A truly exceptional sneaker—one that effortlessly blends style and comfort, and boasts the versatility to complement almost every item in your wardrobe—is the holy grail of footwear. Many have lauded the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, previously highlighted in our guide to the best white sneakers, as precisely this kind of shoe. But can a single sneaker silhouette genuinely live up to such lofty expectations?
To investigate, I dedicated a full week to wearing Mexico 66 Shoes daily, accumulating nearly 20 miles of walking across New York City. My conclusion? The hype is completely justified. These sneakers offer immediate comfort, a remarkably flattering aesthetic, and the kind of enduring style that ensures they’ll be a staple in my regular rotation for years to come. Here are three compelling reasons why I’ve enthusiastically joined the ranks of Mexico 66 fans.
Unmatched Comfort Right Out of the Box
Unlike the majority of shoes in my closet, my Mexico 66 shoes required absolutely no break-in period. Thanks to their supple leather uppers and slender, flexible soles, they were perfectly comfortable from the very first wear. (I ordered my usual size, and the fit was spot-on. They are available in standard men’s and women’s sizes, and for those unsure, Onitsuka’s website provides a comprehensive size guide with detailed measuring instructions.)
The lightweight construction of the Mexico 66 is truly impressive; you can effortlessly bend the entire shoe, and they move seamlessly with the natural flexion of your foot. Yet, despite this flexibility, they are surprisingly robust. A Wirecutter senior editor confirmed that her pair, acquired in 2020, remains in excellent condition even with regular wear.
To thoroughly assess the Mexico 66 shoes for this review, I wore them every day for a week, walking approximately 20 miles as I navigated daily activities, from school pickups to dog walks and evening dinners. Throughout this extensive wear test, my feet remained cool, well-supported, and blister-free. My experience is consistent with the findings of testers for our guide to white sneakers, who also awarded the Mexico 66 sneakers high scores, praising their immediate comfort and softness, and noting the absence of any pinching or rubbing. One tester even remarked that she forgot she was wearing them.
These sneakers feature a unique, perforated insole, which significantly enhances breathability, making them suitable for wear with or without socks. I personally prefer to slip into my Mexico 66s without socks—a convenience made possible by the large, pull-on back tabs, eliminating the need for daily lacing. When I do wear socks, I opt for ultra-light, no-show socks, such as the Stance pair recommended in our guide to the best no-show socks. In warmer weather, the option to go sockless is particularly appreciated. Whether you choose to wear socks or not, the sneakers’ back tabs and lightly padded tongues effectively prevent rubbing and chafing, minimizing the risk of blisters.
Mexico 66 shoes are equipped with lightly cushioned, contoured footbeds and molded arches. I was genuinely surprised that such slender, lightweight shoes could offer such remarkable stability and support. I found them comfortable even during extended periods of activity, lasting up to eight hours.
Universally Flattering and Exceptionally Versatile
Adored by fashion enthusiasts across diverse age groups and style preferences, Mexico 66 shoes are true style chameleons. They effortlessly bridge the gap between athletic shoes and ballet flats, occupying a unique space that allows them to feel perfectly appropriate in a wide range of settings.
The tapered silhouette of these sneakers creates a flattering, slim profile. As one Wirecutter senior editor noted, “They’re perfect for my narrow feet.” They are also an excellent choice for individuals with larger feet, as they avoid adding any unnecessary bulk. Moreover, they possess an almost magical ability to complement virtually any clothing style.
To truly test their versatility, I paired my Mexico 66 shoes with every conceivable type of outfit. They looked fantastic with all styles of pants I tried: cuffed straight jeans and cropped flares for a casual-cool vibe, cigarette pants for a touch of Audrey Hepburn-esque chic with a sporty edge, flowing palazzo pants for an effortlessly stylish look, and, of course, leggings for an easy, no-brainer combination. Paired with shorts or a miniskirt, they offered a fun and sporty yet still subtly refined aesthetic. With flowy dresses and skirts, they introduced a sense of relaxed ease.
For maximum versatility, the classic white-on-white Mexico 66 is an unbeatable choice. However, they are also available in a wide array of other colors to suit diverse tastes and seasonal wardrobes.
The most iconic color combination is undoubtedly the yellow and black version, famously worn by Bruce Lee and Beatrix Kiddo. (Matching jumpsuit and sword are optional.) I opted for a white pair with red and blue stripes, embracing the shoe’s sporty heritage—while I may not be particularly athletic, I do appreciate dressing in a style reminiscent of the Fourth of July. And I already have my eye on several other colorways for wear throughout much of the year. Unfortunately, I suspect these sneakers may not be ideal for a New York City winter.
Iconic and Enduringly Timeless Design
With their sporty design and streamlined shape, Mexico 66 shoes possess a captivating blend of retro charm and contemporary relevance. Investing in them is an investment in lasting style and staying power. These slender leather sneakers were originally designed in Japan as running shoes for athletes, making their debut at the 1966 Olympic pre-trials in Mexico City—hence the name “Mexico 66”.
They were the first shoes to showcase the now-iconic tiger-stripe design: two elegant horizontal lines along each side, intersected by vertical stripes that integrate into the lacing, enhancing both fit and stability. To this day, these stripes remain a signature element on nearly every shoe from Onitsuka and its parent company, ASICS.
Textural details, such as leather overlays (including the signature tiger stripes), sawtooth edging, and suede panels, add visual interest to the Mexico 66. These sneakers are undeniably classic, yet far from basic.
The distinctive design achieved true icon status in 1978 when martial arts legend Bruce Lee wore yellow-and-black tiger-striped Onitsuka sneakers (in a style similar to the Mexico 66) in his final film, the posthumously released Game of Death. In 2003, the brand re-emerged into pop culture consciousness with a new generation when Uma Thurman’s character Beatrix Kiddo sported similar Onitsuka sneakers in Kill Bill: Volume 1. (While often mistaken for Mexico 66s due to their visual similarity, the shoes she wore were actually Onitsuka Tai Chis, a sleeker and more expensive model.)
In more recent years, Onitsuka sneakers continue to feel fresh and relevant. Mexico 66 shoes have been seen on the feet of numerous celebrities and influencers, including model Bella Hadid and actress Emma Watson—not to mention the (admittedly less famous) feet of many enthusiastic Wirecutter staff members.
This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Jennifer Hunter.
