This has been one of my two main shoes over the past year, the other being my Saucony Blaze. The Asics Tai Chi were made for martial arts, as a lightweight shoe that has the flexibility for the feet and allows the feet to feel and channel energy from the ground. “Chi” is a Chinese word for “energy.”
The Asics Tai Chi are white leather with a thin rubber sole. There is no heel support and virtually no cushioning from this shoe. That makes this an ideal shoe for conscious forefoot running. The sole of the shoe provides a thin layer between my feet and the ground, which offers protection from glass or sharp rocks but not much more
In addition to no heel support, the shoe also provides plenty of room for the toes, which have become a major part of my transitioning to barefoot recently. I have the “hammer toe” condition from many years of tight shoes, so I have always preferred shoes that offer more toe room.
The durability of these shoes is amazing. The Tai Chi has lasted me through a marathon and several other shorter races for the past year. I also use them as a casual shoe when going out (after cleaning off the dust that accumulates from running, of course).
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | asics, review, shoes
