Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 review

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

Who should NOT buy it

Put this aside and check out other alternatives if:

• you prefer vintage tennis sneakers, look over the Onitsuka Tiger GSM
• you like cheaper selections, browse at the Ultimate 81 and Serrano

Suitable for work and play

Practical buyers appreciate the versatility of the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66. They say it's chic and classy enough to dress up or down for various occasions. Male users express that Mexico 66'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. On the other hand, female reviewers say this kick blends with flowy floral dresses or smart-casual office clothes.

Not plush but shock-absorbing

An overwhelming majority of the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 reviews state that this pair is very comfortable and ideal for all-day wear, even as it isn't thickly cushioned.

Among the must-grab classics

This sneaker is deemed by most as a kick with a tastefully classic design. Its tongue and collar are not padded, retaining the original mid-1960s design. 

It lets you say goodbye to sweaty feet

Weartesters say it's breathable and keeps their feet dry.

You can pack light with this

The shoe is lightweight, adding to its overall comfort.

Smartly built

Those drawn to this Onitsuka sneaker are delighted by how excellent its quality is. They mentioned that the brand didn't scrimp in the materials used.

The rubber sole doesn't feel stiff

Reviewers are impressed by its flexibility. It even makes a good choice for driving.

Got tons of bang for fewer bucks

A significant number of buyers consider the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 a terrific option for daily use. Not only is it an all-rounder, but an excellent value for only less than $100. 

Looking back at Mexico 66's beginnings

Onitsuka Tiger has been around since 1949 and is recognized 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 recognized 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.

Colorways of the Mexico 66

With more than five decades of production, the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 is inevitably available in an abundance of colorway options. Some of them are white/blue, white/black, white/white, birch/green, birch/Indian ink/latte, yellow/black, black/white, dark blue/vaporous grey. There are aluminum/birch, peacoat/honey ginger, coffee/feather grey, birch/taupe grey too. Added to its growing list are ASICS blue/black, rose water/grape, hiking green/safari khaki, iris blue/oatmeal, deep sapphire/white, and dark sepia/port royal.

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.