The adidas Taekwondo Mei Is the Brand's Next "It" Shoe

It's no secret that the adidas Archive is expansive, spanning 75 years. As the German sportswear juggernaut continues to innovate for the future, it consistently digs into its past to breathe new life into long-forgotten styles. The Taekwondo Mei is the brand's latest effort rooted in nostalgia.

If you've kept up with Bad Bunny or Song for the Mute, you likely recognize the silhouette. The Puerto Rican superstar used the adidas Taekwondo Mei as the base for his Ballerina collaboration, a project he first teased throughout Summer 2024. Benito's iteration, however, opts for lighter, more malleable materials across his collaborative trio. The model's mainline roster debuts with a supple leather upper that mimics the adidas Taekwondo shoe popularized by Blackpink’s Jennie Kim and other celebrities. A cow print-covered option, however, replaces the sports model's traditional upper with a hairy material. The tongue on the Mei is covered with a leather shroud.

The full scope of the design's lifecycle has yet to be seen, but the model will debut in classic 'Core Black/Footwear White' and 'Red/Footwear White' finishes. Pairs covered with animal prints also join the mix, signaling adidas' effort to position the Taekwondo Mei as a distinctly-bold footwear option for fashion-forward women. Its premium craftsmanship and laceless, slip-on nature will also likely convince some consumers to try out the unconventional, split-sole product.

The women's Taekwondo Mei is expected to see its global debut throughout spring. Retailers across Asia have already released select styles of the silhouette, but adidas.com is yet to launch the shoe. Expect the taekwondo-inspired model to retail for around $100.

Enjoy official photos of the Taekwondo Mei's upcoming styles below, and head over to our expansive adidas Release Dates Calendar when you're done to keep an eye on other launches from the Three Stripes.