Are Onitsuka Tiger Sneakers Worth It?

Written by

We collected reddit discussions about Onitsuka Tiger sneakers, especially the Mexico 66 model, capturing user insights on style, comfort, durability, and how they compare to other sneaker brands.


The Good

  • Stylish and Unique “Tigers don’t seem to get much action on MFA or r/streetwear, but they’re amazing and go with just about anything.” (65 upvotes)
  • Loyal Fanbase “I love tigers, 80% of my shoes are Tigers.” (8 upvotes)
  • Cultural Cred “They’re super important to sneaker history and are having a bit of a comeback.” (5 upvotes)
  • Decent Comfort (for some) “I’ve had mine for two years—you can never go wrong with Onitsuka.” (11 upvotes)


The Not So Good

  • Durability Issues “My Mexicos wore out in a year and a half.” (25 upvotes) “The tread pattern wears fast and can get slick.” (5 upvotes)
  • Mixed Comfort Reviews “Not ideal for long walks or travel.” (19 upvotes)
  • Not Great for Flat Feet “I like some styles, but read they’re not good for flat feet.” (15 upvotes) “If you need arch support, these probably won’t work.” (9 upvotes)


Comparisons: How They Stack Up

  • Vs. ASICS Japan S Look-alike, but not equals:“Mexico 66 is a luxury. It sells at double the price of Japan S and beats it on materials and comfort.” (45 upvotes) “Japan S has better support for long wear, but Onitsuka feels more premium.” (14 upvotes)
  • Vs. Adidas Sambas More comfortable alternative:“Between the Sambas and Mexico 66, the 66s are sooo much more comfortable.” (4 upvotes)
  • Vs. New Balance 327s Not as comfy:“New Balance—no regrets, super comfy.” (5 upvotes) “35k steps in NB 327s. Anything NB is solid.” (7 upvotes)


Worth it?

  • Premium Feel, Premium Price “Mexico 66 is a luxury sneaker—pricey and rarely on discount.” (45 upvotes) “You’ll rarely find deals. Go to an official store for peace of mind.” (5 upvotes)
  • Regional Pricing “Got them at half price in Vietnam.” (6 upvotes) “Imports are more expensive here because of the 27% VAT.” (7 upvotes)


The Verdict

Onitsuka Tigers – especially the Mexico 66- are loved for their vintage aesthetic, cultural legacy, and versatility. They’re considered more of a fashion-forward or niche sneaker than a daily comfort workhorse.

  • Buy them if you want unique, lightweight shoes for casual wear.
  • Skip them if you need arch support, all-day comfort, or long-term durability.

Despite rising prices and mixed comfort feedback, many loyal fans continue to rep the brand -for both its history and style statement.


Leave a comment