Iconic Japanese footwear brand, Onitsuka Tiger, has been the number-one choice of footwear for celebrities and sneakerheads worldwide due to its rich legacy and old-school style. The 1950s was when the world was first introduced to Onitsuka Tiger’s athletic shoes, which were created to cater to the overwhelming demand for basketball shoes. Almost six decades and two generations later, the Gen Zs have taken it upon themselves to reintroduce the world to the vintage charm of Onitsuka Tigers.
You might have come across Onitsuka Tiger shoes at least once in your life, especially when you may have seen the celebrity Uma Thurman sporting them in the massive hit Kill Bill. These shoes have recently been trending on social media, and celebrities have been seen wearing them again.
If you want to be a part of this iconic legacy, here are cool ways to style your classic Onitsuka Tiger shoes.
1. Denim on Denim
If you have the stunning tricolour Mexico 66, do not miss out on the amazing denim-on-denim trend to wear with the shoes. Channel the 80s by pairing a blue denim jacket with blue jeans. Complete the look by wearing the blue tricolour Mexico 66 over white socks. It is best to choose ankle-length jeans or roll up a longer pair to show off the iconic heel tab and design.
2. Streetwear Exclusive
Since Onitsuka Tiger is an iconic streetwear sneaker made for athletic use, you can create a multicoloured street-style outfit by properly accessorising and choosing oversized yet shapely athleisure clothes. Start with the base and add a basic oversized t-shirt. Top it off with a hoodie or a bomber jacket, and ensure the t-shirt peaks out from under it. Wear baggy joggers that are cinched at the ankle or taper down below to make the shoes stand out. Accessorise with a beanie or a hat, a bright waist pack, sunglasses, and some big headphones.
3. Blazer Casual
Onitsuka Tigerhas evolved with time and has developed various types of footwear apart from sneakers. If you possess one of the Onitsuka Boots, a casual outfit with a blazer should be your next fire fit. Layer a neutral-coloured tank top with a printed or solid blazer. Opt for blue jeans and wear one of the high-top lace-up boots under it. If the jeans are long, stuff them into the boots to ensure the boots remain the main element of the outfit. Accessorize with minimal, thin chains.
4. A Clean Black Look
The latest collection of Onitsuka Tiger focuses more on creating a smooth black ensemble. Take inspiration from there and create an all-black outfit to go with the black Onitsuka Tigers. The best collections for this look are SClaw and Serrano, although you can work with any black Onitsuka boots or shoes that you have. The main elements of the attire are long black coats with a little flow to them, skinny black jeans, and accessorizing with silver or white.
5. Neutrals and Contrasts
A great way of ensuring the spotlight remains on the iconic shoes is to build a neutral-toned outfit to really bring out the contrasts and colours of the classic Mexico 66 shoes. Pick colours like beige, tan, or brown in various shades. A tan relaxed-fit shirt over linen or cotton trousers can build a nice base for the bright, leather Onitsuka Tiger shoes. If you are a minimalist and would prefer for the shoes to match what’s on top, build the outfit around the colours of the shoes.
6. Relaxed Casuals
If you want to style your Onitsuka Tiger shoes for a casual day out, nothing can be more low-key than wearing them with a white shirt and blue jeans. A clean, pleasing colour combination that is timeless. You can even swap the shirt for a t-shirt for high temperatures or a particularly humid day. Put on a shacket or a flannel for cool days.
If you want to wear shorts, instead of opting for the usual lace-up shoes, go for the slip-on variant that is quick and easy to pull on, and ready to go. You get the same comfort and iconic colours but without the hassle of the laces. Especially useful when you are running late.
7. Vibrant Monochrome
Take a clue from Uma Thurman’s character from Kill Bill to create a monochromatic attire with all the colours your Onitsuka Tiger shoes have. It could be an entirely black, white, green, yellow, orange, or red outfit. For example, create a base with a t-shirt, wear a jacket, and hop into some wide joggers. Ensure they are the same colour, although they could have different shades to break the monotony. Finish the look with your solid sneakers.
How to Care for Onitsuka Tiger Shoes?
Onitsuka Tiger shoes are athletic shoes built for tough usage. If you want your shoes to look new for years and last for decades, there are some regular care and maintenance tips you should abide by.
- Regular cleaning: To remove dust, use a soft dry or damp cloth to gently wipe any visible dust, mud or debris.
- Periodic heavy cleaning: If your shoes have some tough stains or mud stuck to them, you can use a shoe cleaner and a cloth to scrub the stubborn debris away.
- Avoid washing machine: The official website warns customers against using a washing machine to clean their shoes since it can lead to shrinkage and distortion of the shoe.
- Air dry only: Do not use a dryer to dry them as it can damage the footwear. Instead, leave the shoes out to air dry completely.
- Use shoe trees: To ensure minimal wrinkles affect the shoe, use shoe trees or stuff them with newspapers every time you remove them.
Conclusion
Honour the legacy of Onitsuka Tiger by creating casual outfits that suit your personal style while shining the spotlight on these iconic shoes. These sneakers are perfect for casual wear and can be dressed up or down according to your needs. Pair them with t-shirts, shorts, jeans, pants, and jackets to create an eye-catching outfit that is comfortable, trendy and smart.
