The History Of Onitsuka Tiger
1940's
Onitsuka Tiger was founded by Kihachiro Onitsuka in 1949 with the goal of creating high-quality basketball shoes. It's early years were characterized by dedication to quality and performance, laying the foundation for its success.
1950's - 1960's
In the 1950s, Onitsuka Tiger introduced the iconic "Tiger" basketball shoe and the innovative "Marup Nylon" running shoe with nylon uppers. Onitsuka Tiger released its most iconic model, the "Mexico 66", in 1966, which became a symbol of its sleek design and craftsmanship. Onitsuka Tiger's reputation was further consolidated by collaborations with athletes and designers during the 1960s. 1970's - 1980's
During the 1970s, Onitsuka Tiger introduced the "Corsair" running shoe, with its distinctive curved stripe design. The decade was one of transformation, as Onitsuka Co., Ltd. merged with GTO and Jelenk to form ASICS Corporation. ASICS, the parent company of Onitsuka Tiger, made significant technological advances in the 1980s. With the introduction of the "GEL-LYTE" series with GEL cushioning technology, ASICS solidified its position as a leading sports brand by revolutionizing comfort and performance in athletic footwear. 1990's - 2000's
With its iconic "Mexico 66" model reissued in the 1990s, Onitsuka Tiger celebrated its heritage. Onitsuka Tiger explored collaborations with designers in the 2000s. They resulted in a stunning mix of Japanese craftsmanship and international fashion. In 2010, their commitment to fine workmanship was highlighted through the release of the 'Nippon Made' series, a premium handmade sneaker. Onitsuka Tiger Today
As a symbol of authenticity and style throughout its history, Onitsuka Tiger combines traditional Japanese roots with modern technology and design. Onitsuka Tiger is a beloved brand among athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike with a portfolio of iconic models.
Acquired by ASICS in 1977, Onitsuka Tiger’s primary focus is the development of heritage-inspired lifestyle footwear. Their designs feature advanced technologies and innovations such as GEL cushioning, FluidRide, Impact Guidance System (IGS), Trusstic System, and FlyteFoam developed by ASICS.