Retro sneaker brands are having a moment, and none more so than Onitsuka Tiger, the Japanese maker from Kobe, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024. Founded in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka, the brand aimed to inspire Japanese youth through sport, starting with a basketball shoe design inspired by the way octopus tentacles grip surfaces (we kid you not).
It wasn’t until the 1960s that Onitsuka Tiger entered the global market, refocusing its attention on the fast-growing running sector. One of its most significant contributions during this time was the ‘Magic Runner’, an early marathon shoe that highlighted the brand’s focus on lightweight and supportive footwear.
But it was the Mexico 66 that really put the brand on the map. Originally designed for the 1968 Olympic Games held in Mexico City, this was the first shoe to feature the now-famous tiger stripes. Today, it remains one of the brand’s bestsellers and a beloved style in streetwear culture. The Mexico 66’s influence spread beyond athletes to icons like Bruce Lee, who famously wore it in films, sparking the shoe’s integration into pop culture and establishing it as a classic.
Onitsuka Tiger released the Corsair in 1969, another lightweight running shoe, this time coming with a more cushioned sole. It was a hit in the US, leading to a distribution collaboration with some guy called Phil Knight. Apparently, he went on to do quite well for himself. Then 1977 rolled around and proved to be a pivotal year: Onitsuka Tiger merged with two other Japanese companies to form ASICS, an acronym for the Latin phrase ‘Anima Sana In Corpore Sano‘, meaning ‘A Sound Mind in a Sound Body’.
With greater capital to invest in biomechanics research and performance technologies, the new ASICS brand created some of the century’s most iconic running shoes, while Onitsuka Tiger became a much smaller heritage off-shoot for die-hard fans. But in the early 2000s, retro sneakers returned with a bang, putting Onitsuka Tiger back on the fashion radar.
Since then, the brand has collaborated with the likes of Comme des Garçons and Givenchy while regularly updating its classic models with new fabrics and colourways. Below, we’ve highlighted our favourites from the current collection. Each would be a worthy addition to your rotation.
Mexico 66
The undeniable icon of Onitsuka’s shoe stable. As previously mentioned, the Mexico 66 was designed for the Mexico 68 Olympics, the first games to be broadcast globally in colour, which goes some way to explaining their success. Back then, it went by the name of the ‘Limber’—it didn’t get its current moniker until a re-release in 2002.
Sleek, lightweight and available in myriad colourways and fabrications, the Mexico 66 is still as relevant today as it ever was. In an era of chunky kicks, the Mexico 66 has defied trends by remaining a super versatile sports shoe.
There are two variations, the Deluxe and the SD. The former is made in Japan, while the latter features upgraded materials such as kid leather.
Shop now >
Moage Co
One of the more futuristic styles Onitsuka Tiger has released in recent years, the Moage Co’s aesthetic leans on a composite approach, incorporating various fabrications, from rough mesh to cow suede and rubber.
This multi-layer design references early 70s models but brings them up to date with accents of bold hues and strong shapes, such as the heel section. It’s a great style for someone who wants to make a statement with their kicks but still wants that retro-runner silhouette and design language.
We’d wear it with an athleisure fit (think cotton track pants and a hoodie) or go for a more fashion-forward approach by incorporating them into your techwear looks.
Shop now >
Corsair A55
Onitsuka Tiger’s Corsair A55 was the shoe at the forefront of the jogging boom that engulfed the US in the early 70s, so it’s no surprise that they have reissued it as part of their 75th-anniversary campaign.
One of the lightest shoes the brand has ever created, the Corsair 55 strips back embellishments to reveal a minimalist design constructed with a combination of a high-density textile and cowhide suede, nicely balancing comfort with everyday style.
Super easy to wear, the Corsair 55 comes in many different colourways, allowing you to integrate them into your casual fits easily. Today’s model uses the same sockliner design as the original, offering the same great cushioning.
With the Tiger Stripes played out in simple stitchwork, these kicks are perfect for those who prefer a preppy sportswear look and want to add an extra layer of heritage design.
Shop now >
Moal 77 NM
A slightly more substantial sneaker than the Mexico 66, the Moal 77 NM—which stands for ‘Nippon Made’, i.e. handmade in Japan—boasts a retro runner aesthetic with an eye on street styling.
The rolled-up toe does a sweet job of highlighting the herringbone pattern of the outsole, while you know you’re in safe hands (or feet) with the Nippon Made construction quality.
Available in three different colourways, each using a combination of cow leather, synthetic leather and suede, the Moal 77 NM is a shoo-in for off-duty casual looks.
Shop now >
Tokuten
Inspired by archival designs from the 80s, the Tokuten is a classic low-profile shoe with a sleek silhouette. Unlike virtually all Onitsuka Tiger’s other sneakers, the Tokuten’s heritage does not rely on running for its clean aesthetics. Instead, it nods to 80s indoor soccer shoes, hence the grippy, rugged-looking rubber sole, which has a slim wraparound finish.
The upper is made from natural suede, so it’s easy to brush down and refresh. While we wouldn’t suggest going for a kickabout in them, we recommend wearing these with slim tapered jeans and techwear for a look that leans on Mod styling and 90s Britpop. But honestly, they’re one of those styles that get on with pretty much anything in your wardrobe.
Shop now >
EDR 78
The EDR 78 design was initially launched in 1978 as a completely new and unique style and it has remained one of the Japanese brand’s most popular kicks.
Back in 1978 it was envisioned as a trail running shoe but was quickly absorbed into everyday street style. Today’s models are constructed from cow leather and synthetic fabrics, creating a nice textural contrast along with the heel tab.
The shoe’s side profile has a slight rocker to improve walking, while the extended tread at the forefoot and heel helps define the shape. With clean lines and some superb colourways on offer, it’s a great shoe to wear with sporty fits, such as soft cotton jersey track pants and hoodies.
Shop now >
California 78 EX
If you’re looking for a perfectly proportioned running shoe with timeless styling, the California 78 EX should definitely be considered.
It’s everything you’d want from a retro-inspired runner: sleek, comfortable, made using textural fabrics, and has a shark-tooth sole to show off an interesting pair of heels.
They come with an OrthoLite sockliner to provide a superior fit and improved cushioning, but you’re unlikely to be pounding the tarmac or trails in these numbers – they’re much better suited to off-duty casualwear and weekend fits.
Shop now >
Colorado Eighty-Five NM
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, jogging as a fitness pastime was in full swing, leading to every sneaker maker developing bonafide running shoes that could hold their own in a casual wardrobe. Onitsuka’s Colorado Eighty-Five answered the need for a more robust jogger that could handle trail running and off-road surfaces.
The new assortment of NM models is made exclusively from 100% cow leather suede in Japan. The hexagonal sole design offers impeccable cushioning and stability, while air holes in the midsole’s forefoot and the outersole’s wrap-up design enhance flexibility. Plus, there’s ASICS’ GEL technology in the heel.
There are six different colourways available, so you’re sure to find a style that fits your wardrobe.
Shop now >
