Onitsuka Tiger ‘Mexico’ Cortez | Size 12

This vintage pair of Onitsuka Tiger Cortez sneakers is finished in white leather with black accents and remains in deadstock condition, accompanied by the original Onitsuka Tiger bag. The design features a one-piece toe, perforated insoles stamped “Made in Japan,” thick white and blue midsoles, and white outsoles with a wavy, herringbone-like pattern. “Mexico” across the upper references the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. The tongues are tagged “Onitsuka Tiger,” and a manufacturer’s tag noting “20 years” of innovation dates the pair to 1969 or shortly after.

Founded in Japan in 1949, Onitsuka Tiger quickly established itself as a pioneering force in athletic footwear. The brand’s designs played a pivotal role in the early history of Nike, as Blue Ribbon Sports, cofounded in 1964 by Phil Knight, a University of Oregon runner, and his coach Bill Bowerman, began by importing and distributing Onitsuka Tiger sneakers in the United States. This partnership laid the foundation for Nike’s eventual formation, and the Onitsuka Tiger Cortez in particular directly inspired the creation of Nike’s iconic Cortez model, securing the brand’s place in the history of sports footwear innovation.