Don't know if it's the best out there because after the first pair I bought, I never wanted to try anything else. I buy them the size I usually wear and they fit like a glove.  Permalink

Lightweight, comfortable and they help provide nice balance. Time will tell on their durability.   Permalink

Lightweight, comfortable and they help provide a nice balance. Time will tell on their durability.   Permalink

I'm using these for Tai Chi and general light indoor training. They provide more support for long training sessions and workshops than traditional Chinese slippers or what I otherwise use, lightweight badminton sneakers. I'm a 9 1/2 and this pair of 9 1/2's fit me like a glove, nice and snug. They're very comfortable and extremely light while still providing way more support than the alternatives. I give them a thumbs up.  Permalink

Lightweight and comfortable with good grip. I ordered my usual shoe size and it was a very good fit. Sole of shoe seems to be holding up well although it is beginning to separate at the front after 3 months.   Permalink

These are a great pair of shoes. They are light weight, flexible and comfortable. Slightly narrow but I fit into them just fine, others that have wide feet might want to order a little bigger to fit properly. I might go for the hightop version just for more ankle support and because I like the feel of hightop shoes. If I do not go for the hightop version, it will be another pair of these. Again, a great shoe.  Permalink

These shoes are very comfortable. I will probably order another pair whenever I wear these out.  Permalink

I was very surprised at the difference that was made switching to these. Very lightweight and highly recommended.  Permalink

I was tired of practicing in regular sneakers, so I got these. My big feet (size 14) are often a problem when shopping for any shoe, and I was pleasantly surprised to find these. I ordered them on Friday afternoon, and they arrived at my door on Monday. Wow! I'll give them the sure test tonight in class, but they seem to fit well, and they seem well made. Thanks, Karate Depot!  Permalink

I bought the Addidas martial art shoes originally, and loved them. I read the reviews on the Discipline shoes and took the advice on getting a size bigger because of the tight fit. I did and I love these too. Both are good looking, comfortable, and lightweight, but the Disciplines have a little bit more sole to eat through.  Permalink

I bought these shoes in response to a knee injury. In my particular situation, I have a torn meniscus, as well as pronated ankles and flat feet. Ordinarily I wear orthotics but in the dojo prior to my injury I used bare feet.



Now I can use the orthotic inserts inside the Discipline shoes. I appreciate the easily removable insert as it accommodates my situation. If you're not interested in removing the insert, I do recommend obtaining some shoe glue to prevent slipping of the insert.



Mr. gdusseau apparently re-injured his meniscus tear due to the grip of these shoes. My experience with the Discipline shoes is that on smooth surfaces such as traditional wood floor (or a basketball court or racquetball court) the Discipline shoes pivot easily. On a more rubbery surface (a room set up for aerobics instruction) they do *not*. Choose this shoe depending on your training environment.



Build-wise these shoes easily exceed the quality of similar designs with excellent stitching rather than a cheaply glued-on sole and lateral outside support.



These shoes would also be good choices for fencers due to their light weight and firm fit.  Permalink

I really like these shoes. Well made and light. They run small so be sure and get a size larger. My foot is an 11 1/2 wide so I ordered a 12. The length is just right but still too tight on my wide foot. I should have gone with a 13.  Permalink

I have to say that these are without a doubt the best martial arts shoes I have ever used. They are absolutely worth every penny. I ordered my exact shoe size and they fit perfectly.  Permalink

I've been studying Mo Duk Pai Kung Fu for about 5 months, and wearing these shoes for about three months. I had been wearing street shoes, but was having trouble getting good pivoting for kicks, plus they seemed a bit heavy, but I wanted something on my feet (when am I going to get in a fight barefoot?). These shoes got good reviews and the company website made good points about them, so I figured I'd try them out.



They are nice and light as advertised, and they really don't require much break-in (if any), although the leather does soften a bit. That's one of my few issues with these shoes; I ordered my street shoe size, but after the leather softened, they were just a smidge looser than I'd like - I think a half size smaller next time will do the trick. Also, I think if the laces extended a bit closer to the toes, the fit would be better; I feel like there's some slop in the forefoot; maybe this is more due to the size issue, but it would still be nice for dialing in the fit. And then as a result of the minor slop, the insoles slide out of place, up around the inside edge of my foot, which is uncomfortable and distracting. I think sticking them down somehow is a good idea; the shoes are super well-ventilated and dry out great, so you probably wouldn't need to take the insoles out anyway.



Aside from those minor issues, which could all stem from the sizing, they have been great. Light, comfortable, and low-profile, and the aforementioned ventilation is great. I'll definitely try another pair, if this pair ever wears out!  Permalink

Do you remember the U.S. News and World report about $100 rubber-sole athletic footwear costing $5.00 to manufacture?...in that light...



Several months elapsed before I received my Disciplines. I ordered size 14 men...I do not understand why that size caused the delay.



The posts of Discipline owner/users cite that the shoe is tight for its size, and to order larger than normal. Size 13 is too small for me; there is no 13.5, therefore I ordered 14...14 is too big.



The insole slipped up above my heel when working out...I had to have the insole glued by a shoemaker to solve the problem.



The sole was described as having a perfect balance between spin-slip and traction for martial arts...there is so much grip that I reinjured my miniscus injury.



>The shoe was described as having a ''running shoe'' sole, rather than a typical martial arts shoe...this is no ''running shoe'' sole. It is maybe one degree above canvas-hard-rubber-slum shoes.



>Conclusion:

This shoe is not worth $60.00.

If you weigh 285 lb. and have a knee injury where rotational friction is a problem, these Disciplines may cause additional injury.

>

If you must get these Disciplines, and your foot is a 13.5 EEE, look elsewhere.



You will have to glue your insoles.



I am going to use my expensive, shock-absorbing running shoes built for 300 lb. athletes to run, and I will practice katas, tournaments, spar in bare feet. My skin provides the perfect balance of friction/pivot for Kung Fu-Crouching Tiger/Hidden Dragon (Tao Chi), my Master: Tao Sifu Franklin, Anthem, Arizona, USA.



>I will submit the same responses for my experience with Wado Karate, Sensei Marlon Moore, Gilbert, Arizona, USA

I submit this critique with respect. I wish not to humilitate anyone, but to inform potential purhcasers that share my attributes, and injuries, as imposed by the laws of physics of this planet.  Permalink

Overall excellent fit through the arch that I found lacking in other shoes I have tried. I have a narrow foot, woman's size 8. Am also able to wear 3/4 length prescriptive orthotics that I need for foot pronation under the removable insoles. Edge of the sole of the shoe can be a bit grippy if dragged on carpet at the wrong angle when pivoting. Other than that am very happy with them. Will buy another pair when these wear out.  Permalink

Excellent shoe...stable, durable, and light. I will not use any other shoe. Finally, there is a product that's designed for martial artists needs, and not the manufacturer's needs!  Permalink

My feet are exactly 12.5 size and I always get stuck with shoes that are either just .5 size too big (13) or .5 too small (12). I ordered these shoes in 13 because I read that they ''fit like a glove'' and they turned out to be the very first pair of MA shoes I have ever worn that fit my feet perfectly. They have full lace up, which is nice for adjusting support and good soles that move well. Their inner support is good...not great, but solidly built and sturdy. They are exceptionally comfortable and would recommend them to anyone who is a half size who has had the same sizing problems that I have had. I would get them in the ''up'' size because they do fit snugly.



It should also be noted that these are for karate or other stand up striking arts. For grappling I use wrestling shoes. These shoes are fine for light takedowns and finishing moves on the ground, but I would not recommend them for heavy duty grappling or jiu-jitsu as they just don't have the support, soles, or overall toughness to survive very long in that type of use.



I very highly recommend these shoes.  Permalink

This is my second pair of these shoes. They hold up well. The do run small so I had to order about 1/2 size larger than I usually buy. I find these shoes offer protection and flexibility for practice outside.   Permalink

These shoes are fabulous. I like them so much I am getting another pair just to wear around casually. They are well constructed. The sole is a hardened rubber, so it does not stick to taekwondo mats. You are easily able to pivot doing all kinds of kicks, spin kicks, whatever. There is a small arch support that is good for cardio. The main reason I got them was the laces, so you can adjust them to fit. They are snug, the women's 9 fit me perfectly (my toe is right at the end), and I wear a woman's 8 1/2 to 9. I was able to work out immediately in them, little to no break-in period required. My Master has these shoes and when I saw them, I knew I had to try them. Other martial arts shoes stretch out, the inside soles disintegrate, and I have been generally unhappy wearing shoes in this martial arts style (in styles I have previously studied, I have never worn shoes). And I just love these. Recommending to all my dojang mates. Great price for a fabulous shoe! Thanks, Karate Depot! - Sherrie R.  Permalink

I would recommend these shoes to anyone! Very high quality and has exceeded every expectation that I had. Will buy another pair.  Permalink

I first got a pair of these from the owner of the company as a test pair. I saw ads in Black Belt magazine and sent an e-mail inquiring about the availability. The owner called me to tell me the distribution had been held up for a month and offered to send me a pair. I explained to him that I train in Taekwondo both outdoors on concrete and indoors. I'm a BIG guy, and I promised to tell him about the performance and durabiblty of his product. They lasted a LONG time, performed excellently, and held up under my size better than any other martial art shoe ever has.  Permalink

I really like these shoes. They are well designed, well built, lightweight, very comfortable, and function extremely well.

The build is similar to a regular athletic shoe, with full laces and a molded sole with arch support. The less expensive shoes that I have tried (Pine Tree) had elastic tongues and flat soles, which do not offer the same level of fit and function provided by the Discipline shoes.

The soles of the Discipline shoes are somewhat hard and have proven to be quite durable. Traction on carpet and rubberized floors/mats is good while allowing for easy pivoting; they are a little slick on smooth surfaces like vinyl tile or polished concrete.

The only minor flaw I have noticed is that the removable molded felt & rubber liners sometimes shift during hard workouts. Although it is not much of a problem, others have fixed this with some double sided tape or adhesive.

I tried the “bargain” shoes first, and immediately wanted something better. The Discipline shoes offer superior fit and durability, and have been well worth the extra cost.

As always, Karate Depot offered a great price, inexpensive shipping, and quick delivery.  Permalink