adidas Taekwondo

SPORTING ORIGINS AND FUNCTIONAL EVOLUTION

From the beginning, adidas explored all types of sports disciplines, even those not usually associated with footwear, like taekwondo, which emerged in the 1950s. To meet its technical needs—proximity to the ground, fast reaction, and full foot freedom—adidas created the SM II, a snug-fitting shoe with a low-profile sole for grip and responsiveness.

Designed for athletic performance, the SM II quickly transcended its original context. Its minimalist design and low profile resonated with early 2000s urban trends, taking over the streets and transforming the silhouette’s legacy.

VERSATILITY AND AESTHETIC EXPANSION

Renamed adidas Taekwondo, the model became a commercial success in various editions. The adidas Taekwondo Mei introduced a slip-on silhouette with rounded contours, offering a refined reinterpretation of the original concept. This edition even inspired a special Y-3 version, elevating the design’s relevance in high-end contexts.

Later, the adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet reimagined the silhouette through a ballet-inspired lens, merging martial and dance influences. This adaptability has established adidas Taekwondo as a hybrid category with a distinct identity, rooted in performance and open to creative reinterpretation.

ADIDAS TAEKWONDO AT FOOTDISTRICT

At FOOTDISTRICT, you’ll find selected editions of adidas Taekwondo in its various formats, from performance-rooted to stylized reinterpretations. Explore our collection and discover how this unique silhouette balances function, design, and personal expression both in and out of sport.