The adidas Taekwondo Mei in Aurora Coffee / Cloud White / Gum is a ballet-inspired sneaker with a soft cow-print leather upper — western flair on a ballerina silhouette. It sounds like an unlikely pairing — a martial arts shoe with a cowhide print — but that combination is exactly what makes it more fun than yet another white sneaker.
From the mat to the street
The Taekwondo line from adidas Originals originated in training halls before getting a second life as a sleek street shoe in the early 2000s. This Mei version leans even further into ballet: low-profile, lightweight and close to the foot. The soft leather feels premium and molds to your foot rather than the other way around, while the leather sockliner completes the comfort. Contrasting leather stripes and the heel logo keep it unmistakably adidas.
The cow print
Animal print is everywhere, but cow print has a character all its own: less glamour, more western. The coffee-brown spots on white are irregular, so no two pairs look exactly alike. Wear them with jeans or a denim skirt and the western theme comes through immediately without making the outfit feel like a costume. The gum sole adds warmth and a vintage touch to the look.
Three sets of laces
One detail I particularly appreciate: the shoe comes with three sets of laces in different lengths and materials. Tied neatly, it looks more polished; wrapped loosely with a longer lace, it feels much more balletcore. That lets the same shoe change with your mood — making it more versatile than it might seem at first glance.
Would I wear them myself?
Yes — although I’d keep the rest of the outfit understated and let the print do the talking. The fit is true to size, so your usual size should be fine. If you prefer a solid color, the Taekwondo Mei is also available in white, black, pink and maroon; and if you like animal print but prefer scales to spots, check out my piece on the adidas Tokyo MJ “Snake Skin”.
The cow-print Taekwondo Mei is available from [sz_price_from stylecode=”KJ0229″]. Take your time comparing sizes and retailers — a print not everyone has is exactly why it’s worth looking around.