The Onitsuka Tiger Buying Guide
As one of the oldest footwear companies in Japan, Onitsuka Tiger has become renowned for its classic athletic shoes that exude a unique, retro style. From collaborations with luxury fashion houses like Givenchy to creating iconic styles such as the Ok Basketball, Tsunahiki and California 78, Onitsuka Tiger continues to cement its status as the go-to for sports-inspired footwear. Read on for our Onitsuka Tiger sneakers buying guide, which will help you decide on the low-tops and high-tops that suit you best as well what size to go for.
The Most Wanted Onitsuka Tiger Sneakers
Onitsuka Tiger’s Mexico 66 Sneakers
Inspired by retro training shoes, the brand’s Mexico 66 sneakers blur the line between classic and contemporary. Offering a fresh take on a 60s look, this low-top pair is crafted from leather with an easy-to-adjust lace fastening. Available in a range of colors, these Mexico 66 sneakers feature a heel-cross reinforcement for enhanced stability and all-day comfort.
Onitsuka Tiger’s Tiger Corsair Sneakers
A fresh iteration of the original Onitsuka Tiger sneaker from the 70's, the Tiger Corsair showcases a modern silhouette yet keeps all the same design elements that first made it popular. Made with both form and function in mind, this lightweight lace-up style features everything from increased cushioning and arch cookies to a full-length midsole and thicker shock-absorbing heel. Set on a solid rubber outsole and an EVA midsole, it comes in a variety of bold color combinations.
Onitsuka Tiger’s GSM Sneakers
Giving a nod to a vintage 80s aesthetic, Onitsuka Tiger’s minimalist GSM sneakers are set on a conventional midsole silhouette and come with suede or leather uppers. The GSM – or Game, Set, Match – design is perforated for breathability, and finished with the signature logo at the side in a selection of colors.
The Onitsuka Tiger Sizing Guide
Not sure what size you need in Onitsuka Tiger sneakers? The brand’s sneakers are available in women’s UK sizing, and you can use the below chart to convert into your usual size. You can also use the chart to match the length of your foot in centimeters with corresponding sizes.
For example, if you usually wear a women’s US size 7 or EU size 38, you should buy your Onitsuka Tiger sneakers in a size 5.
| UK | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU | 35.5 | 36 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5 |
| CM | 22.5 | 22.75 | 23 | 23.5 | 24 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 25.75 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28 | 28.5 |
| US | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 |
How To Care For Your Onitsuka Tiger Sneakers
To clean your sneakers, we would advise removing the sockliner or insole and wash these separately. Remove any mud and grit off your sneakers by hand, and wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid machine washing or tumble drying your sneakers, and let your shoes dry naturally away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
FAQ
- Are Onitsuka Tiger sneakers comfortable?
Onitsuka Tiger sneakers are a comfortable choice for everyday. The lace-up fastening can be easily adjusted for a personalized fit, while the rubber outsole and an EVA midsole offers additional support with every step. Some styles, such as the Tiger Corsair, also have increased cushioning, arch cookies and a thicker heel to absorb shock.
- Where are Onitsuka Tiger sneakers made?
Onitsuka Tiger sneakers are made in a number of factories. However, the brand does have a ‘Made in Italy’ collection, as well as the ‘Nippon Made’ series that is handcrafted in Japan. All the materials used in the ‘Nippon Made’ range are of a high quality, and every pair of shoes showcases Japanese superb artisanal craftsmanship, right down to the dyeing and stitching.
- Can you run in Onitsuka Tiger sneakers?
With most Onitsuka Tiger sneakers based on heritage sports styles, you can run in the brand’s lightweight and flexible sneakers. They have been a popular choice since Onitsuka Tiger worked with marathon runner Toru Terasawa in 1953 to develop a running shoe that would keep long distance runners from developing blisters, which resulted in the launch of the Magic Runner design.
Many styles also feature a perforated upper for increased breathability as you exercise, and rubber soles make them highly durable.