Onitsuka Tiger

Before Nike was more formally established and named in 1971, co-founders Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight’s company was known as Blue Ribbon Sports. They imported and distributed Onitsuka Tiger running shoes. Early on, Bill Bowerman wrote to Onitsuka detailing his innovative ideas to improve their shoes and the two companies collaborated together on design and development. Onitsuka Tiger models were inspiration for some of Nike’s early models. They have been making shoes since 1949.  

• An original pair of late 1960s Onitsuka Tiger Bangkoks with blue suede uppers, white nylon tongues and white leather Tiger branding.
• White perforated insoles and white rib-patterned outsoles.
• Onitsuka Tiger red and white tongue labels.
• Original hangtag reads: “This shoe is the fruit of the effort of all Onitsuka, Co., Ltd., who have been studying for the development of really valuable sport shoes for 20 years.” 
• Shoebox is not included as the model was never sold with one.  
• This piece is final sale and not eligible for return.