
- Mou Lace-Up Ballet Sneaker in cognac suede, €139 — the lace-up version, more artisanal, from the same brand as the much-loved boots. You'll find it alongside the other styles in the Mou collection.
- ASH Kasar Ballet Sneaker in suede, €112, also available in faux fur for those who want a warm winter touch.
They are different choices in terms of style and material, not substitutes: Taekwondo remains the most recognizable of the group, while the other two are for those who want to move slightly away from sportswear.
Frequently asked questions
How do adidas Taekwondo shoes fit? They fit comfortably and slightly generously. If you have narrow feet or are between sizes, consider going down half a size. On the Mei ballerina, the elastic still provides a snug fit even if you take your usual size.
What's the difference between the Taekwondo Mei and the slip-on? Mei is the true ballerina, with an ultra-low profile, elastic trim and pony-hair animal print (€110). The slip-on is a sportier, cleaner take on the same model, with a visible gum sole, available in white/black (€80) and in an essential version (€60).
Are they suitable for autumn? Yes. Mei's pony-hair animal print is designed for the cold season and fits into the fall-winter mob wife trend. They remain flat and lightweight shoes, so sheer or opaque socks are best when temperatures drop.
Where can you buy authentic adidas Taekwondo shoes? From an authorized adidas retailer. At Vittorio Citro, you'll find them with updated availability, the original box and tags. We've been a physical boutique since 1917, and we've written a separate guide explaining why it matters to buy from an authorized retailer.
If the Taekwondo Mei has won you over, you can find it in adidas Originals alongside the rest of the line. Every pair is guaranteed authentic, with tracked shipping and easy returns: if the size isn't right, we'll exchange it.
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