adidas Originals Taekwondo Mei Ballet

Origin, History, and Inspiration

The adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet is a contemporary reinterpretation of a lesser-known performance silhouette from the adidas archive: the adidas Taekwondo, a sleek, minimalist training shoe originally designed for martial arts in the early 2000s.
Revived and reimagined in 2025, the Taekwondo Mei Ballet takes its foundational shape and minimalist DNA and blends it with ballet-inspired elegance — a direct nod to the balletcore aesthetic gaining traction in modern fashion.
The name "Mei" and the refined, graceful design reflect a fusion of strength and delicacy — a theme that echoes both martial arts and classical dance.
This model is part of adidas Originals’ ongoing strategy of breathing new life into forgotten archive pieces through a lifestyle-focused, fashion-forward lens.

Description and Construction

The silhouette features a low-profile, slip-on design, staying true to the sleek and form-fitting nature of the original Taekwondo shoe.
While the upper construction varies across different colorways and releases, it typically combines soft leathers, textiles, or synthetics, offering a balance of structure and flexibility.
Signature adidas 3-Stripes wrap from the upper down to the arch, emphasizing motion and anatomical structure — a design cue directly lifted from the original Taekwondo model.
The outsole remains thin and split, promoting a close-to-ground feel and minimalist aesthetic. Select versions also include interchangeable laces of varying lengths, allowing for customizable styling across different outfits and occasions.

Comfort Level

Designed with lifestyle wear in mind, the Taekwondo Mei Ballet offers a snug, sock-like fit that hugs the foot.
The minimalist outsole enhances natural foot motion, making it comfortable for light daily wear. However, due to its pared-down construction and limited cushioning, it may not offer the same level of support as performance or sport-inspired sneakers — particularly for those needing arch reinforcement.

Sizing

The adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet comes in women’s sizing and fits true to size for most wearers.
The slip-on structure and elastic upper components create a secure, close-to-foot fit. Those with wider feet may want to consider sizing up by half for a more comfortable experience, especially since the model has a relatively narrow, sculpted last.

Who is this model for?

This sneaker is perfect for fashion enthusiasts, minimalists, and fans of archival revivals looking for a versatile, fashion-forward silhouette.
It's ideal for those exploring balletcore, or for anyone drawn to low-profile, elegant sneakers with strong adidas identity.
The Taekwondo Mei Ballet serves as a subtle statement piece — one that blends form, function, and fashion heritage.

Additional Highlights

- Inspired by the archival adidas Taekwondo, known for its martial arts functionality and clean, minimal form.

- Versatile silhouette that transitions easily between casual, chic, and conceptual outfits

- Varying material executions across colorways, including leather, synthetic, and textile options — with certain editions offering pony hair or graphic textures.

- Slim, split rubber outsole preserves the silhouette’s martial arts roots while adding streetwear appeal.