Customer Reviews Onitsuka Tiger Tai Chi™

These shoes were comfortable right out of the box and continue to feel better as I wear them. I use them for working out and short runs. The only thing I was slightly disappointed in is that the toe box is a little narrow. I would not consider these minimal footwear because of that. Overall nice though.

Extremely comfortable. The shoes are very thin, so they are very light. The front sort of wrinkles when you wear them, from your feet pushing out from the inside.

Nice simple flat soled shoe that looks as comfortable as it feels. No break in period needed. I bought a similar but more expensive Converse shoe in Mexico years ago but I couldn't find a replacement in the States. This one worked very well as a substitute.

Love these shoes. I like the low-profile (ie: no midsole) look. However, they're not great if you're going to be walking around a lot or on your feet for a long time, since there's no cushioning.

Very nice looking shoes. The leather on top is soft, and the shoe is light and flexible. But, if you need heavy road protection against rocks, gravel, trail running, this is not the right shoe. But for walking and jogging it works. Be aware--the sole is just a few millimeters thin. It's basically a 'minimalist' or barefoot style shoe.

Sleek & stylish! There is very little arch support and a thin rubber bottom tread. The shoe is definitely designed for use in martial arts or dance on a hard floor. I use them for Tai Chi practice - no problems. I get the feel of the movement, postures and the surface. My feet are a little wide so the medium width is a bit snug, but with a little wear, they fit fine. I would say they are more utilitarian than comfortable. It IS a martial arts shoe - not a hiker or cross-trainer! These are significantly better quality than the $20 Asian canvas MA shoes on auction sites.

My new white sneaks - I couldn't be happier with the look. There is minimal arch support but the shoe fit perfectly and I am very pleased.

Nice overall - I love the look of these and they are super lite in weight (which I love), but what I'm not too crazy about is the front of the shoes. They are so thin that you can see your little toes inside the shoe, looks like eventually (after several uses) the front of the shoe won’t be so smooth, it has little indents.

Other great Asics shoe - These shoes are very comfortable and light although they do not really have any arch support. I got the white ones and they are a little hard to keep clean.

This is my 3rd pair of these shoes. They are great for running around without looking like having "workout" shoes on. They are thin and flexible, but very comfortable. My only complaint is that the sole seems to wear out quickly, but they are supposed to be for tai chi, not endurance so I really can't complain.

I got these shoes in black and white about a year ago and they are absolutely amazing! I wear them to school almost everyday and they have held up very well. The only thing that is a downfall, in my opinion, is the comfort. They are okay, but nothing to brag about. However, I have to wear custom arch supports, so that could have changed the comfort a bit. Overall, I love the shoe.

Light, Comfortable, Great-Looking; One Improvement Suggested - After months of tai chi practiced on a paved schoolyard playground, there is a vulnerability in this shoe which I've found. The many heel pivots in tai chi (and the many times a foot is cocked and the heel touched to the ground) were wearing down the thin sole in the heel area, threatening the leather upper. A cobbler replaced a few inches of the sole in the heel area with a "Vibram" brand sole of similar tread and thickness, but with greater durability than the Asics sole. The cobbler also suggested I replace my "Dr. Scholl's" Pillow inserts with the more durable and washable "Spenco" brand inserts. (They're green.) I love these shoes for their intended purpose. I would not, however, recommend them for regular street use. Around the house, or at a party? Sure. Now if Zappos would only stock size 14 in more styles, I'd be a happy camper. Why must the only styles offered in larger sizes be bright white? With feet this large, why attract attention?

Solid look - I love the look of this shoe, but if you're looking for comfort or support, try something else. The all white leather is easy to keep clean, as long as you're diligent.

Looks cute, but kinda flimsy - I really like the look of the shoe, its cute and so lightweight... but I have to agree it is very VERY flimsy. Feels like its made of paper, and the sole has ZERO support so it actually hurts my feet when I walk... I am trying to find a good insole to add to see if that helps.

Pretty good looking - Thin padding on the sole, especially the heel. It feels like you're standing on an incline. Not in a horrible way. They're still pretty comfortable, look great, and don't get dirty easily.

Asics Tiger is the bomb in terms of the look and feel. Due to other reviews I bought a half size smaller though I found this to not be the case. And while it is good on your feet, it is not the best in under-heel comfort so you may want to get a pair of gel insoles from ASICS which them makes the fit perfect and the shoe rock overall.

Tai Chi's are very cool, but NOT for everyone. This is a great product if you prefer a very light, general purpose shoe for wear in warm, dry weather. I did not give it five stars overall because there is little to no arch support. Not recommended as a running shoe or for wear in wet weather.

Onitsukas and Zappos Deliver Again - I have had multiple pairs of Onitsuka Tigers, but never the Thai Chi - what have I been missing? Even more stylish than some of the other variations (Mexico 66, etc), and just as comfortable. Note: I take comfortable as minimum cushioning and sole thickness - I realize this is not everyone's idea of comfort, but if you want a shoe that feels like you are wearing nothing at all, this one is for you. The only reason I did not give them five stars is because the leather they are made of is soooo soft that it is hard to take care of. Very easy to scuff, and must be left in the closet on rainy days. Other than that, an AMAZING shoe. Thanks, Zappos, for carrying things I can't find anywhere else.

Super light weight shoe - The Onitsuka Tiger by Asics's Tai Chi™ is definitely different from the average shoe. It feels as if you are wearing no shoes only socks. It is very comfortable but if you are looking for support it is not the shoe. I purchased the white and black, I have never had a shoe that had a brighter white.

Exactly as Expected - Fit as I wanted. Looked like I wanted. About as comfortable as I was expecting - that is to say mediocre, but let's face it, you don't buy these kinds of shoes if you work on your feet all day.

Legit! If you are even considering these shoes, honestly...then buy them. The comfort is outstanding, maximum control and sensitivity, without lack of strength in sole. They look immaculate; the fit is true to size, really. The only reason I gave 4 out of 5 stars, is because the top layer isn’t, thin [lack of better word], it’s just not as rigid and stiff, as other Onitsuka Tigers, its thin but sturdy, its shape molds. But in truth, you will be happy with the purchase, enjoy!

Solid Pair of shoes - Although I'm not using these for any form of Tai Chi or martial arts in general, I love these shoes. They are perfect for just casual apparel and knocking around in. The leather is super soft so they break in really easy. The toe is rather wide as compared to what I had expected, but other than that, a solid shoe.

Comfortable sock!! Love this shoe, it is very comfortable, very thin though, don't expect to go hiking. I don't where them in rainy weather for fear of ruining them. But so comfortable, it's hard to resist!

Asic's Tai Chi - Overall these are great shoes. I ordered my first pair in my regular size and thought they were too small, so I ordered them a half size larger and they were perfect. The return was easy and hassle free (and free!). If you are doing a lot of walking on hard surfaces I would highly recommend some gel inserts because there is very little shock support and no arch support. They fit like a glove and are like wearing nothing at all on your foot.