big TKD shoes

[padre]

I have feet larger than the largest TKD-oriented shoes I've seen advertised, and am hoping someone can point me in a good direction.

I have 14.5 EE (US) feet, which is half a size and some extra width larger than the largest I've seen.

But surely I'm not the only big-footed fella who could use a decent pair of shoes!

At the dojang, everything is barefoot on puzzle mats, but some of the places I'd really like to practice just aren't flesh-friendly.

They don't have to be TKD-specific, although that would be nice.

 

[granfire]

I feel your pain. I am constantly looking out for those 14 wides for Hubby...plus he is pickey...not TKD shoes tho.

However, considering the nature of the shoe, I have my doubts the regular TKD shoe would hold up to flesh unfriendly footing.

Unless you are considering sparring I'd go with a regular gym shoe. I have seen some that looked nice (but picky Hubby wanted no part of them) in regular clothing stores.

 

[padre]

Sparring is ultimately where this is heading. My lung shou pai bud (who wears kung fu shoes, because I guess his school is too cheap for puzzle mats ;D ) and I have some friendly throwing down ahead.

 

[terryl965]

I would look into wrestling shoe, for some they are better and they come that big.

 

[IcemanSK]

Terry beat me to it. I'd also recommend wrestling shoes. They would be your best bet for bigger sizes.

 

[granfire]

Dock martins with steel toe!

 

[padre]

The wrestling shoes I've looked at since the suggestions were made (thanks) appear to have a good bit of ankle support. Any thoughts on whether that might hinder roundhouse-like kicks?

 

[K31]

I've got sz 13 5E feet and I bought some shoes from Karate Depot however the dojang won't let me use them so I can't give you an actual review. Here's some in the 14-15 range: http://www.karatedepot.com/cl-sh-08.html

 

[padre]

Yeah, even though you can buy Mooto shoes at the dojang, even the instructors don't wear them inside.

 

[IcemanSK]

The wrestling shoes I've looked at since the suggestions were made (thanks) appear to have a good bit of ankle support. Any thoughts on whether that might hinder roundhouse-like kicks?

I've not had trouble with that. It was my worry, too.

 

[padre]

Another fellow I know from a tea-lover's forum (yeah, what of it) suggested these as an option:

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/products_KSO_m.cfm

I'll have to see if I can find a place locally to try on some wrestling shoes & see how I like the feel.

On a strange related note, I was just outside working out barefoot and managed to get relatively minor second degree burns on the balls of my feet, because I'm a genius. My lung shou pai pal and his wife are en route with gauze at this time.

 

[K31]

Yeah, even though you can buy Mooto shoes at the dojang, even the instructors don't wear them inside.

Actually my instructor wears shoes. I asked him about it and he said instructors are allowed to because they spend a great deal of time on the mat and are therefore more at risk for infections. I wanted to wear them just because arthritis made it so one of my feet feels like I'm walking on marbles when I'm on a solid floor and I felt like I could kick better if I had some support. Fortunately, the mats they have give a good bit when you're on them.