A Guide to the Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers: Mexico 66, and More!
The story behind the iconic legacy and the must-have styles you need in your collection now!
They’ve graced the feet of martial arts legends and Hollywood royalty, their iconic stripes a symbol of both style and function. No, we’re not talking about a secret society (although their dedicated fanbase might argue otherwise!), but the legendary sneakers known as ASICS Onitsuka Tiger.
A Timeless Investment for Your Feet
Onitsuka Shōkai, later known as Onitsuka Co., Ltd., was rebranded as ASICS Corporation in 1977. Since then, Onitsuka Tiger has been a lifestyle brand under the ASICS umbrella, embodying the brand’s founding principles of “Anima Sana in Corpore Sano” (a healthy soul in a healthy body).
![How ASICS Onitsuka Tigers are made](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21112952/the-Best-ASICS-Onitsuka-Tigers_-Mexico-66-and-More.webp)
![How ASICS Onitsuka Tigers are made](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21112955/the-Best-ASICS-Onitsuka-Tigers_-Mexico-66-and-More-1.webp)
![How ASICS Onitsuka Tigers are made](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21112959/the-Best-ASICS-Onitsuka-Tigers_-Mexico-66-and-More-2.webp)
While the retro design, with its sleek silhouette and sophisticated color palette, is a significant part of Onitsuka Tiger’s appeal, it’s not the only reason for its enduring popularity. The brand is steeped in history and committed to quality. Their “NIPPON MADE” series exemplifies this, with each pair handcrafted by artisans using traditional Japanese techniques. This dedication to exceptional craftsmanship, combined with a rich heritage and innovative design, makes Onitsuka Tiger shoes a worthwhile investment for many.
What’s the Secret to Onitsuka Tiger’s Lasting Appeal?
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Beyond the iconic signature stripes, which were first introduced in 1966, Onitsuka Tiger offers a blend of style, comfort, and performance. The Mexico 66, in particular, has become a symbol of agility and style, thanks to its association with martial arts legends like Bruce Lee and its appearance in films like Kill Bill.
Did You Know? The Nike-Onitsuka Tiger Connection
![History of Nike Cortez and ASICS Onitsuka Tiger](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21111856/cdea0ff88091544737a0896c8570e9d8-1.jpg)
The story of Nike and Onitsuka Tiger is one of rivalry, cooperation, and mutual respect. It all started when Nike’s founder, Phil Knight, was a student at the University of Oregon. Impressed by the quality and affordability of Onitsuka Tiger shoes, he decided to become their distributor in the United States.
Knight and Onitsuka Tiger’s founder, Kihachiro Onitsuka, formed a strong partnership, with Knight proposing new designs and Onitsuka implementing them. However, as Nike grew, tensions arose, and they eventually parted ways. Nike went on to create its own iconic brand, while Onitsuka Tiger continued to thrive.
And here’s a fun fact: When Phil Knight left Onitsuka Tiger, he took with him the design that would become the Nike Cortez—originally intended to be an Onitsuka Tiger model.
Despite going their separate ways, both brands have left a lasting impact on the sneaker industry, highlighting the power of collaboration, innovation, and the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship.
The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21123342/Onitsuka-Tiger-Mexico-66-_Yellow_Black_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 “Yellow/Black”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21124211/Onitsuka-Tiger-California-78-EX-_Black_Oatmeal_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger California 78 EX “Black/Oatmeal”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21132950/Onitsuka-Tiger-Mexico-66-SD-_Cream_Peacoat_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 SD “Cream/Peacoat”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21124520/Onitsuka-Tiger-GSM-_Cream_Black_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger GSM “Cream/Black”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21124628/Onitsuka-Tiger-Delegation-EX-_Cream_Classic-Red_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger Delegation EX “Cream/Classic Red”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21124754/Onitsuka-Tiger-Mexico-66-_Silver_Off-White_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 “Silver/Off White”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21125108/Onitsuka-Tiger-Serrano-_Mako-Blue_Cream_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger Serrano “Mako Blue/Cream”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21125214/Onitsuka-Tiger-Sclaw-_White_Black_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger Sclaw “White/Black”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21125324/Onitsuka-Tiger-Delegation-EX-_White_Electric-Blue_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger Delegation EX “White/Electric Blue”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21125427/Onitsuka-Tiger-Mexico-66-SD-_Birch_Wood-Crepe_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 SD “Birch/Wood Crepe”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21125743/Onitsuka-Tiger-Mexico-Delegation-_Black_White_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico Delegation “Black/White”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21125842/Onitsuka-Tiger-Mexico-Mid-Runner-_Birch_Indian-Ink_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico Mid Runner “Birch/Indian Ink”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21131832/Onitsuka-Tiger-California-78-EX-_Monument-Blue_Cream_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger California 78 EX “Monument Blue/Cream”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21132116/Onitsuka-Tiger-Mexico-66-Paraty-_Blue-Chambray_Natural_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Paraty “Blue Chambray/Natural”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21132240/Onitsuka-Tiger-Delegation-EX-_Beige_Cream_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger Delegation EX “Beige/Cream”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21132434/Onitsuka-Tiger-Mexico-66-Paraty-_Natural_Navy_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Paraty “Natural/Navy”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21132603/Onitsuka-Tiger-Acromount-_White_Black_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger Acromount “White/Black”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21133140/Onitsuka-Tiger-California-78-EX-_Birch_Steeple-Grey_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger California 78 EX “Birch/Steeple Grey”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21133437/Onitsuka-Tiger-California-78-EX-_Cream_Directoire-Blue_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger California 78 EX “Cream/Directoire Blue”
![The Best ASICS Onitsuka Tigers to Buy Now](https://snkrdunk.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/en/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21133553/Onitsuka-Tiger-California-78-EX-VIN-_Verdigris-Green_Cream_.webp)
Onitsuka Tiger California 78 EX VIN “Verdigris Green/Cream”
Whether you’re a sneaker enthusiast or simply looking for a comfortable and stylish pair of shoes, Onitsuka Tiger shoes are a worthwhile investment for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life. This list is not exhaustive; check out the various other attractive colorways and models of ASICS Onitsuka Tigers on SNKRDUNK to find the perfect pair for you.
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