Onitsuka Tiger Takes On The Iconic MEXICO 66s In Brand-New Casual And Sporty Silhouettes

Think Onitsuka Tiger, and the first sneaker silhouette that’d come to mind would be the MEXICO 66™ — that’s just how iconic the shoes are. The slim design takes inspiration from shoes that had debuted in the 60s, particularly the features of the original LIMBER-UP™ training shoe that debuted in 1961 and another 1966 design, and became one of the first models to feature the now-classic Onitsuka Tiger stripes.

So what makes the shoe still relevant in 2022? New modern takes of the design, those that prioritise comfort, style, and expert craftsmanship, while catering to the different preferences of sneaker wearers.

Classic lovers would love the SD model, reinvented in soft leather in both low-tops and a mid-runner; there are casual lace-free, slip-on styles for those who like to take it easy; while we’re also seeing dad shoe silhouettes perfect for street-style ‘fits.

MEXICO 66 PARATY, $129 ; MEXICO 66 SABOT, $179.

Take these two for instance. First up, the MEXICO 66 PARATY is a slip-on style that looks just as sweet, where the laces are removed and the tongue is stitched to the inside panels of the upper, making for a super-casual look that you can slip in and out of — you may even wear it as a mule style. Then, there’s the unique-looking MEXICO 66 SABOT, made with a mesh material for extra breathability in summer.

For the Onitsuka Tiger version of chunky dad shoes, look to the TIGER HORIZONIA and DELEGATION EX. The latter is a modern version of the shoes worn by Japanese team at the international sport event held in 1964. Similar to the original, these bear the TOKYO Onitsuka logo on the tongue, and with shoelace loops seamlessly integrated into the design. The GIGATIA, on the other hand, is a new mixed-media silhouette that boasts a rugged sculptural sole, though its upper is made up of heritage styles from the archives, with familiar striped elements of course.

See all the reinventions of the MEXICO 66 here.