The adidas Taekwondo Mei is the ballet sneaker that's been everywhere for months: a rounded toe, a low, soft upper, an elastic strap across the instep and — in the version we have in our boutique — a pony hair animal print that makes it impossible to ignore. It's the hybrid between a ballet flat and a sneaker, what magazines call a "sneakerina," and it became the it-shoe of the moment after being spotted on Bella Hadid and Jennifer Lawrence.
Two things first, because they're the questions we get in store. Sizing: the Taekwondo fits softly and slightly roomy, so if you're between sizes or have narrow feet, you could consider going half a size down. What to wear it with: it works well with denim as well as skirts and dresses, and the animal print puts it right in the heart of the fall-winter mob wife trend. Below, you'll find details on both, plus three complete outfits.
What is a ballet sneaker, and why is the Taekwondo the it-shoe of the moment?
The ballet sneaker takes the shape of a classic ballet flat — rounded toe, low profile, that sense of a lightweight shoe you can slip on and go — and combines it with sneaker construction: a rubber sole, sporty upper, sometimes laces. This isn't a novelty invented from scratch: the adidas Taekwondo was originally designed as a martial arts shoe, with a thin rubber sole made for the tatami. The fashion world brought it back for exactly this reason — it's flat, minimal, and already has the right look.
Balletcore, the aesthetic inspired by the world of dance, has been driving this style for a couple of seasons. This season, it has taken off: the Italian editorial SERP for "adidas taekwondo mei" is still almost empty, while the shoe is everywhere on TikTok and the runways. The name "Mei" identifies the pony hair print version, which taps into the season's second major trend: animal print and the mob wife aesthetic.
The model we carry in our boutique
We’re authorized adidas retailers and have the shoe in store, so we can tell you how it’s made without copying the manufacturer’s product description. Our selection from the Taekwondo line includes four versions, all adidas Originals:
| Model | Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Taekwondo Mei in Pony Hair | Animal-print 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 | Minimal slip-on version | €60 |
The two Mei/animal-print styles are true ballet flats: an ultra-low profile, elastic that holds the foot in place, and a pony-hair print that changes character with the light. The slip-ons are a sportier, cleaner take on the same model, with the gum sole on show — a softer introduction if the animal print feels like too much. Find all four in the adidas Originals collection.
What size should you get? How they really fit
This is the part that matters, because the Taekwondo doesn’t fit like just any sneaker. Our sizes range from 36 to 38 2/3, including adidas’s characteristic half sizes.
Our advice, after handling and trying them on in store:
- Standard-width feet: your usual size should work, bearing in mind that the fit is soft and not tight.
- Narrow feet or between sizes: go half a size down. The shoe tends to “open up” a little with wear, and half a size down 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 size, the fit remains snug and the shoe won’t slip.
If you’re unsure, write to us before ordering: we’d rather recommend trying half a size down than deal with a return. It’s the kind of advice we’ve always given in store.
Adidas Taekwondo Slip-On Cloud White
Mou Lace-Up Ballet Sneaker in Suede
Kasar Suede Sneaker
How to style the adidas Taekwondo: 3 outfits
This shoe's strength is that its shape is flat and understated, while its print makes a statement. It works through contrast.
Casual denim
Straight or slightly cropped Jeans, a white tank top, and a tailored blazer thrown over it. The Taekwondo Mei in pony hair is 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, and is genuinely comfortable thanks to the flat, thin 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 midi wrap skirt or satin slip dress, sheer tights or bare legs depending on the season. The ballet sneaker takes the formality out of the dress and makes it wearable during the day — that's exactly the appeal of balletcore: a dance shoe paired with something fluid. With the pony hair print, the look remains feminine but unexpected. Find more ballet flats 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 total look in warm shades — camel, chocolate, cream — with a long coat, structured bag, and the Taekwondo Mei tying in the animal print without going overboard. It's an autumn-winter take on the mob wife aesthetic, opulent yet suited to daytime. If you like this direction, we also explored it when discussing the "cow-print" Sambas: the same spirit, a different print.
Alternatives in the boutique
Ballet sneakers aren't just adidas. If you're looking for the same silhouette in a different material, we have two styles in store that customers often consider alongside 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. Find it alongside other styles in the Mou collection.
- ASH Kasar Ballet Sneaker in suede, €112, also available in faux fur for a warm winter touch.
They’re different choices in terms of style and material, not substitutes: the Taekwondo remains the most recognizable of the group, while the other two are for those looking to move a little away from sportswear.
Frequently asked questions
How do adidas Taekwondo shoes fit? They fit softly and slightly roomy. If you have narrow feet or are between sizes, consider going half a size down. On the Mei ballet flat, the elastic trim still gives a snug fit even if you choose your usual size.
What’s the difference between the Taekwondo Mei and the slip-on? The Mei is a true ballet flat, 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 a minimalist version (€60).
Are they suitable for autumn? Yes. The Mei’s pony-hair animal print is designed for the cold season and fits the mob wife trend for fall-winter. They remain a flat, lightweight shoe, so pair them with sheer or opaque socks as temperatures drop.
Where can you buy authentic adidas Taekwondo shoes? From an authorized adidas retailer. At Vittorio Citro, you’ll find them with up-to-date availability, original box and tags. We’ve been a brick-and-mortar boutique since 2017, and we’ve written a separate guide on why it matters to buy from an authorized retailer.
If the Taekwondo Mei won you over, you’ll 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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