The first product of the Onitsuka Tiger brand was shoes reminiscent of straw converse sneakers. The product did not reap success, so the shoe manufacturers reworked it. In 1952, they created a more efficient shoe that became popular throughout Japan.
In 1953, the Onitsuka Tiger began working with marathon runner Toru Terasawa to create running shoes that would be suitable for long distances and at the same time comfortable enough for the foot. The shoes were then worn by, for example, the legendary Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila or Oliver Skilton. In 1964, Onitsuka launched the Kobe and later Osaka and Tokyo. The breakthrough came in 1966, when the legendary Mexico 66 model was created. It was first presented at the Olympic trial for the Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City.
