The Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, initially designed in 1966, was crafted for athletes preparing for the 1968 Summer Olympics; it was the first shoe to bear the brand's iconic 'Tiger Stripes'. This model's enduring appeal led to its re-emergence in the early 2020s, solidifying its place in sneaker culture. The 'Black White' colorway of the SD variant was released between 2022 and 2023.
Primarily designed for casual wear, the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 SD seamlessly transitions from a running shoe to an everyday lifestyle sneaker. The shoe's construction includes the AMPLIFOAM™ material in the heel wedge and OrthoLite™ X-40 sockliner/insole for enhanced comfort and rebound. The durable rubber outsole, with its signature waffle pattern, utilizes a proprietary material and ASICS high abrasion-resistant rubber, ensuring both superior grip and lasting wear.
The Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 has become a cultural touchstone, with appearances in iconic media. Bruce Lee was seen wearing the shoe in the 1978 film 'Game of Death'. Uma Thurman, in the film 'Kill Bill: Volume 1' from 2003, also sported the model. Furthermore, the Mexico 66 has graced the feet of modern style icons, including Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, solidifying its place in contemporary fashion.
The Mexico 66 SD boasts a low-top, streamlined silhouette, incorporating a reinforced front toe cap. It features a blend of premium materials, including calf leather and leather, with suede accents on certain iterations. The design is characterized by the distinctive Tiger stripes, a round toe, and a secure front lace-up closure, complemented by a logo patch on the tongue and a branded heel counter, all secured with metal eyelets.