Blending Japanese craftsmanship with iconic motifs, Onitsuka Tiger is making the shoe of the moment

Timeless craftsmanship, contemporary luxury.

When you think of countries at the forefront of fashion, your mind might immediately jump to France or Italy. This makes sense – they host some of the most well-known fashion weeks and have historically been an epicentre for luxury fashion houses – but in reality, some of the most exciting things happening in fashion today are a little further south.

It’s hard to put a finger on Japanese fashion. It’s multifaceted in almost every way. From the dark hyper-femininity of the Lolita style to the throwback rockabilly subculture, it’s clear Japan is a country that takes fashion very seriously. 

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Its influence on the wider world has been growing steadily. We’ve all seen that little Comme Des Garçons heart popping up everywhere, as well as pieces from the Issey Miyake Pleats Please line and those unmissable Bape sweatsuits. Muji and Uniqlo have become global go-tos for well-made, comfortable staples.

This is the landscape from which Onitsuka Tiger emerges. As the original of the ever-popular sneaker brand Asics, Onitsuka Tiger blends the type of timeless, high-quality craftsmanship associated with Japanese fashion with the contemporary yet vintage-leaning aesthetics that would fit right in on a Shinjuku street. 

Excitingly enough, Onitsuka Tiger will be opening a brand-new Melbourne concept store on October 19, located in the Emporium in the heart of the CBD. For over seven decades, Onitsuka Tiger has been crafting well-made and effortlessly cool footwear. The first-ever pair of Asics shoes was crafted by founder Kihachiro Onitsuka in his living room in 1949, under the Onitsuka Tiger name. 

The world was in a dark place following the destruction of World War Two and he wanted to create an athletic shoe that would inspire the younger generation to live a happier and healthier lifestyle. Now, the Tiger Stripes, which first debuted at the 1968 games, have become an instantly recognisable symbol of style.

Onitsuka Tiger aims to make comfortable, practical footwear that goes the distance. But what sets the brand apart is its commitment to its rich heritage. Relaunched by Asics in 2002, Onitsuka Tiger is dedicated to keeping iconic silhouettes and colour palettes alive while never taking its focus off what’s next in fashion. 

Having collaborated with everyone from Givenchy to the video game Street Fighter Six, it’s clear the brand is at once laidback and luxurious. Bringing together modern innovation with iconic motifs from throughout the decades, Onitsuka Tiger makes footwear designed to stand the test of time.

Those with a keen eye may have spotted vibrant yellow and black Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 shoes on Uma Thurman in the 2003 blockbuster Kill Bill. In 2012, Prince William donned a pair in white, red and blue. 

Much more recently, the sneakers have had a viral moment after being worn by celebrities including Bella Hadid, Emma Watson, Kaia Gerber, Addison Rae and Suki Waterhouse. These iconic figures have set the benchmark in making Onitsuka Tiger the next must-have shoe.

Made from leather, the lightweight, low-top trainer has a flat sole, a rounded toe and a lace-up design, giving it a practical, casual look that can be styled with everything from a fur coat and a silk blouse to blue jeans and a cosy knit. What’s more, the bouncy rubber sole and cushy OrthoLite lining ensure the shoe is ultra-comfortable, perfect for days on the move. 

Onitsuka Tiger’s legacy is one of quality, innovation and a ceaseless dedication to staying true to itself. It’s a brand that never strays far from its roots, honouring its history in every single stitch. Onitsuka Tiger is forever timeless.

Throughout the years, its confidence has shined through and it has won over fans the good old-fashioned way. And now, Melburnians will get an IRL taste of the brand’s legacy, come October 19.

To keep up to date with Onitsuka Tiger in Australia, head here.