Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes: Are They Worth $110?

I've always loved shoes that can completely change the look of an outfit, and lately, I've been drawn to the combination of sporty and feminine styles. Ballet flats have made a major comeback, but so have slim, retro-inspired sneakers. The Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes seem to fall somewhere between the two, which is exactly what makes them so interesting.

At first glance, they almost look like ballet flats, especially with their low-profile silhouette and delicate lacing. But they're actually sneakers, making them an interesting alternative to traditional flats or bulkier athletic shoes.

With a price tag of $110, I wanted to take a closer look at what makes these shoes different, how they compare to lace-up ballet flats, and whether they're worth adding to your wardrobe.

{Stacey's Look: Sneakers (here, here); Jeans; Jacket (similar); Tank, Bag (similar)}

What Are Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes?

The Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes are a modern take on an early 2000s design inspired by martial arts footwear and ballet flats. They're part of the Adidas Originals collection, combining a sleek, minimalist silhouette with details that feel both nostalgic and modern.

Unlike traditional sneakers, which tend to have thicker soles and more structure, the Taekwondo Mei shoes have a slim profile that hugs the foot. They're made with a soft leather upper, contrasting Adidas stripes, and a flexible rubber outsole.

One of the most interesting features is the lacing. The shoes come with three sets of laces in different lengths, so you can change how you wear them. Depending on how you style the laces, you can create a more traditional sneaker look or something that feels closer to a ballet-inspired shoe.

I also love that these shoes don't have the bulk of a traditional sneaker. I've been wearing sneakers with everything from jeans to dresses for years, but sometimes a chunky sneaker isn't quite the look I'm going for. These offer something a little more refined while still feeling casual.

At $110, they're priced similarly to many other popular Adidas lifestyle sneakers, but their distinctive silhouette gives them a completely different aesthetic.

Are Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes Like Lace Up Ballet Flats?

Yes and no, and I think that's what makes these shoes so appealing. The Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes definitely have the aesthetic of lace-up ballet flats. Their slim shape, low profile, and decorative lacing give them a feminine look that reminds me of the ballet flats that have been trending again recently.

However, they're not actually traditional ballet flats. They're leather sneakers with a rubber outsole, which gives them more of a sporty feel. Traditional ballet flats typically have a more delicate construction, minimal soles, and very little cushioning. They're designed to look polished and feminine, but depending on the style, they aren't always ideal for walking around all day.

The Taekwondo Mei shoes offer an interesting middle ground. They have the delicate appearance of a ballet flat, but the rubber outsole and lace-up construction make them feel more like casual streetwear. That said, I wouldn't confuse these with a supportive athletic sneaker. Their streamlined design means they don't have the substantial cushioning or support you'd expect from a running shoe.

For me, the biggest appeal is the styling potential. I love mixing feminine pieces with more casual shoes, and these seem particularly well suited for that.

How to Style Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes

One reason I find these shoes appealing is how easily they can work with different outfits. Here are a few ways I'd style them:

With wide-leg jeans: I love the contrast between a slim sneaker and wide-leg denim. Add a fitted top, a structured blazer, and a great handbag for an effortless everyday look.

With a midi skirt: This is probably my favorite way to embrace the ballet-inspired trend. A flowy midi skirt paired with the Taekwondo Mei shoes creates an interesting combination of sporty and feminine.

With tailored trousers: I think these could look especially chic with relaxed trousers and a simple sweater or button-down shirt. It's an easy way to make a polished outfit feel a little less formal.

With a casual dress: Instead of reaching for traditional sneakers, I'd pair these with a simple knit dress or cotton midi dress. They have a more delicate silhouette, which works well with feminine pieces.

What I especially like is that these shoes feel different from the sneakers we've been seeing everywhere for the past several years. They're understated but still make a statement.

Why Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes Are Great for European Travel

One of the things I love most about the Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes is how versatile they are, especially for a trip to Europe. I've traveled throughout Europe enough times to know that packing the right shoes can make or break your wardrobe. I always want shoes that are stylish but also practical, and I especially appreciate pieces that work with multiple outfits so I don't have to overpack.

What makes these shoes such a great option for European travel is that they look just as cute with a summer dress as they do with jeans or trousers. I can easily picture wearing them with a linen dress while exploring Paris in the summer or pairing them with straight-leg jeans, a sweater, and a trench coat for a fall trip to London. They have that understated, European-inspired style that feels effortlessly chic without trying too hard.

They're also ideal for transitioning between seasons. During summer, their slim silhouette looks great with lightweight dresses, skirts, and linen pants. Come fall, they work equally well with denim, tailored trousers, and layered outfits. If you're traveling in September or October, when temperatures can vary quite a bit throughout the day, it's nice to have a shoe that complements both warm-weather and cooler-weather looks.

I also think their versatility makes the $110 price tag easier to justify. When I'm packing for Europe, I want every item in my suitcase to earn its place. A shoe that works with five or six different outfits is much more valuable to me than one I can only wear once or twice. Plus, their low-profile design makes them easier to pack than bulky sneakers.

One thing to keep in mind is that these are fashion sneakers, not heavily cushioned walking shoes. European vacations often involve miles of walking on cobblestone streets, so I'd still bring a more supportive pair for long sightseeing days.

But for leisurely afternoons exploring Paris, shopping, visiting museums, or heading out to dinner, I think the Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes are a stylish addition to a European travel wardrobe. They're the kind of shoes that make packing lighter and putting together outfits easier, which is exactly what I want when I'm traveling.

Do Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes Run True to Size?

According to Adidas, the Taekwondo Mei shoes run true to size, and the brand recommends ordering your usual shoe size. The shoes have a regular fit, but their slim silhouette is worth considering, particularly if you have wider feet or prefer a little extra room in the toe area. Because the upper is made with soft leather and the shoes have adjustable laces, you have some flexibility in how they fit. However, they aren't designed like roomy athletic sneakers.

My recommendation would be to start with your usual size and pay attention to how they feel across the front of your foot. If you're between sizes or have wider feet, trying them on before purchasing may be helpful. It's also worth remembering that Adidas offers several variations of its Taekwondo-inspired shoes, so sizing recommendations may differ depending on the specific style.

Are Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes Worth $110?

I think the answer really depends on what you're looking for in an everyday shoe. If you love the look of ballet flats but want something with a sportier edge, the Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes are an interesting option. The leather construction, versatile lacing, and retro-inspired silhouette make them stand out from traditional sneakers. I also appreciate that they're easy to dress up or down. I tend to gravitate toward pieces that can work with several different outfits, and these have the potential to pair with everything from denim to dresses.

However, if you're looking for a highly cushioned walking shoe or something you can wear for a full day of sightseeing, I wouldn't automatically assume these will provide the support you need. They're primarily a fashion sneaker.

At $110, they're not inexpensive, but they're also within the typical price range for popular lifestyle sneakers. For someone who appreciates fashion-forward footwear and wants an alternative to traditional ballet flats, I can see the appeal.

My verdict: The Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes are worth considering if you love the ballet sneaker trend and want a sleek, versatile shoe that feels a little different from everything else in your closet. Ultimately, whether they're worth $110 comes down to how often you'll wear them and how comfortable they feel on your feet.

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