Onitsuka Tiger shoes are a popular brand of sneakers that have been around for many years. They were originally designed as running shoes but have since become popular for everyday wear as well. The shoes are known for their distinctive tiger stripes on the side and rubber soles that provide excellent traction.
Over the years, Onitsuka Tiger has continued to innovate and expand its product line beyond just running shoes. They now offer sneakers for basketball players, golfers, and even barefoot runners.
In recent years, Onitsuka Tiger has opened stores in major cities around the world, including New York and Tokyo. Their shoes continue to be popular among runners, basketball players, and anyone looking for stylish and comfortable footwear.
Rubber Soles: A Boon for Long Distance Runners
Onitsuka Tiger shoes have been a favorite of long-distance runners for years, thanks to their comfortable design and durable rubber soles. The company’s founder, Kihachiro Onitsuka, designed the shoes with marathon runners in mind after watching the 1960 Olympic marathon in Rome. Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila won that race while running barefoot, but many other runners suffered from blisters and sore feet due to inadequate footwear.
Onitsuka’s solution was to create a shoe with a cushioned sole made of rubber that would absorb shock and prevent blisters. He also added tiger stripes to the side of the shoe as a nod to his company’s name and logo. The result was the Marathon Tabi, which quickly became popular among long-distance runners. Today, Onitsuka Tiger shoes are still known for their comfortable rubber soles and are often used by marathon runners around the world.
Pros and Cons of Onitsuka Tiger Shoes
Pros:
- Onitsuka Tiger shoes are made of high-quality materials, ensuring durability.
- They have a classic, timeless design that appeals to many styles.
- The shoes provide excellent comfort and support for long periods of wear.
- Many Onitsuka Tiger shoes are versatile enough to be worn for both casual and formal occasions.
- The brand offers a wide range of colors to choose from, allowing for individual expression.
Cons:
- Some people may find the price point of Onitsuka Tiger shoes to be too expensive.
- The sizing can be inconsistent, making it difficult to find the right fit for some individuals.
- Certain designs may not be suitable for activities like running or hiking.
- Few options are available for those who prefer vegan or eco-friendly footwear.
- Limited availability in some regions can make purchasing locally challenging or trying on before buying online.
How Are Onitsuka Shoes Unique?
Kihachiro Onitsuka, the founder of Onitsuka Shoes, started his work in 1949 with a simple idea: to create high-quality athletic shoes that would help long-distance runners perform better. He believed that rubber soles were the key to creating the perfect running shoe, and his designs quickly gained popularity among athletes all over Japan. Today, more than 70 years later, Onitsuka Tiger shoes are still known for their unique design and unmatched quality.
Tiger Stripes
Onitsuka Tiger shoes are instantly recognizable thanks to their iconic tiger stripes. These stripes were first introduced in 1966 as a way to make the shoes stand out on the track. The stripes have since become a symbol of quality and style, and they can be seen on everything from sneakers to basketball shoes.
Marathon Tabi
One of Onitsuka’s most famous designs is the Marathon Tabi, which was created for the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. The shoe was designed specifically for long-distance runners and featured a split-toe design that allowed runners to grip the ground better while running. The Marathon Tabi became an instant hit among athletes and helped put Onitsuka Tiger on the map as one of the top athletic shoe brands in the world.
Collaborations
Over the years, Onitsuka Tiger has collaborated with some of the biggest names in sports and fashion. In 1964, Bill Bowerman – co-founder of Nike – visited Kihachiro Onitsuka at his factory in Japan and convinced him to start selling his shoes in America under the name Blue Ribbon Sports (which later became Nike). In 1972, Bruce Lee wore a pair of yellow Onitsuka Tigers in his movie “Game of Death,” which helped popularize them among martial arts enthusiasts around the world.
Product Line
Onitsuka Tiger offers a wide range of footwear for men and women, including sneakers, running shoes, basketball shoes, golf shoes, and more. Each product is designed with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality that Kihachiro Onitsuka put into his original designs. Some of the most popular models include the Corsair, Mexico 66, and Ultimate 81.
Design: The Unique Features of Onitsuka Tiger Shoes
Onitsuka Tiger shoes are not just any ordinary sneakers. They are designed to cater to the needs of athletes and sports enthusiasts. The design of these shoes is unique in many ways, making them stand out from other brands in the market.
One of the most distinctive features of Onitsuka Tiger shoes is their tiger stripes. These stripes have been a signature design element since the brand’s inception in 1949. The stripes are not just for decoration; they serve a functional purpose as well. They provide support and stability to the feet, especially during lateral movements.
Another notable feature is the rubber soles that provide excellent traction on different surfaces. This makes Onitsuka Tiger shoes ideal for various sports such as basketball, golf, and tennis. The soles also offer cushioning to reduce impact on the feet, preventing blisters and injuries.
Series: A Wide Range of Models for Different Players
Onitsuka Tiger offers a wide range of shoe series that caters to different players’ needs. For long-distance runners, there’s the Marathon Tabi series that provides extra cushioning and support for endurance running. This series was inspired by Abebe Bikila, who won gold at the 1960 Olympics while running barefoot.
For basketball players, there’s the Court series that provides ankle support and excellent grip on indoor courts. The Corsair series is perfect for casual wear with its retro look and comfortable fit.
Benefits
Mexico City Marathon Tabi: The Revolutionary Onitsuka Tiger Shoes
The Mexico City Marathon Tabi was created specifically for the 1968 Olympic Games held in Mexico City. This shoe was designed with long distance runners in mind and featured rubber soles with an octopus tentacle pattern to provide better traction on various surfaces. The shoe also had a split-toe design inspired by traditional Japanese tabi socks, allowing for better running balance and flexibility.
The Mexico City Marathon Tabi quickly gained popularity among runners and became known as one of the best running shoes on the market. In fact, Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila won his second Olympic gold medal while wearing a pair of Onitsuka Tiger shoes at the 1968 games.
Product Line: Innovative Designs That Stand Out
In recent years, collaborations with artists like Bruce Lee have resulted in unique designs like Mexico 66 Bruce Lee that feature the iconic yellow jumpsuit worn by Lee in the movie “Game of Death.” The shoes also have an octopus tentacles design on the soles, inspired by a scene from the same movie.
Features
- Onitsuka Tiger shoes are known for their stylish design, comfort, and durability.
- These shoes have a unique blend of contemporary and classic styles that cater to the needs of people of all ages.
- The shoes are made with premium materials such as leather, suede, and canvas which ensures longevity.
- The shoes have a cushioned footbed that provides superior comfort to the wearer throughout the day.
- Onitsuka Tiger shoes are lightweight, making them perfect for running or casual use.
- The rubber sole of these shoes is slip-resistant providing grip on any surface. With its versatile design and high-quality construction, Onitsuka Tiger Shoes offer customers style, comfort, and durability in one package.
- The rubber sole of these shoes is slip-resistant providing grip on any surface. With its versatile design and high-quality construction, Onitsuka Tiger Shoes offer customers style, comfort, and durability in one package.
- Whether worn for athletic activities or daily wear, they provide an exceptional experience to those who value quality footwear.
Reviews for Onitsuka Tiger New York shoe
Women’s Width and Size Guide
Finding the perfect pair of shoes can be a challenging task, especially as ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters and other foot-related injuries. Onitsuka Tiger shoes, with their rich history and unique design, are a popular choice among athletes worldwide. In this section, we’ll discuss the women’s width and size guide for Onitsuka Tiger shoes to help you find your perfect fit.
Sizing Guide
Onitsuka Tiger shoes are designed to fit true to size. However, different models may have slight variations in sizing due to their unique designs. Therefore, it’s essential to measure your feet before purchasing a new pair of Onitsuka Tigers.
To measure your feet accurately, stand on a piece of paper with your heels against the wall. Trace around both feet with a pen or pencil held vertically at 90 degrees from the paper. Measure the distance between the longest toe and heel mark on each foot using a ruler or tape measure.
Width Guide
Onitsuka Tiger offers three different widths for women: standard (B), wide (D), and extra-wide (2E). Choosing the right width is just as important as choosing the right size since an ill-fitting shoe can cause discomfort while walking or running.
If you have narrow feet, select standard width (B). For those with wider feet, wide (D) or extra-wide (2E) sizes may be more comfortable. It’s essential to note that not all models come in all three widths; therefore, check if your preferred model has your desired width before purchasing.
Understanding Shoe Widths
Before we dive into the specifics of Onitsuka Tiger shoe widths, it’s important to understand what shoe widths are and why they matter. Simply put, shoe widths refer to the amount of space inside a shoe between its two sides. This space is measured at the widest part of your foot – typically across the ball of your foot – and is expressed in letters ranging from AAA (narrowest) to EEE (widest).
FAQ
Are Onitsuka Tiger shoes running shoes?
Yes, Onitsuka Tiger shoes are running shoes. In fact, the brand was initially created by Kihachiro Onitsuka in 1949 with the goal of designing high-quality athletic footwear for long-distance runners. Over the years, the brand has expanded its product line to include sneakers for basketball, golf, and other sports.
What is the history of Onitsuka Tiger?
Onitsuka Tiger was founded in Kobe, Japan in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka. The brand quickly gained popularity among athletes due to its innovative design features such as rubber soles that provided better traction and reduced blisters. In 1964, at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila won a gold medal while wearing a pair of Onitsuka Tigers. This helped to solidify the brand’s reputation as one of the top athletic footwear companies in the world.
How did Onitsuka Tiger become ASICS?
In 1977, after several successful years under the name Onitsuka Tiger, the company merged with two other Japanese athletic shoe brands – GTO and Jelenk – to form ASICS Corporation. The new company continued to produce high-quality athletic footwear under both the ASICS and Onitsuka Tiger brands.
What is unique about Onitsuka Tiger shoes?
One of the most unique features of Onitsuka Tiger shoes is their distinctive “tiger stripes” design on the side of each shoe. This design was first introduced in 1966 and has since become an iconic symbol of the brand. Many models feature a “marathon tabi” design inspired by traditional Japanese split-toe socks.
Where can I buy Onitsuka Tiger shoes?
Onitsuka Tiger shoes are sold worldwide through various retail outlets including specialty stores, department stores, and online retailers. The company also operates several standalone stores in major cities such as Tokyo, New York, and London.
How do I clean white Onitsuka Tiger shoes?
If you want to clean your white Onitsuka Tiger shoes, begin by using a soft-bristled brush to eliminate any loose dirt or debris. After that, blend a mild detergent with warm water and carefully scrub the surface of the shoe with a soft cloth. Rinse the shoe thoroughly with clean water and allow it to air dry away from direct sunlight.
Conclusion: Why Onitsuka Tiger Shoes are a Must-Have
In conclusion, Onitsuka Tiger shoes are more than just stylish footwear. They are a unique blend of comfort, durability, and functionality, making them stand out from other shoe brands. From their early partnership with Nike to their current offerings for men and women, Onitsuka Tiger shoes have proven to be a reliable choice for anyone looking for quality footwear.
So why should you consider adding a pair of Onitsuka Tiger shoes to your collection? Simply put, they offer unmatched quality and style. Whether you’re hitting the gym or running errands around town, these shoes will keep you comfortable all day long. And with so many styles to choose from, there’s something for everyone.
