Martial arts sneakers

[Jagaimo]

I am not sure what to say about these.... things, so I am making a thread for everyone to discuss.

http://www.martialartsupply.com/adidas_martial_art_sneakers.html

Other online stores have them, but I searched the US adidas website and couldnt find them.

[swrdply400mrela]

I've only seen people in Tae Kwon Do use those.

[Jagaimo]

I've only seen people in Tae Kwon Do use those.

I stumbled upon this while reading another thread. I think most people would believe that this person has a really bad foot problem if they have to wear these. But then again, they are practicing on blue mats that dont look like they would be too hard on the feet...hmmm

http://www.mikeleestkd.com/kumdo/kumdomemories.htm

[junkyman]

These shoes are pretty common gear in most korean martial arts, especially Taekwondo and Hapkido. Although the WTF (world taekwondo federation) prohibits the use of these shoes in competition they are good for practice. Nothing to do with foot problems or wimpiness.

I have practiced hapkido for around 15 years and although I personally do not like to practice in shoes I have found them to be nice to have occaisionally. Right now I teach at a rec center with a concrete floor so I wear them to teach in for comfort. As far as training goes one obvious pro is the fact that you get used to kicking in shoes. Although this shoe is significantly lighter than a sneaker you get a feel for the way your feet will slide around inside a shoe when kicking in one. If you are not used to is it can be a little difficult, especially when you take into account how dynamic Korean kicking is (in comparison to japanese styles which are rather simple). Also korean kicking usually includes many spinning and sliding techniques and it is quite common to roll your big toe (especially on these blue mats that one poster said don't look too hard on the feet) when barefoot.These shoes protect your toes and have a special hard rubber sole with specific pivot points that should allow you to spin easily on most surfaces.

I personally feel a little more agile and much faster when I kick barefoot and shoes usually grip the blue floormats a little too much for my liking which makes it hard to spin (its ok on concrete though).

From a Korean martial art perspective I would say that these shoes are perfectly funtional and make total sense, serving a similar role to the tabi and heel protector in Kendo.

You can probably find them on the Korean Addidas site. The Addidas shoes are only ok though, in my opinion. I prefer to use the TKD shoes from a Korean company called PRO-SPEC. I think this is a pretty big shoe company in Korea but they are hard to come by in the States.

[junkyman]

oh, I just saw that pick of a guy doing kendo in TKD shoes. Thats looks stupid. These shoes are designed for kicking only. I feel that kendo should be done barefoot because if you have proper footwork you won't hurt your feet.

[Nishi]

Ive seen hapkido guys wearing these shoes from time to time as well, although hapkido is mostly practiced barefoot, wherever you get the dual do-jang offering tae kwon do plus something else, you tend to see a cross over of gear as well.

[nodachi]

I know that at one point while I was learning tai chi the sensei was a very strong advocate for martial arts shoes, although he forced no one to get them of course. Not for good form or any footwork related reason. He just didn't trust peoples footcare and didn't want any foot germs or anything. Perhaps this is a useful advantage for your health, should your dojo not be properly cleaned.

[Hai_hai]

Yes, I wear those shoes during the daytime in case I need to kick someone in the nads at work or in the grocery store.
At night, I wear my ninja tabi.

[Sir Percy]

I am not sure what to say about these.... things, so I am making a thread for everyone to discuss.

http://www.martialartsupply.com/adidas_martial_art_sneakers.html

Other online stores have them, but I searched the US adidas website and couldnt find them.

My step-dau (9yrs old) has flat feet. She has to wear an orthotic to help treat this condition. Her podiatrist stated that working out bare footed would be deletrious to her condition. Hence, kicking shoes.

[KamuSan]

Racing shoes (car racing) are in fashion here, especially with train travelling people. Maybe I should buy some martial arts sneakers and introduce a new rage ;-)

[KamuSan]

Hey, that site is Rick Tew's site?