Customer Reviews Onitsuka Tiger Tai Chi™

The value of Thin Soles and Light Shoes - The ability to feel the ground while still being protected from impinging objects is very much a Big Deal as we become more aware of how less is more for footwear. We've so long over supported our feet rather than letting all that evolution work for us, this is a shoe that lets the feet do their job. How do you know a shoe works for your foot? Two things: can you twist it from toe to heel? Can you bend it behind where the ball of the foot goes? In this shoe, you can. These are men's cut shoes, so gals may find them a little wide, but that, too, can be an advantage in terms of enabling free foot movement rather than binding the foot into the shoe with tight lacing. The thing that makes me a little nervous is that it looks like this model is Going Away - Zappos hasn't had new shipments/models in awhile, so get 'em while you can.

Most comfortable martial arts shoe I have ever worn - I used to wear Tiger shoes when I did a lot of running, 10K races, etc. In the past two years, I took up martial arts including tai chi and karate. Recently a local medical doctor criticized me because I was not wearing shoes during my training. I remarked that the shoes I had for karate were uncomfortable, so I stopped wearing shoes. My tai chi coach recommended I try the Onitsuka Tiger Asics Tai Chi shoes. I did, and I found them to be comfortable. I am pleased with the purchase, and I would highly recommend them.

Just what I was looking for - I needed a new pair of tennis shoes to wear to the gym that I recently joined. So I use them while running, lifting weights, and sometimes pilates. I just wanted something simple, low profile, and lightweight that wouldn’t take up too much space in my bag. These are just what I was looking for.

My new favorite pair of shoes! I've purchased at least five pairs of shoes from Zappos online and these are my favorite so far! They are light, comfortable, and stylish - a great wear for a casual night out. However, you might need to buy some insoles, depending on your preference. I've added insoles simply because I have minor back pains. These are my first pair of Onitsuka Tiger and am now a big fan.

Quality and looks are great - It really is a comfortable shoe. The leather is great and it is lightweight, I bought the ivory/green, it is a nice shoes.

These things last, I've had these shoes for over three years and they are still holding up strong, and are still my favorite shoe. I put a gel insert in them, just the heel insert, which is totally worth it if you're on your feet a lot. I'm 18, and am definitely over-active. These shoes have seen many a day of dodge ball and Lake Tahoe. I am buying another pair soon. I have black with the red stripe right now. They're amazing! But buy a half size under your normal size, because they run large. Also, they are leisurely shoes. They're not good for running at all, so if you plan on running a lot with the pair of shoes you’re buying, don't buy these. I like them so much because they're weightless, and feel like I'm wearing slippers, but much more supportive and sturdy than any slipper.

My new favorite shoes - These are definitely what I was looking for! The fit, size, and feel is great! Plus, they're very attractive looking. These are now my new fave shoes.

Nice shoe so far. Fits like a glove. Been using it for CrossFit.

Great shoes! I absolutely love these shoes! There stylish, comfortable, and great! The only drawback to these shoes is you need to buy insoles. I used to be a Puma fan, but I've changed to ASICS!

Actually wearing them for tai chi - Unlike most of the reviewers, I actually bought these shoes to use for tai chi. I've been wearing them to class for a little over a year, and they do what they need to. They're soft enough for movement but they give enough stability, too. I've been using them now for 7 mo. while pregnant, and they are still comfortable, though they're getting a bit splayed out from my bigger feet. I can see that they wouldn't be a very sturdy street shoe, but I'm happy with them for the intended purpose.

Great looking shoes! I love them a lot, though I needed to get some gel cushions to add to the insides of the shoes. I am on my feet all day and the thin cushions just ain't gonna cut it. But the few extra bucks it cost makes it totally worth it. They are very handsome-looking shoes!

Light as air! I bought these for my teenage daughter She complains that tennis shoes are heavy and confining. We chose these because they did not look heavy or chunky. She couldn't be happier! These shoes are light as air! No clunky feeling with these on! Aside from a day of "breaking in", she says these are the best tennis shoes she has ever had.

One of the greatest shoes ever conceived - I bought a pair (grey and blue) of these about a year ago and have not looked at another shoe since. They are lightweight, breathable, and contour to the foot like no other shoe does. I now own a second pair (coffee and taupe) and am buying a third (black on black). I would go as far as saying if they continue to make this shoe, I will never buy another brand or style of shoe as long as I live. The tai chi is where it's at!

Fits like a sock! Don't let the lack of arch support scare you. The Tai Chi is a great pair of shoes and wrap around my feet like socks. Actually, the thin sole and lack of support is wonderful if you need to strengthen your arches; it forces the muscles in your feet to stabilize more actively than shoes with too much cushion. They feel a hair smaller than the ASICS Runspark I ordered in the same size. I wear thin socks mostly, but wearing cotton ankle socks make the fit feel even more snug.

My favorite shoes - I own these in the black and taupe/coffee variations and can say that these are the most comfortable shoes I own. It is true that they offer very little support or cushion, but for one who prefers bare feet, these shoes are ideal. I even wear them to work where I am often standing for hours at a time. And yes, they are even great for practicing tai chi. Perhaps some day a non-leather version will be released and the best shoe I've ever owned will simply become the best shoe ever.

Looks great, feels good - I ordered the taupe/coffee just after Christmas and I can't that I'm disappointed. Tigers have a unique look and I get good comments or catch people looking at my feet every time I wear them out. I wear these around when I cruise in the mall or get groceries and they are great. However, when I'm standing around at work I do wish they had a bit more support. Make sure you spray it with some liquid repellent before wearing them out in rain.

Probably the most comfortable shoe I have owned - The shoes are very comfortable and barely weigh anything. If you want a shoe that shows style and provides comfort then I suggest you buy this shoe.

Rad simply rad - I'm always bummed that in the winter I have to wear shoes, these are the answer. Everyone compliments ‘em, no one has ‘em, and it feels like you’re not wearing shoes. You just gotta give ‘em a couple weeks to break in and you’re set.

Leather socks - They run big so go a full size smaller. They feel like leather socks...awesome shoes.

Love this shoe - Thanks again Zappos! Delivery was super fast and the shoe itself is wonderful. The shoe is super light, almost like wearing a slipper and it looks awesome in the Taupe/Coffee color. Zappos and Onitsuka Tiger sneakers are first class all the way.

Great shoes, awesome retailer - These are basically the best shoes ever. They are very similar to the Asics Budokan, but are lighter and thinner. They are like really cool slippers, very connected. Don't go out in the rain with these, the soles are so thin! I think they are comfy, I wouldn't run the marathon in them or anything but still comfy in a different way. If you want more support, check out the Budokan. They are really excellent, if this is what you want in a shoe. Also, Zappos rocks!!!!! I ordered shoes but was gone for a week and UPS sent the shoes back to Zappos. I called them up and they had me a new pair the next day.

Great shoes! These shoes are light, comfortable, and get a lot of compliments! Mine are actually white - I'm not sure why these are black / dark grey? Anyways, the shoes are awesome, and are the same style as seen in Kill Bill (except those were yellow). Zappos rules!

They're perfect - Love the sneakers, delivery was amazingly fast.

These are better for people with thinner feet, I don’t know the scale which is used, but on a scale of 5 (being wide feet) then I would make these a 2.5 or close to 3. They are made specifically for tai chi, thin, light, and no support. I would advise insoles if using them otherwise.

They fit like a glove on your foot. At first, I thought the shoes were too tight and narrow for my foot. It was somewhat borderline so I decided to stay with them. They will stretch a bit and mold t your foot is my experience. I've grown to absolutely love these shoes and they make doing Tai chi an even more special experience. As a result I decided to buy a pair for my Tai chi teacher for Christmas.