Fashion
July 28, 2015
Chapter 2: A World Heritage of Footwear – The Story of Onitsuka Tiger Shoes
Chapter2_Masterpiece of Onitsuka Tiger
Each a World Heritage Site. The Story of Onitsuka Tiger Shoes
For example, the "Magic Runner," released in 1959, boldly featured holes in the shoe to dissipate heat from the feet during running, preventing blisters. It was favored by various runners for about 20 years thereafter.
The "TIGER CORSAIR," born in the mid-1970s, was sold only in America and later became the basis for developed jogging shoes.
Let's introduce Onitsuka Tiger's masterpieces, chronicled through valuable archival photographs.
Compiled by Makoto Kaji (This magazine)Materials provided by ASICS
Reflect on the era when the "Historic Models" in the photo gallery were active
The "Magic Runner" in the third image of the photo gallery above. Introduced in 1959, it was loved by various runners for about 20 years until 1978, shortly after Onitsuka's merger. Notably, marathon runner Kenji Kimihara wore these Magic Runners to win a silver medal at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
The "Marathon Tabi" in the first image, based on tabi for sitting on tatami, debuted in 1953 after three prototypes. With laces, a rubber-soled bottom, and a strap over the arch, it garnered attention, even being featured in an American running magazine.
Furthermore, the story behind the "TIGER CORSAIR" in the eighth image is intriguing.
In 1968, Onitsuka was selling models like the "Malibu" and "Limber Up" for the American market.
Blue Ribbon Sports (the predecessor to Nike) was the distributor in America, and they pointed out the lack of cushioning, leading to the development of the "CORTEZ" (later the "TIGER CORSAIR").
The sole was increased by 8 millimeters to 24 millimeters, an unprecedented thickness, just as the jogging boom of the 1970s arrived.
The boom that originated in America also spread to Japan. The "Tiger Corsair" significantly influenced the changing lifestyles of Japanese people, and simultaneously, it permeated from being a sports item to a fashion item worn in daily life.
The NIPPON MADE version of Onitsuka Tiger's signature classic model
Introducing the "MEXICO 66 DELUXE"!
The prototype for the "MEXICO 66" is the training shoe "Limber Up," which existed in 1962.
The slim silhouette and the heel flap of the "Limber Up" possess details that symbolize Onitsuka Tiger shoes.
When the project to revive Onitsuka Tiger began in 2000, the first task was the reproduction of the "Limber Up."
While skillfully expressing the details unique to classic shoes of the 1960s, when "Limber Up" was popular, a sneaker was born that fits into 21st-century street fashion.
Available in four spring-like vitamin colors. Each "MEXICO 66 DELUXE" costs ¥22,050.
And in March 2009, the NIPPON MADE version of Onitsuka Tiger's signature classic model, the "MEXICO 66 DELUXE," was finally added to the lineup of the <NIPPON MADE> series, which was launched last August with the theme of "Authentic Japan."
As shown in the photo gallery above, the biggest feature of the "MEXICO 66 DELUXE" is that each pair is washed after production by Japanese artisans, creating a tasteful texture, wrinkles, and a comfortable, worn-in feel that cannot be achieved by machines.
Furthermore, to enhance the unique expression of the washing process, genuine leather processed with "tannin tanning" is used. This is a masterpiece packed with the commitment to details that only <NIPPON MADE> can deliver, such as material feel and craftsmanship.
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