This is a review of APIKAโs Traditional Kung Fu Shoes.
If youโve ever seen any fighting movie, especially any movie that starred Jet Li as the leading protagonist, youโve definitely seen these shoes. So simple, so easy to wear, but in the hands of the right martial artist โ absolutely powerful. These shoes are traditional wear in many Asian countries, and theyโre preferred by the practitioners of martial arts.
Despite originating in Asia, these shoes have spread all around the world, and have become popular not only as training wear but as casual wear, as well. Theyโre breathable and light, which makes them ideal for wearing around the house. However, weโll be taking a closer look at all that in the next part of this article.
Today, weโll be taking a deeper look at these traditional shoes, how and why are they so popular, and what are the benefits of wearing them, be it for fighting or leisure. Letโs get started!
APIKA Traditional Kung Fu Shoes Overview
Iconic Design
The iconic design behind these shoes is something thatโs instantly recognized by many. The black cover accompanied by white soles is a timeless design thatโs become beloved by many people.
These simple canvas shoes are very comfortable to wear. Even though theyโre made from simple fabric, theyโre still going to offer a lot of stability for the foot. Itโs important to keep your body stable when youโre fighting, as youโre going to want to avoid any form of injury. Staying injury-free is a very important aspect of an athleteโs career.
The style of these shoes is called Old Beijing, and you wonโt even feel that youโre wearing them, as theyโll sort of become a part of your foot.
Foot Protection
These shoes were traditionally used in various Asian cultures, worn by trainees and masters of various martial arts, and theyโre still used in that regard to this day. The reason theyโre so good for this purpose is that theyโre so light and donโt restrict the movement of the foot in any way, but still provide stability because of the sole thatโs made from rubber. This way, you can stay assured that youโre always well-footed in the ground and that youโre not going to lose stability when youโre changing direction.
Itโs often the case that a player has sprained an ankle when theyโve moved too suddenly and lost their footing. You can rest assured that this wonโt happen if youโre wearing shoes that are keeping you grounded.
Another great way these shoes will be protecting your feet is by keeping them clean. Wherever youโre training, you wonโt have to worry about the dirty floor, as you wonโt be barefooted when youโre walking on it. Hygiene is the first line of defense when it comes to the human body, and you should always keep it in mind.
Various Uses
These shoes are also worn for leisure by many people. Not everyone is wearing them when fighting or training, and theyโre so light and breathable that theyโre enjoyed by many people outside the world of martial arts, and theyโre surely going to keep that popularity in the coming days.
Theyโre so simple, comfortable, and light that many people prefer to wear them without any socks on, as theyโre breathable enough to keep your feet fresh and keep the sweating down to a minimum.
Theyโre also a favorite to many people who want to wear them indoors, as theyโre light and clean. They wonโt be making your home any messier, but theyโll also be keeping you clean.
Theyโre available in more colors, not just black, and theyโre also available in more sizes for men and women. Theyโre slipped on very easily.
Itโs also suggested that wearers of these shoes donโt wash them in a washing machine, but rather do it by hand.
The one thing thatโs not popular about these shoes is that theyโre not that durable. If youโre just wearing them around the house, then theyโre probably going to last for a few years, but if youโre wearing them outdoors, theyโre probably going to fall apart after a season of wearing. The reason behind this is the simple cloth material used to make these shoes.
This makes them very simple, breathable, and light โ yes. But it also makes them very easy to rip and the sole can part ways with the shoe very easily. However, these shoes are so ridiculously cheap that it shouldnโt be a problem. For the price these shoes are being sold at, theyโre definitely going to fulfill their purpose.
Also, it is worth to mention, that there is always the option to recycle the shoes.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
very light โ these shoes have a good grip on your foot and theyโre very light, you wonโt even feel them on your foot | durability โ the shoes arenโt made of high-end materials and theyโll fall apart with time |
good stability โ the soles on these shoes are made of rubber, and theyโre going to keep your foot very stable when youโre training and moving | |
breathability โ these shoes are very breathable, ensuring that your footโs sweating is brought to a minimum and that problems, like the athleteโs foot, are minimized | |
the price โ this model of shoes is very cheap |
Our Verdict
These shoes are great if youโre looking for something light and simple, yet breathable and supportive. However, youโre likely going to need to buy a fresh pair once a year, but at this price, that shouldnโt be a problem.