Onitsuka Tiger’s Mexico 66 might be the name everyone knows, but the Japanese label has another sneaker with a pretty memorable place in fashion history. First introduced in 2003, the Tai-Chi was worn by Uma Thurman in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, where its yellow-and-black design became part of The Bride’s unforgettable look. The shoe also arrived at an important time for Onitsuka Tiger, which had recently repositioned itself and was beginning to find a new audience through its retro-inspired designs. 23 years later, and the Tai-Chi is making a return as the Tai-Chi OG.
Inspired by traditional tai chi shoes, the original design was known for its particularly slim profile and minimalist construction. The latest iteration retains that same low-to-the-ground silhouette, complete with a plain toe and thin rubber sole, while the leather upper is accented with the brand’s signature stripes. The updates are fairly subtle, which makes sense given how well the original design fits into fashion’s ongoing fascination with slim, low-profile trainers.
As for the colourways, there are three to choose from: white with black stripes, black with white stripes and, of course, the unmistakable yellow-and-black combination. The monochrome versions are easy to style with everything from relaxed denim to tailored trousers, while the yellow pair has a little more personality, especially for anyone who remembers its appearance on the big screen.
Lensed on the streets of Hong Kong, the accompanying campaign sees the sneakers paired with various denim silhouettes against the city’s urban backdrop. And seeing a style from over two decades ago look this good with just about anything is a pretty good reminder of how well it still holds up. And as we continue to appreciate flatter sneaker silhouettes, it seems the Tai-Chi has returned at just the right time.
To shop the Onitsuka Tiger Tai-Chi OG and for more information, visit Onitsuka Tiger.
