The Taekwondo Mei Super High Takes Adidas Originals to New Heights

At its core, Adidas is a company dedicated to the betterment of sport and athletes' lives. The German brand has historically achieved this goal through product innovation, giving way to new ways of imagining footwear, apparel, and accessories for some of the biggest stages. And while it continues to innovate, the Three Stripes has also dedicated time to fashion-forward endeavors, opening up its archive to some of the world's most creative and experimental designers. Styles like the all-new Taekwondo Mei Super High, however, demonstrate the in-house team's commitment to push boundaries.

A quick glance at the model might lead many spectators to write it off as simply a 3-Stripes-branded sock, but closer inspection reveals a much more involved design. Based on a women's-exclusive training model from the 1980s, Adidas Originals' latest offering features the same split-outsole found on the low-top Taekwondo Mei. Informed by athletes' needs, the minimal tooling is traditionally coupled with a sleek leather upper that eventually molds to the wearer's foot for a premium on-foot sensation. The design's Super High iteration, however, forgoes the sport-inspired upper in favor of a textile construction that resembles common cotton socks.

The design update evokes images Demna Gvasalia's work for Vetements and Balenciaga throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s. While no longer in vogue, the sock-like design pushes boundaries.

Product shots from the Three Stripes don't confirm whether or not the Super High's textile pieces are accompanied by padding or other structures components. They do, however, reveal seam lines throughout the thigh-high collar that hints at a deceptively-robust construction.

The inaugural style favors a "Core Black" makeover that's contrasted by "Footwear White" stripes on the lateral side.

Enjoy official photos of the debut Taekwondo Mei Super High below. Firm release details for the silhouette haven't been disclosed by the brand as of this writing, but that's expected to change as summer inches closer. The updated model should hit Adidas.com for around $150.

For more women's footwear, check out the PUMA Speedcat Ballet, a Mary Jane-inspired take on the iconic design.