There is a lost history in sneaker culture for those unaware of Nike’s Japanese roots. Before the Swoosh ever had a Nike check on a sneaker, the founder sold Onitsuka Tiger running shoes at track meets up and down the West Coast.
ASICS/Onitsuka’s heritage and legacy provides designers and current creatives with a rich array of sports shoes and apparel to remix and sample. In the brands most recent fashion show, hosted during the Milan Fashion Week, Tiger verified why their growth should be credited to more than just retro running. Tiger has been excelling in the fashion space for years.
The rest of the world is finally catching up to the work the brand has been doing. According to Joor, “Sandals have increased from 16% in 2023 to 24% in 2025, while flats have climbed from 6% in 2023 to 8% in 2025.” Tiger has been at the forefront of this shift with the Mexico and their reinterpreted heritage shoes delivered as both sandals and in their original iterations as racing flats.
It’s an important differentiation for ASICS which allows the company to exist in both worlds of performance and casual wear with a keen eye on an aesthetic built to perform with high end return-to-office fashion and edgier nights out.
The brand’s signature tracksuit also made an appearance, featuring slim track pants inspired by the Paw Project, launched in 1974 as athletic wear. These bottoms were styled with a lingerie-like top, a masculine blazer, and heels. Track tops were layered over slim-silhouette trenches and field jackets, elevating the ensemble into a statement of ultra-chic sophistication.
Tailored jackets made their official debut. In menswear, they were paired with vintage-style running shorts, adding an offbeat twist to the overall look. The lineup features jackets, either single- or double-breasted, wide trousers with a five-pocket-inspired cut, and a waistcoat. This vibrant mix of various colors and styles embodies a spirit of boldness.
For footwear, satin ballet-style shoes that reinterpret the MEXICO 66™, sneaker along with shoes transformed with leather fringe and tassels, made an appearance. Boots – either in a riding boot silhouette in suede leather, or trailing long, loose fringe – and sandals in soft suede also added to the look.
The new collection introduces the Tiger Tote, made from canvas and printed with graffiti or florals. Additionally, the rectangular KARATE Bag, crafted from soft leather, is available in two styles: smooth and studded. Also, a new eyewear line featuring sculptural metal optical frames and oversized sunglasses that capture the vibe of 60s style debuted.