How to buy Taekwondo Shoes Online
How to Buy Taekwondo Shoes Online Australia: What to Check Before You Order
Buying Taekwondo shoes online Australia is straightforward, but there’s one thing that makes it different from buying most other martial arts equipment: the shoes can’t be altered if they don’t fit. A gi jacket that’s too long in the sleeves can be hemmed. Taekwondo shoes that are too narrow or too short can only be returned. Getting the size right before you order is the most important step in the process.
Measure your feet accurately
Don’t rely on your regular shoe size alone — Taekwondo shoe sizing varies between brands and sizing systems. Pacific Sports Taekwondo shoes use European sizing, and the correct way to find your size is to measure your foot length in centimetres and match it to the size chart.
To measure: place a piece of A4 paper against a flat wall, stand on it with your heel touching the wall, and mark where your longest toe ends. Measure from the wall edge to that mark in centimetres. Check that measurement against the size chart on the product page.
A few things to account for: most people have one foot slightly larger than the other — measure both and size for the larger foot. If you wear thick socks during training, factor that in. The shoes should feel snug when new — leather stretches with wear and a shoe that feels slightly tight initially will usually break in to a comfortable fit. A shoe that feels loose when new will only get looser.
Choose leather or synthetic
Pacific Sports Taekwondo shoes are available in genuine leather. Leather is the preferred material for Taekwondo shoes for several reasons — it breathes naturally, moulds to the shape of your foot over time, is durable enough to handle thousands of training sessions, and is easy to wipe clean. PU synthetic leather is a common alternative in lower-priced shoes; it’s more uniform in appearance but doesn’t breathe or mould to the foot the same way genuine leather does.
Check for the pivot point
This is the feature that separates a Taekwondo shoe from a general martial arts or athletic shoe. The pivot point is a specialised area on the ball of the sole — concentric circles or a smooth raised section — that allows smooth rotation during spinning and turning kicks. Without it, pivoting on the sole creates drag that slows your turns and stresses the ankle. If a shoe doesn’t have a dedicated pivot point, it’s not truly designed for Taekwondo.
White sole or black sole
Pacific Sports Taekwondo shoes are available in both. This is purely a personal preference and style choice — both soles perform identically. White sole is the more traditional appearance; black sole is popular for its visual contrast against the white leather upper. Check whether your school or competition has any requirement about sole colour before choosing.
Check the return policy before ordering
Because fit is critical and can’t be adjusted, confirm the supplier’s return and exchange policy before placing your order. Pacific Sports has a clear delivery and return policy — read it before purchasing so you know your options if the shoes need to be exchanged for a different size. Most sizing issues come from not measuring accurately — following the size chart carefully reduces this risk significantly.
Breaking in new shoes
Don’t go straight from unboxing to an intensive training session. Leather Taekwondo shoes need breaking in — wear them casually for a few days first to let the leather soften and begin to take the shape of your foot. This makes the first training session in them significantly more comfortable and reduces the chance of blisters from stiff new leather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should I order if I’m between sizes?
Size up. A slightly larger shoe with laces tied snugly is more comfortable than a shoe that’s too narrow or too short. The laces allow you to adjust the fit across the width of the foot, but they can’t compensate for a shoe that’s too small in length.
Do Taekwondo shoes come in children’s sizes?
Pacific Sports Taekwondo shoes start at size 37 European. For very young children whose feet are smaller than this, check the size chart carefully and measure the foot in centimetres before ordering. The same fitting principles apply — snug but not tight, with room for the toes to move freely.
Can I use Taekwondo shoes for other martial arts?
Yes. The pivot point, lightweight construction, and ankle support benefit any kicking-focused discipline — Karate, Kung Fu, and most striking arts. They’re marketed as Taekwondo shoes because the pivot point is specifically relevant to Taekwondo’s spinning and turning kick techniques, but the shoe works well across disciplines.
How do I care for leather Taekwondo shoes?
Wipe the leather upper with a dry cloth after training and with a lightly damp cloth when needed. Remove laces and wash them separately when dirty. Air dry after training — don’t seal them in your bag while still warm. Occasional leather conditioning keeps the material supple as it breaks in. Avoid submerging in water.
Will Taekwondo shoes affect my kicking technique?
Positively, once broken in. The pivot point makes spinning and turning kicks noticeably smoother. The ankle padding reduces fatigue during long sessions. The sole grip improves stability in stances. Most practitioners find their technique improves slightly once they’ve adjusted to training in shoes, particularly for multi-rotation spinning kicks where the pivot point makes a clear difference.
Is it better to buy from a local store or online?
Online gives you access to a wider range and often better pricing. The key is buying from a supplier with clear sizing guidance and a fair return policy — both of which Pacific Sports provides. If you measure your feet accurately and follow the size chart, ordering online is straightforward. The main risk with online purchasing is not measuring correctly and ordering based on your regular shoe size alone.
