Having a sneaker that is both fashionable and comfortable, and versatile enough to complement almost any outfit in your wardrobe, is like finding a treasure. Many people have claimed that the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, which was previously featured in our guide to the best white sneakers—sadly, the company ceased its operations in the United States in November 2023—is the perfect shoe for this. But can one style really do it all?
I wore Mexico 66s every day for a week, covering nearly 20 miles walking around New York City. My conclusion: The praise is justified. These sneakers are instantly comfortable, extremely flattering, and the kind of timeless staples that will remain in my regular rotation for many years to come. Here are three reasons why I’ve become one of their avid fans.
They’re comfortable from the get-go
In contrast to most of the other shoes I own, my Mexico 66s did not need a break-in period. Thanks to their flexible leather uppers and thin, supple soles, they felt comfortable straight out of the box. (I bought them in my usual size, and they fit perfectly. They are available in standard men’s and women’s sizes, but if you are uncertain about the size to order, the Onitsuka website has a size guide with measuring guidelines).
In fact, Mexico 66s are so lightweight that you can easily bend the entire shoe without much effort, and they effortlessly move with the foot’s natural motions. However, they are remarkably robust: A senior editor at Wirecutter confirmed that she has been wearing a pair she got in 2020 regularly, and they are still in excellent condition.
For the purpose of this article, I wore Mexico 66s every day for a week, covering approximately 20 miles as I went about my daily activities such as school pick-ups, walking the dog, and dinner dates. Throughout, my feet stayed cool, supported, and blister-free. My experience was not unique: The testers for our guide to white sneakers also gave the Mexico 66s high marks, praising their instant comfort and softness, and remarking on the absence of any pinching or digging into the skin. One panelist even said she forgot she had them on.
These sneakers feature a unique, perforated insole, making them more breathable, allowing them to be worn with or without socks. I prefer slipping into the Mexico 66s without socks—no daily lacing is required, thanks to the large, pull-on back tabs. I use ultra-light, no-show socks, such as the pair from Stance we recommend in our guide to the best no-show socks. However, in warmer weather, I appreciate the option of going sockless. (If you do go without socks, the sneakers’ back tabs, as well as their lightly padded tongues, will help prevent rubbing or chafing and keep blisters at bay.)
Mexico 66s are equipped with lightly cushioned, contoured footbeds and molded arches. I was surprised that such thin, lightweight shoes could feel so stable and supportive—I found them comfortable to wear even during active eight-hour stretches.
They’re universally flattering and go with everything
Adored by stylish individuals of various age groups and tastes, the Mexico 66s are versatile style chameleons. They effortlessly bridge the gap between athletic shoes and ballet flats, making them suitable for various occasions.
The sneaker’s tapered shape creates a flattering, slim profile. “They’re perfect for my narrow feet,” noted one Wirecutter senior editor. They can also be an especially appealing choice for people with larger feet, as they do not add any unnecessary bulk. Furthermore, they have the seemingly magical ability to complement almost every clothing silhouette.
To put this to the test, I paired my Mexico 66s with every type of outfit imaginable. They looked fantastic with all types of pants: cuffed straight jeans and cropped flares (casual and trendy), cigarette pants (Audrey Hepburn with a gym membership), flowing palazzos (elegantly chic), and, of course, leggings (a no-brainer). Teamed with shorts or a miniskirt, they exuded a playful and sporty vibe but still looked sleek. When worn with flowy dresses and skirts, they added a laid-back charm.
If you want maximum versatility, the classic white-on-white version of the Mexico 66s is an excellent choice. However, they are available in dozens of other color options to cater to a range of preferences and seasons.
