The fashion world's sneaker obsession feels like it reaches new heights every single day. Who even remembers the days of rocking heels on a daily basis?! Not us... Now, our Insta feeds are filled to the brim with street style 'fits where casual kicks are front and center – while the likes of Em Rata and Bella Hadid regularly go about their daily business in cool pairs of Asics and rare Adidas x Wales Bonner styles, serving only to heighten their status.
READ: 10 Classic Pairs Of Sneakers Every Girl Should Have In Her Closet
Just as there's an undisputed 'it' bag each season, every few months a new trainer style comes around that gets all the fashion girlies completely obsessed. And for summer 2023, it's Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger's Mexico 66 trainers.
@babybella777 ? original sound - Bella Hadid
How do we know? Well, first of all, the Cosmo fashion team group chat has been constantly popping off with sightings of the shoe, whether IRL on our daily commutes or on yet another celeb. You've probs spotted them too: the Mexico 66's retro aesthetic and vibrant color iterations are reminiscent of the equally well-loved adidas Sambas or Gazelles, featuring a similar slim silhouette inspired by football shoes and signature stripes. They also seem to be *perpetually* sold out, just adding to their must-have appeal.
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Little wonder fashionable TikTok-ers can't get enough (and have officially proclaimed them "the new Sambas"). But while it might feel like they've appeared on your feed out of nowhere, with unboxing vids cropping up left, right, and center, Onitsuka Tiger trainers have actually been around for aaaages. Kill Bill fans will be all too familiar with the yellow-and-black pair worn by revenge-seeking assassin bride Uma Thurman in the cult film – paired with *that* yellow jumpsuit. And for the more niche among you, The OC's Seth Cohen was also partial to the brand's trainers back in the day.
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Their origin story, however, dates back much further. Originally called the Limber shoe, Onitsuka Tiger's now-iconic shoes were designed to be worn by the Japanese team in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City – hence the name. Today's pairs retain that same swingin' Sixties feel while still looking – and feeling – completely modern. Great design really never does go out of style...
Nowadays, the Mexico 66 has moved on from the feet of athletes to those of super models – worn religiously by everyone from Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and Kaia Gerber to Suki Waterhouse in its various iterations. The monochromatic black-and-white colorway is chic and dainty enough to replace a ballet flat in any ensemble, while you'll most likely spot Uma's bright yellow pair styled with a 90s low-rise denim maxi skirt and slouchy jacket. They even look great when lightly battered, TBH, worn with a silky slip dress for those off-duty model vibes.
READ: 7 Chic Midi Skirt Outfit Ideas For When You Have 'Nothing To Wear'
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Have we convinced you to add the Mexico 66s to your trainer collection yet? Well, here's hoping you can track down a pair in your size first... Race you to the checkout.
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Heritage, P5,990
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Slip-On Heritage, P6,390
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This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com/uk. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.
