Onitsuka Tiger X DoiTung sustainable sneakers feature Thai craftsmanship

Onitsuka Tiger, a Japanese sports shoe brand and Doi Tung Development Project, a leading project of non-profit Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage in Thailand, has collaborated to launch a new eco-friendly sneaker collection that features the beauty of Thai textiles.

Onitsuka Tiger is a Japanese sportswear company that blends tradition with innovation to produce modern looks while the Doi Tung Development Project is the non-profit Mae Fah Luang Foundation’s flagship project.

The collection was designed using sustainable materials and using environmentally-conscious manufacturing processes since the Japanese fashion company and the non-profit organisation are both committed to the global sustainability movement.

The collaboration not only pays respect to Thai craftsmanship but also provides a social contribution and an opportunity to generate employment for craftsmen. The sneakers also represent the relationship between Thailand and Japan.

Handmade textiles are significantly softer than machine-woven fabrics and have a more delicate traditional design. The colour scheme, which includes red and blue tones, is evocative of the colours featured in the Onitsuka Tiger Stripes.

The MEXICO 66, MEXICO 66 PARATY, and SERRANO models in the Onitsuka Tiger x Doi Tung collection highlights the traditional workmanship of Thailand’s craftspeople.

The patterned material is utilised for the uppers of the Mexico 66 and Serrano, as well as the heel of the Mexico 66 Paraty, showcasing Thai craftsmanship.

Two more Mexico 66 variants are exclusively available in Thailand and have an upper woven made from fabric carefully by Doi Tung artisans from 100 per cent recycled PET thread from plastic bottles.

The first has a black and grey striped design with embroidered logos, while the second features a tiger print. The red and blue colour scheme is a homage to Onitsuka Tiger’s signature style. The red and yellow fusion on the soles also depicts Doi Tung and Onitsuka Tiger’s key colours.

The collection was launched on May 24 at Onitsuka Tiger stores in Osaka Shinsaibashi, Omotesando, and Kobe, as well as on the brand’s official e-commerce site.