Onitsuka Tiger Welcomes Spring with Mexico 66 'Metallic Series'

Before ASICS, there was Onitsuka Tiger.

Founded by Kihachiro Onitsuka in 1949, the brand has come a long way since its origins in a living room in Kobe, Japan. Throughout its first three decades in operation, Onitsuka Tiger revolutionized the world of running, wrestling, and other competitive sports, with models like the Mexico 66 inspiring the footwear industry.

In 2002, Onitsuka Tiger was relaunched as a lifestyle-focused brand under ASICS Corporation. Its first huge look arrived shortly after when actress Uma Thurman wore a gold-colored Tai Chi in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill: Volume 1. The legacy Japanese company has used this moment and the shoe's similar appearance to the Mexico 66 to reissue the vintage running sneaker in yellow-and-black makeovers that match Thurman's jumpsuit in the film.

Over the last 22 years, the silhouette from 1966 has consistently been produced and offered in both classic and modern ensembles. The last two years, however, has seen the low-top design explode in popularity amongst fashionable women across the globe.

Changing consumer trends from chunky, "dad shoes" to low-profile football and basketball sneakers from the '70s and '80s have helped the Mexico 66 get on many people's radars. To capitalize on the occasion, Onitsuka Tiger has delivered fashion-oriented takes on its old school runner, utilizing materials that distance it from its performance origins.

Earlier this year, the brand treated longtime and new fans alike to a 'Metallic Series.' The project reimagines the unisex Mexico 66 with shimmering, metallic uppers done in red, gold, and other bold colors. Each pair's entire upper is constructed from recycled leather, which delivers softness without sacrificing durability. The eco-conscious offering arrives with classic design details that bring Onitsuka's legacy to the modern age–hand-stitched heel flaps, serrated outsoles, and Tiger Stripes branding on the profiles.

The Mexico 66 'Metallic Series' by Onitsuka Tiger is available online and at select stores. Six different color options are priced at $200 each.

Enjoy detailed shots at the collection below, and check out the Adidas Samba Jane, a Mary Jane-inspired update to the iconic football trainer, when you're done.