Karate and taekwondo accessories

Why train in shoes at the dojo or dojang

Karate and taekwondo are traditionally practiced barefoot on the tatami or dojang mat. However, many practitioners use specific shoes for training: on a cold or hard gym floor, during outdoor sessions, to protect an injured or sensitive foot, or for hygiene in shared spaces. Light and flexible, they maintain the feeling of bare feet while protecting the soles from burns caused by repeated pivots. Taekwondo, an Olympic discipline since the Sydney Games in 2000, has seen dedicated shoe models designed for its kicking techniques.

The rest of karate and taekwondo

Karate and taekwondo also include:

• Karategi.
• Gloves.
• Belts.
• Protective gear.

All the equipment can be found on the karate and taekwondo page.

Thin sole and pivot point for kicks

Taekwondo heavily features kicks that are circular, spinning, and jumping: the shoe must allow the forefoot to pivot without catching on the mat. The adidas Adi Kick and Contestant-Pro, like the Kwon Chosun Plus and Premiere Plus, offer a thin sole with a rounded pivot point under the forefoot, a flexible upper that doesn’t hinder ankle extension, and support at the heel. The Kwon Kick Light, made from genuine leather and without laces, reduces the amount of EVA in its sole for added lightness. Kwon, a German brand, is one of the major European suppliers of martial arts equipment.

Children's models, size and maintenance

Young practitioners have children’s versions available, such as the adidas Adi Kick or the Kwon Dynamic, which are light and easy to put on independently before class. The size should fit snugly: the shoe should wrap around the foot like a slipper, with no movement at the heel or compressing the toes, as a foot that floats loses its precision in support. They are tried on barefoot or with thin socks, just like in training. For maintenance, reserve a pair for the gym to keep the sole clean and avoid damaging the mat, air them out after each session, and let them dry away from a radiator.

Bargain deals

Good deals can also be found in the bargain deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and during Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and dispatched in that timeframe. The year’s highlights follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, year-end holidays, winter sales, spring French Days, followed by summer sales and back-to-school period.

Frequently asked questions

Are shoes allowed in taekwondo or karate competitions?

In competitions, fighting is most often done without shoes: check your federation's rules. Martial arts shoes are mainly used for training, on hard floors, outdoors, or to protect a sensitive foot.

Can taekwondo shoes be used for karate?

Yes, in training, if the club allows it: their thin sole and pivot point are also suitable for the movements and strikes of karate. However, grading and competitions are generally done barefoot.

Leather or synthetic: which taekwondo shoe to choose?

Leather, like on the Kwon Kick Light, becomes softer and moulds to the foot over time. Synthetic materials and mesh uppers are lighter and more breathable, and they clean up easily.

Are these shoes suitable for beginners?

Yes: adidas and Kwon offer children’s versions that are light and easy to put on. They provide reassurance for young practitioners on a cold or hard floor and limit minor toe injuries during the early years.

How to prevent odours in martial arts shoes?

Air them out after each session by fully opening the upper, and let them dry completely before storing them in the bag. Clean the sole with a damp cloth and avoid the washing machine, as it distorts leather models.