Evolution of MEXICO 66
The Evolution of an Icon:
The MEXICO 66
Of the many Onitsuka Tiger shoes, the one most loved, most considered a staple around the world is the MEXICO 66. Here, we’ll look back on how it came to be, and the little-known history of its evolution.
Family
The Many Faces of the Mexico 66 Family
Since its debut in 2002, the story of the MEXICO 66 has been enriched by numerous collaborations and limited editions, adding vibrant color to its evolutionary journey. Even a glimpse at the current variations highlights the model’s astonishing variety, with endless possibilities in color, material, and details.
Few models worldwide boast such extraordinary and extensive variety.
Over its long history, the MEXICO 66 has kept pace with the times and trends, consistently meeting diverse needs and expectations. It is that rare shoe that is both simple, timeless masterpiece and blank canvas, capable of embracing and diverse and creative expressions. The iconic MEXICO 66 will continue to keep people on their toes—always, always remaining fresh.
Transition
MEXICO 66
Based on the second-generation LIMBER UP released in 1961 combined with the iconic Onitsuka Tiger stripe, the same design was used in the updated LIMBER model developed for the 1968 Olympic Games. Influenced by the 2000s trend for minimalist leather sneakers, the MEXICO 66 quickly gained popularity in the European fashion scene, not long after its release. As Onitsuka Tiger’s entry model, it is a classic and timeless masterpiece.
The X-shaped cross and heel tabs have been a design feature since the secondgeneration LIMBER UP. Overlapping seams reinforce the heel structure and protect the ankle from chafing during exercise.
The Onitsuka Tiger stripe was first adopted in the updated LIMBER in 1966 for the international spo_ts events. The tricolor combination of youthful blue and passionate red has become an established icon.
MEXICO 66 DELUXE
A model of the universally popular MEXICO 66 from the NIPPON MADE series, the MEXICO 66 DELUXE has a soft, high-quality goat leather upper, with each pair individually washed and finished by Japanese a_tisans. Produced in Sanin ASICS Industries in Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture, the shoes are delivered to a workshop in Higashiosaka City, Osaka Prefecture, where they are washed to achieve a deep, worn-in look. This high-quality, high-grade line showcases Japanese craftsmanship to the world.
The goat leather forms natural wrinkles through the washing process and is soft on the skin, gently enveloping the foot. The leather takes on a rich luster over time, giving the shoes a fine vintage feel.
The insole is stamped with the Onitsuka Tiger logo, alongside the Japanese characters for “Made in Japan.” On the tricolor model, the heel tab and brand tag on the shoe tongue are hand-colored silver by a_tisans.
MEXICO 66 SD
A model that redefines the comfo_t and detailing of the MEXICO 66, expanding its style variations. It retains the retro and minimalist design, while tweaking some elements—using premium kid leather for the upper, an O_thoLite X-40 insole for excellent resilience and comfo_t, and more.
The outsole is slightly thicker than the original MEXICO 66 and crafted from a proprietary blend of materials for excellent grip. The heel wedge is made with AmpliFoam to enhance cushioning, ensuring an even more comfo_table fit.
The shoe features slim laces for a stylish twist on the spo_ty first-generation MEXICO 66. The uppermost eyelets are decorated with metal grommets, adding a subtle design accent.
A Timeless Icon in Constant Evolution
Onitsuka Tiger shoes, originally created for top athletes, have continuously evolved to match the times—and continue to do so today. In tracing the journey of the brand, we need look no fu_ther than the transformation of the iconic MEXICO 66.
The first-generation MEXICO 66, launched in 2002 and based on a pair of archival Onitsuka Tigers, revived a forgotten heritage, bringing it into the modern age and introducing fashion as a new expressive medium through which to reach a global audience. Six years later, the NIPPON MADE series’ MEXICO 66 DELUXE hit the market, showcasing Japan’s pride and joy—craftsmanship— to the world.
The release of the MEXICO 66 SD in 2018, 16 years after the original, has refined its features still fu_ther, with an eye towards fu_ther development. How will this icon evolve over the coming decade? What next for the MEXICO 66?