Last Tuesday, watching my nephew’s Taekwondo class, I counted 8 different brands of martial arts shoes on those mats. Mike here, and after 12 years of testing footwear across multiple combat sports, I was curious when three different parents mentioned the same Adidas shoe. That’s why I grabbed a pair of the Adi-Kick martial arts shoes and spent 8 weeks putting them through every scenario I could imagine. The results surprised me more than I expected.
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $60 ()
- ⚖️ Weight: 8.2 oz (men’s size 9.5)
- 🧪 Midsole material: Polyurethane foam
- 👟 Upper material: Synthetic leather
- 🦶 Sole design: Rubber with martial arts pivot points
- 🥋 Category: Martial arts training shoes
- 🎯 Best for: Taekwondo, Karate, Kickboxing, Indoor training
- ⏱️ Testing period: 8 weeks, 24 training sessions, 36 total hours
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
Upper Construction & First Impressions
Right out of the included carry bag (which is actually a nice touch), these shoes immediately caught my attention for their simplicity. The synthetic leather upper feels substantial without being heavy – definitely a step up from some budget martial arts shoes I’ve tested. After my first Krav Maga session, I noticed the material has just enough give to flex with foot movement while maintaining its shape.
The single-lace system is where things get interesting. While it creates a clean, minimalist look that many traditional martial arts schools prefer, it presents some practical challenges. During my testing, I found myself double-knotting constantly because the laces would loosen during intense sessions. The lace only goes through two eyelets, which doesn’t provide the same lockdown you’d get from a multi-eyelet system.
Martial Arts-Specific Performance
Here’s where these shoes either shine or disappoint, depending on your expectations. The polyurethane sole with its specialized pivot points is clearly designed for mat work. During my Taekwondo sessions, the pivot functionality worked exactly as advertised – I could execute spinning kicks and direction changes with smooth rotation.
However, I’ll be straight about the durability concerns. After just 3 weeks of regular training (4 sessions per week), I started seeing noticeable sole wear. The rubber compounds used aren’t as durable as what you’d find on premium athletic shoes. For recreational martial artists training 2-3 times per week, this might provide 6-8 months of use. For daily practitioners, expect significantly less.
Comfort and Fit Reality Check
The sizing situation with these shoes is genuinely confusing based on customer feedback. The manufacturer suggests ordering a size larger than usual because they run tight. However, multiple reviewers report the opposite – that they run large and stretch out significantly after use.
In my testing with a men’s 9.5 (my normal size), they initially felt snug but not uncomfortable. After two weeks of regular use, they had definitely stretched and felt looser. If I were buying again, I’d probably go with my normal size and expect them to break in rather than sizing up.
Performance in Various Martial Arts Conditions
Mat Performance Across Different Disciplines
Taekwondo: These shoes excel here. The pivot points make spinning techniques much smoother, and the lightweight design doesn’t interfere with high kicks. The thin sole provides good mat feel, which is crucial for balance during complex techniques.
Kickboxing: Mixed results. Great for footwork and movement, but I experienced some foot slippage inside the shoe during intense heavy bag sessions. The single lace system just doesn’t provide enough security for high-impact training.
Karate: Solid performance for traditional training. The clean design meets most dojo requirements, and they’re quiet on mats during forms practice. However, for full-contact sparring, I’d want more ankle support.
Surface Versatility Testing
I tested these on various surfaces beyond traditional mats:
Wooden floors: Excellent grip and pivot capability. The rubber sole provides good traction without being sticky.
Wrestling mats: Performed well, though the thin sole means you feel every imperfection in the mat surface.
Concrete (light use): Not recommended. The sole material wears quickly on abrasive surfaces, and there’s minimal impact protection.
Does Adidas Deliver on Their Promises?
Marketing Claims vs. Reality
“Special pivot points help you move and turn on a dime” – TRUE. The pivot design genuinely improves rotational movement on mats.
“Excellent traction” – MOSTLY TRUE. Good grip on mats and wooden floors, but can feel slippery on some surfaces when wet.
“Pliable material conforms to your foot” – TRUE. The synthetic upper does mold to foot shape over time, sometimes too much.
“Lightweight design” – TRUE. At 8.2 oz, they’re noticeably lighter than cross-trainers.
“Reliable pair of martial arts shoes” – QUESTIONABLE. Reliability depends heavily on usage frequency and intensity.
The Single Lace System Issue
Multiple reviewers mention this, and it’s a legitimate concern. The single-lace design looks clean but creates practical problems:
- Laces frequently come undone during training
- Limited adjustment capability
- Easy to lose the lace if it pulls through
- Difficult to achieve secure foot lockdown
This design choice prioritizes aesthetics over functionality, which is frustrating for serious practitioners.
My Overall Assessment
✅ Key Strengths
- Excellent pivot functionality for spinning techniques
- Lightweight design doesn’t interfere with technique
- Good mat grip and traction
- Clean, traditional martial arts appearance
- Includes carrying bag
- Affordable price point for the category
- True-to-size once broken in
❌ Significant Weaknesses
- Single lace system creates security issues
- Sole durability concerns with regular use
- Minimal ankle support for contact sports
- Confusing sizing guidance from manufacturer
- Limited cushioning for high-impact activities
- Quality control issues reported by some users
Performance Scoring Breakdown
| Category | Score (1-10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mat Performance | 8.0 | Excellent pivot points, good grip |
| Comfort | 7.0 | Lightweight, but minimal padding |
| Durability | 5.5 | Sole wear issues with regular use |
| Fit & Sizing | 6.0 | Confusing guidance, stretches over time |
| Value for Money | 7.5 | Good features for the price point |
| Build Quality | 6.5 | Decent materials, design limitations |
| Overall Score | 6.7/10 | Solid with notable limitations |
What Other Martial Artists Are Saying
The community feedback on these shoes is mixed but follows clear patterns:
Positive consensus: Most users appreciate the lightweight feel and traditional appearance. Parents particularly like that they come with a carrying bag and meet dojo requirements.
Negative consensus: The lacing system frustrates nearly everyone. Durability concerns are widespread, with many reporting sole separation or excessive wear within 3-6 months of regular use.
Sizing confusion: The manufacturer’s sizing advice contradicts real-world experience, creating return headaches for many buyers.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
Who Should Buy the Adidas Adi-Kick?
✅ Great for:
- Beginning martial artists needing affordable shoes for class requirements
- Taekwondo practitioners who prioritize pivot functionality
- Recreational students training 2-3x per week
- Youth martial artists who will outgrow shoes quickly anyway
- Schools requiring traditional-looking martial arts footwear
❌ Skip if you’re:
- Training daily or multiple times per day
- Doing high-impact kickboxing or contact sports
- Looking for shoes to last 12+ months with regular use
- Needing maximum ankle support for sparring
- Frustrated by laces that come untied frequently
Better Options for Specific Needs
For better durability: Consider spending $20-30 more for shoes with multi-eyelet lacing and higher-grade sole materials.
For kickboxing: Look into boxing shoes with better ankle support and more secure lacing systems.
For daily training: Invest in premium martial arts shoes with proven durability records, even if they cost twice as much.
Final Recommendation
At $60, the Adidas Adi-Kick offers decent value for casual martial artists, but comes with notable compromises. The pivot functionality is genuinely useful, and they’ll meet most dojo requirements. However, the single-lace system and durability concerns prevent me from giving an enthusiastic recommendation.
If you’re a parent buying for a child who trains twice a week, or a beginner needing something affordable to get started, these will serve you adequately. For serious practitioners, consider them a temporary solution while you research more durable options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do these shoes really run big or small?
Despite manufacturer guidance to size up, most users find they run true to size initially but stretch significantly with use. I recommend ordering your normal size and expecting break-in rather than sizing up.
How long do they typically last with regular training?
For recreational training (2-3x per week), expect 6-8 months. Daily training will significantly reduce lifespan, potentially to 2-3 months based on user reports.
Can I use these for multiple martial arts styles?
Yes, they work well for most traditional martial arts on mats. Less ideal for high-impact styles like Muay Thai or contact kickboxing due to minimal support and padding.
What about the single lace system everyone complains about?
It’s a legitimate issue. The laces frequently come untied during training. Double-knotting helps, but it’s an ongoing annoyance that more traditional lacing would solve.
Are these suitable for outdoor use?
Not recommended. The sole material wears quickly on concrete or asphalt. These are designed specifically for indoor mat use.
Do they come in different colors?
Primarily available in white, which is preferred by most traditional martial arts schools. Limited color options compared to regular athletic shoes.
Can I return them if sizing is wrong?
Amazon’s return policy applies, but some third-party sellers may charge restocking fees. Check seller policies before ordering, especially given the sizing confusion.
How do they compare to wrestling shoes for martial arts?
Wrestling shoes typically offer better ankle support and more secure lacing, but lack the specialized pivot points. Choice depends on your priorities and martial arts style.
Review Scoring Summary
| Comprehensive Scoring Summary | |
|---|---|
| Mat Performance | 8.0/10 – Excellent pivot design, good grip |
| Comfort & Fit | 7.0/10 – Lightweight, sizing issues |
| Durability | 5.5/10 – Sole wear concerns with regular use |
| Value for Money | 7.5/10 – Good features at $60 price point |
| Build Quality | 6.5/10 – Decent materials, design limitations |
| Lacing System | 4.0/10 – Single lace creates security issues |
| Overall Rating | 6.7/10 – Good with Notable Limitations |
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