Customer Reviews Onitsuka Tiger Tai Chi™

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.

Depends what you intend to do with it - I wear 13's in some brands, 14's in others. With these I ordered both and chose to keep the 14's. They seem too big at first when you put on the right size, but they'll be just right once you walk around. These shoes are very comfy to wear around the house, stretching/yoga/tai chi, when driving, going to the store, etc, but I do not recommend them as your primary daily shoe, because walking distances on concrete or other hard surfaces can be uncomfortable. All that is between you and the ground is a fraction of an inch of rubber. Truly, these are meant for tai chi, but are great for any martial arts or just as a comfortable indoor shoe. But if I know I'll be walking around a bit, I won’t wear them.

Zappos rocks! Shoes are awesome, but they run a little on the small side. Zappos was out of my size in this shoe when I first saw it. I gave them my email address and they sent me a notice informing the shoe had been restocked and currently had my size available. Combine that with free overnight shipping and that's what I call service. Thanks Zappos

Very Pleased w/ Purchase - First let me thank Zappos for their awesome tracking/shipping quickness. This was my first purchase thru this company and it was as easy and fast as it gets. As far as the shoe, it is great and looks just like the pictures. Not a lot of arch support if that is what u r after. But comfort, style, and looks it is very good. Would buy another pair for sure, thru Zappos.

Don't rush to judgment - I waited to review these until I had worn them for a few months and allowed them to break in a little. There is little to no arch support, so if you're in need of a shoe with good support, this wouldn't be a good choice (unless you're planning on putting in your own support insoles). When I first received the Tigers and put them on, they definitely felt narrower that I expected and a bit tighter than the typical shoes I would wear. However, the material the shoe is made of is very soft and flexible; so I decided to wear them around for a couple hours each day, to allow them to stretch out. After a few months of wearing them off-and-on in this manner, they have stretched out very nicely. These are super comfortable, and very light-weight. I typically wear them while I'm doing my weight/resistance workouts, or during a kick boxing/kenpo style workout. So if you do order a pair of the Tigers, definitely give them time to conform to your feet before deciding if they are right for you.