The Mexico 66 sneakers by Onitsuka Tiger have an iconic status, but there's a hidden world behind this famous shoe. Prepare to be surprised by the intricate craftsmanship and the price tag of its premium version!
Onitsuka Tiger, a Japanese footwear brand, introduced the Mexico 66 in 1966 for athletes at the Summer Olympics. Its fame soared when Bruce Lee and Uma Thurman wore them in iconic films. Today, these sneakers are everywhere, but not all Mexico 66s are the same.
At the brand's flagship store, you'll find two versions. The standard model, priced at S$190, is a familiar sight. But step into the back, and you'll discover a nearly identical silhouette, the 'Nippon Made' edition, priced at a staggering S$460. What's behind this significant price difference? We traveled to Tottori, Japan, to uncover the secrets of Onitsuka Tiger's new facility, the Onitsuka Innovative Factory (OIF).
Tottori holds a special place in the brand's history as the birthplace of its founder, Kihachiro Onitsuka. While regular OT shoes are manufactured overseas, the OIF in Tottori is dedicated to their premium lines. This facility is where the magic happens, producing small-batch 'Nippon Made' sneakers and the formal Onitsuka line.
The building stands out with its charcoal black and canary yellow design, a nod to the famous colorway from the movies. Ryoji Shoda, head of Onitsuka Tiger, describes the factory as the brand's new epicentre, merging global design and technology with Japanese craftsmanship. Here, every step of the shoemaking process is executed under one roof, from material development to production.
The key distinction between the regular Mexico 66 and the 'Nippon Made' Mexico 66 Deluxe lies in their origins. The latter is crafted entirely in Japan, while the former is produced in overseas factories. At the Tottori factory, skilled artisans blend traditional techniques with designs from Milan and insights from their Institute of Sport Science.
But the nuances don't stop there. Shoda reveals a crucial difference in the shoe mold, or 'last'. The regular range uses a sneaker last, while the 'Nippon Made' series opts for a dressier last, akin to formal footwear, creating a unique silhouette. Additionally, the 'Nippon Made' collection boasts an exclusive insole for superior support, ensuring comfort and reduced fatigue despite its thin-sole aesthetic.
Exploring the factory, you'll notice a resemblance to haute couture ateliers. The facility is divided into zones, each dedicated to a specific craft in 'secondary processing', including hand-dyeing, manual buffing, and foil stamping. Artisans meticulously create wrinkles in the leather, apply gold dust for iridescent finishes, and hand-shape soles before attaching them to high-quality Japanese leather uppers.
These hand-finishing touches result in slight variations between pairs, ensuring a supple feel right out of the box. The level of craftsmanship mirrors that of couture houses, challenging the capabilities of machines. When asked about production numbers, the brand remains tight-lipped, attributing the success to the model's enduring style.
For die-hard fans, the factory offers a bespoke service, allowing customers to customize color combinations for their shoes. To mark its opening, the factory collaborated with Japanese star Tomohisa Yamashita on a limited-edition Mexico 66 NM L9. This all-beige shoe, with only 1,000 pairs available, showcases a more understated design compared to the brand's usual flashier styles.
The 'Nippon Made' collection embodies the essence of Japanese craftsmanship, with small-batch production and skilled artisans. These sneakers are designed to age gracefully, developing character over time. Next time you visit an Onitsuka Tiger store, you might find yourself drawn to the 'Nippon Made' corner, not just to buy but to witness the extraordinary craftsmanship that sets these sneakers apart.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is the premium price tag justified? Some may argue that the craftsmanship and attention to detail are worth the investment, while others might question the value proposition. What do you think? Are these sneakers worth the extra cost, or is it a luxury reserved for the most dedicated fans?
