Forget Dad Shoes. Asics’ Breezy New Grandpa Shoes Are Where It’s At

Asics’ sister brand, Onitsuka Tiger, drops a stylish alternative to household sneaker names with a trend-forward, warm weather-ready makeover.

Close-up of a brown woven mesh shoe toe with a rubber sole on a green background.

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By Hayley Helms

Published June 3, 2026

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In the world of sneakers, there are household names like the Adidas Samba, and then there are underground, niche favorites that offer a welcome alternative to more well-known styles.

The Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 belongs to the latter camp, revered by fashion insiders and sneakerheads around the world for its timeless look and lightweight feel.

Now, the sleek, retro-inspired silhouette has received a fresh update, combining a trending hybrid profile with an exceptionally breezy upper.

Beige mesh slip-on shoes with green and red stripes and black-and-white soles. — The Mexico 66 Sabot transforms the beloved sneaker into a breathable mule without sacrificing its sporty DNA.

Crouching Tiger, hidden sneaker

As the premium, vintage-inspired lifestyle arm of parent company Asics Corporation (with Asics taking the helm on the performance side), Onitsuka Tiger knows a thing or two about designing casual sneakers with authentic heritage style.

(A little trivia for you: Bruce Lee wore Onitsuka Tigers during his final, unfinished film, Game of Death.)

Off-white mesh slip-on shoes with yellow and blue stitched stripes and rubber soles. — The Mexico 66 Sabot is a summer-ready, ultra-breathable model with a lightweight, minimal feel.

The Mexico 66 has been a top pick for fashion and streetwear insiders for years, and its newest version promises to be just as popular, and much bolder.

The Mexico 66 Sabot doesn’t just delete the heel from the classic sneaker and turn it into an easy-wearing summer shoe; the fresh take also swaps the traditional leather upper for a perforated, woven alternative that maximizes its breathability and overall look.

Pair of silver mesh slip-on shoes on the left and pair of cream mesh slip-on shoes with navy and red stripes on the right. — The new release comes in 13 color options. Above, Pure Silver/Cream (left) and Cream/Mako Blue (right).

Pair of light gray slip-on shoes with textured fabric and white soles, viewed from the back. — With no laces and a slide-in profile, the updated Mexico 66 is more accessible than ever.

The upper’s blend of natural and synthetic fibers makes the shoe lighter than ever while maintaining its original profile and iconic logo.

Spanning thirteen colorway options, the summery sneaker-mule hybrid offers sporty color combinations like Oatmeal/Habanero that preserve its heritage DNA, as well as more sophisticated hues like Dark Brown, which serve to make it almost unrecognizable from the original.

Brown woven slip-on shoe with rubber sole and closed toe. — The Dark Brown colorway is easily the most sophisticated version.

The unisex new shoe also ditches laces, making the niche alternative even more accessible than the standard Mexico 66.

Availability and pricing

The Mexico 66 Sabot is available now on Onitsuka Tiger’s website, retailing for $163.

Beige slip-on shoe with orange and yellow woven stripes and a mesh upper.

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sabot

$163 at Onitsuka Tiger

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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