The Onitsuka Tiger company (Japan) was founded in 1949. Its founder, Kihatiro Onitsuka, did not have a clear business plan at the beginning of his career, but he was driven by a huge desire for the well-being of his country. It was then that he created this brand, focused on the younger generation of Japanese.
To promote their products on the market, the slogan Anima Sana In Corpore Sano was chosen, which means “In a healthy body - healthy mind”
The company's first product was basketball sneakers, resembling straw sandals. Sitting at dinner, Kihatiro Onitsuka drew attention to the structure of the octopus tentacles, and an idea occurred to him. From now on, a concentric pattern appeared on the sole of Onitsuka Tiger sneakers for basketball, resembling a sucker on octopus tentacles. It was this innovation that allowed for excellent adhesion to the ground.
In 1953, the company developed sneakers for long-distance running. Ethiopian marathon runner Ababa Bikila began wearing these shoes in 1957, for the first time in his career. Prior to that, he never wore shoes, as he was convinced that no technical tricks could surpass the results of running barefoot.
Well, the famous stripes on the sides of the shoes appeared in the early 60s.
Features of models
- In the manufacture of shoes, the company primarily cares about convenience. This principle led to the emergence of such models as Gel-Lyte III, Gel-Lyte V, Gel-Kayano. They do not lose their popularity to this day. Although the release of the first model was produced in the 90s.
- When choosing Onitsuka Tiger sneakers, you should first decide on the surface on which you will operate this model. For a solid surface in the open air, models in which DuoMax technology has been applied are suitable. Solid outsole with a large number of special gel in the middle layer provides high wear resistance with improved shock absorption.
- If the main area for training will serve as a gym with a special coating, then you will suit the model Cumulus, Puls. Their name translates as "various clouds." Movement in them is comparable with the immersion of the feet in the cloud - such thoughts arise when using these models.
- There is also a low-budget set of shoes, especially for beginner runners. Such models as the Patriot 7, Emperor 2, despite the affordable price, have almost all the properties of their more expensive brothers.
One of its latest trends, the company launched onto the market in mid-August 2016. In the manufacture of a brand called Vegetan Pack, vegetable tanned genuine leather is used.
In addition to sports sneakers, Onitsuka Tiger also produces a line of classic models. Using modern achievements and new fashion trends, this company has managed to combine in its shoes classical Japanese traditions and fashion trends of the 21st century.
