Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 review

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Who should buy the Onitsuka Tiger

Go and grab this kick if you prefer:

• versatile-style sneakers 
• old-school retro kicks
• well-ventilated shoes
• stylish summer shoes
• sneakers you can wear for a long period

Not plush but shock-absorbing

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66:

• you prefer vintage tennis sneakers, look over the Adidas Stan Smith
• you like cheaper selections, browse at the Club C85 and Court Legacy

A branded flap on the heel helps in pulling the shoes on effortlessly

We believe that practical buyers will appreciate the versatility of the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66. The shoe is chic and classy enough to dress up or down for various occasions

For gentlemen, the shoe's posh finish goes well with jeans and a shirt for a laidback casual vibe, or chinos and a polo shirt for a dressier look.

And for the ladies, this kick blends very well with flowy floral dresses or smart casual office clothes.

Not plush but shock-absorbing

From our experience, the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 turns out to be pretty comfortable for all-day wear. It isn't thickly cushioned but its underfoot support is just enough.

Among the must-grab classics

The shoe's tongue and collar are not padded, retaining the original mid-1960s design. 

It lets you say goodbye to sweaty feet

Pairs with many clothes.

You can pack light with this shoe

This sneaker is immensely lightweight! Which is essential for its overall comfort.

Smartly built

We are delighted with the excellent quality of this Onitsuka Tiger shoe. The brand definitely didn't scrimp on the materials used.

The rubber sole doesn't feel stiff

Thanks to the shoe's thin midsole, its flexibility is impressive.

Got tonnes of bang for fewer bucks

We consider the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 a terrific option for daily use. Not only is it an all-rounder, but an excellent value for less than £110.

This kick's upper is made of full-grain leather contrasted with a smooth suede T-toe construction and heel counter for added protection and durability. It also features a leather toecap overlay for extra protection from bumps and abrasions. 

It lets you say goodbye to sweaty feet. 

Looking back at Mexico 66's beginnings

Onitsuka Tiger has been around since 1949 and is recognised as one of the earliest shoe companies in Japan. The brand’s first footwear design is a basketball shoe that went under trial and error until 1952 when they created an efficient shoe and helped catapult its popularity in the country.

In 1953, the company switched to making running shoes and worked with several successful runners from that decade. It was also in the 50s when Bill Bowerman flew to Japan to convince the brand that they had a market in the US.

Mexico 66’s story: Onitsuka Tiger’s best-selling model

Considered the most iconic Onitsuka Tiger shoes, the Mexico 66 is again made available in the market after a brief hiatus. It was first launched as a cutting-edge running sneaker during the pre-trials for the Mexico City Olympic games in 1966. The shoe was initially called the Limber UP Leather BK, and according to the brand's history of this kick, it is one of the first shoes to feature the Onitsuka Tigerstripe. Later on, the shoe was renamed to a more famous moniker that signifies its origins - Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66.

In 1977, Onitsuka Tiger decided to change its name to ASICS, an abbreviation for a Latin expression that goes "Anima Sana In Corpore Sano," meaning "a healthy mind in a healthy body." This was the company's core value that would be the basis for everything they do. But in the early 2000s, they brought back Onitsuka Tiger and its iconic footwear. Since then, the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 has been released in a steady stream of colorways and iterations, enjoying a low-key yet consistent success. For the same reason, the shoe would sometimes be called the ASICS Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 or Onitsuka Tiger by ASICS Mexico 66.

Some of the iconic moments that helped establish Mexico 66's reputation were when Bruce Lee was seen wearing it in the movie Game Of Death, and with Uma Thurman paying tribute to Bruce Lee by wearing it in the movie Kill Bill. Today, it is available with uppers crafted from different textured materials and embellishments.

Personalities have also taken a liking to the sneaker. From being referred to as the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 classic running sneaker, the shoe’s visibility on the streets led the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 to be recognised as a fashion sneaker. Frequently seen wearing the kick out and about, some of the known public figures spotted with this shoe were Emma Watson, Prince William of Wales, Michael Strahan, Adrian Grenier, Alex Meraz, and Pippa Middleton.

Iterations of the Mexico 66

Throughout the sneaker’s existence, many style variations have been made available. The following are some of the latest versions out now. The Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 SD is a ‘Super Deluxe’ model made of the finest Japanese materials, while the Mexico 66 VIN (Vintage) is crafted from vintage leather for that stylishly used effect. The Mexico 66 Slip-on model is easily one of the most famous renditions of the classic 66 silhouette. Lastly, the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Soft Marty is an eco-friendly iteration of the iconic running sneaker.