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Onitsuka Tiger by Asics Ultimate 81® SKU #7170383(View on Zappos.com Classic)

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Product Information:
  • Video Description View the Video Description for this product! (Please note that the color shown in the video may no longer be available.)
  • A retro technical running shoe from 1981 with a focus on heel stability.
  • Lightweight and durable.
  • Choose from a colorful selection of suede, mesh, or man-made fabric uppers for a style all your own.
  • EVA midsole provides cushioning and support.
  • Rubber outsole for great traction.
  • 11.00 oz.
  • Product measurements were taken using size Men's 9, Women's 10.5. Please note that measurements may vary by size.
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Customer Feedback

Overall Rating:
  • (5 Stars) 80%
  • (4 Stars) 20%
  • (3 Stars) 0%
  • (2 Stars) 0%
  • (1 Stars) 0%
Customer Fit Survey:

Customers surveying this product said...

  • 59% "Felt a half size smaller than marked"
  • 94% "Felt true to width"
  • 86% "Moderate arch support"
Write a Review of This Product

Recent Customer Reviews - 559 Reviews Total

Posted: Nov 20, 2009
Reviewer: from Central Valley, California
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
Shoe Size: Felt true to size Shoe Arch: Moderate arch support Shoe Width: Felt true to width
These shoes are very comfortable. I ordered them because I needed some good walking shoes for my Las Vegas trip. I was able to walk all day in them without any discomfort. The section of the shoe on top of the toes is made of mesh, so my toes stayed nice and cool. I might want to reconsider wearing them in winter because I got a good draft of air coming through. These shoes are a must! Plus they look awesome on.
Posted: Nov 20, 2009
Reviewer: Jm from st petersburg, fl
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
Shoe Size: Felt true to size
You should run in these shoes. You\'ll look better than the others in their ugly cushy shoes, and they\'re better for your body, too. Viva la vintage running shoe revolution!
Other Brands Recommended by Reviewer: mexicos
Posted: Nov 18, 2009
Reviewer: from
Overall: (4 Stars) Comfort: (3 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
Shoe Size: Felt true to size Shoe Arch: Moderate arch support Shoe Width: Felt true to width
I bought these shoes as part of my Black Mamba/Kill Bill Halloween outfit. I normally wear a 9N in Asics running shoes, so I had to order an 8 1/2M. The slightly smaller length allows me to wear the medium width (wouldn\'t work if I was actually to do anything athletic in them), but as a result the back of the shoe rubs my Achilles a bit; as long as I wear socks I\'m fine. They were perfect for the costume, and fly enough to wear after Halloween.
Posted: Nov 18, 2009
Reviewer: Frank R from College Park, MD
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (4 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
Shoe Size: Felt a half size smaller than marked Shoe Arch: Moderate arch support Shoe Width: Felt narrower than marked
I really enjoy these shoes. They are comfortable and durable. Although they were originally designed for running, I wear them on casual occasions. All in all a great shoe.
Posted: Nov 17, 2009
Reviewer: from Cabada
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
Had a little trouble when going through the online ordering, so I called in and the rep setup an account and put my order through within 10 minutes; received the shoes next day, on free shipping! Wow! As for the shoes, I would say no doubt they're a half size (if not a little bit more) too big. I ordered the black/snakeskin color, they look awesome! Nobody else has them either, so many compliments on that, too! Will be buying more soon; great shoe, amazing service!
Read Additional Customer Reviews Below

Additional Brand Information

The history of Onitsuka Tiger™ shoes began with the establishment of Onitsuka Co. Ltd. in 1949. Based on the philosophy of bringing up sound youth through sports, the company has maintained the tradition of specializing in the manufacturing of sports shoes and clothing using original ideas and applying epoch-making techniques.

As the Japanese people recovered from the second world war and began to appreciate the benefits of sports, Onitsuka Tiger™ shoes were on their feet. The first basketball shoes in Japan had a tiger face design on the arch of the foot and this became Onitsuka's trademark. In the 1960's, Onitsuka Tiger™ shoes were worn not only by the Japanese, but also by top foreign athletes.

In 2001, ASICS America Corporation quietly resurrected the Onitsuka Tiger™ brand with original models of Onitsuka shoes and Onitsuka clothing updated in today's flavorful colors. Over the past few years, the Onitsuka Tiger™ brand has been enjoying a growing number of new, dedicated shoe followers along with a steady desire for Onitsuka clothing and Onitsuka bags, realized today on Zappos.com. Through sometimes secretive grassroots marketing efforts, ASICS® has been able to spread this word about this authentic comeback for Onitsuka Tiger™.

Now that the secret is out... Onitsuka Tiger™ is a growing and highly sought after brand with its ever-growing lineup of Onitsuka Tiger™ shoes, Onitsuka Tigerclothing and Onitsuka Tigerbags. There are more Onitsuka Tiger™ mens’s and Onitsuka Tiger™ women’s models just sitting in the ASICS® vault waiting to be re-released. The future is what this retro brand has to look forward to. Because ASICS® knows that there are people out there who don't need to run fast...they just want to look good.

Additional Customer Reviews:

Posted: Nov 17, 2009
Reviewer: from Portland, OR
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (4 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
Great shoes! They are really comfortable, I bought them for work and they are great to wear all day. I love all the colors they offer but could only buy the the black ones. I had to order one size down from my usual 8 1/2.
Posted: Nov 17, 2009
Reviewer: Kevan from PA
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
I do parkour so I need a comfortable shoe with a sticky and thinner sole, and this shoe is it. I just bought my second pair because they\'re perfect for what I do. It feels like the shoe is part of my foot, real natural feeling.
Posted: Nov 17, 2009
Reviewer: Ian c from chicago
Overall: (4 Stars) Comfort: (4 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
When shopping Zappos, I often have to try a few sizes to get one that fits right. My official size is a 12 and the size 12 Tigers fit perfectly. My only complaint is that they bite a little at the top of the heel. However, this is mitigated more than in most shoes with this problem by a soft and slippery leather installed there. I'm very satisfied.
Posted: Nov 16, 2009
Reviewer: Misha V from
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
I have looked at this shoe a number of time but just recently decided to purchase them. I got it in blue with orange logo and laces. The pair also comes with a pair of blue laces if someone wants to change a look. For about a week I had orange laces in but then switched to blue and I like the look of it with blue more then with orange. The shoe fits true to Asics true size which is about 0.5 a size over your regular size. The shoe is also very comfortable for all day wear.
Posted: Nov 14, 2009
Reviewer: Kelly K from Ohio
Overall: (4 Stars) Comfort: (4 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
I got these shoes for my teenager. She says she likes them. Also that they're good and comfortable. She suggests wearing higher socks because the backs are high and give blisters without socks.
Posted: Nov 13, 2009
Reviewer: Kiru B from Colorado
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
Nice, light, breathable trainers. I bought the silver and gold snakeskin-patterned ones and liked the look very well except for the laces, which were a different color from the silver on the shoe and had little silver flecks that made them look cheap. I swapped for some plain black laces and they look excellent. Like almost all the athletic shoes I have owned, they press on the tops of my feet if laced tightly and make my toes numb.
Posted: Nov 13, 2009
Reviewer: Matt A from Tulsa, OK
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
Utterly comfortable. Relatively easy to clean. Lightweight and well-made, these shoes are worth what they cost. I get a lot of comments about how cool they look. My only advice for prospect buyers, don\'t wear them when it is raining or muddy: the midsoles of the shoes are white, and will easily stain. Which makes your brand new shoes look otherwise.
Other Brands Recommended by Reviewer: ASICS running shoes
Posted: Nov 13, 2009
Reviewer: Priscilla from Los Angeles
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
I really like these shoes. Had them for two months and so far have been sturdy, comfortable, and cute, and they look like they'll last me a really long time.
Posted: Nov 13, 2009
Reviewer: from Madison, WI
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (4 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
The order arrived early, so I was very excited! The shoes fit and look great! They don\'t have much cushioning, so I don\'t think they will be so comfy for the Wisconsin winter ahead, but they breathe nicely and are great for 55-75 degree weather.
Posted: Nov 12, 2009
Reviewer: Sara K from Chicago, IL
Overall: (4 Stars) Comfort: (3 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
I got the grey/black/orange ones in size 7, and I really like them. I had a different style of Onitsuka shoes a while back, but these are definitely a more retro style in shape and fit. They feel looser than my last pair, and come up higher around my ankles (they just barely graze those knobby bones). But overall, I think that once I break them in some more they will be very comfortable. I have always had good experiences with Asics, and I have heard that that is usually fairly common amongst those with smaller feet.
Posted: Nov 12, 2009
Reviewer: from
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
Very comfy, great fit. Fast delivery right on the birthday for which they were intended. Zappos rocks yet again!
Posted: Nov 11, 2009
Reviewer: from San Diego
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (4 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
These shoes rock! I bought them in red and love them! I get so many compliments when I wear them.
Posted: Nov 11, 2009
Reviewer: Seth from Mississippi
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (4 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
Nice quality, good style, and a reasonable price. I\'m very happy with the shoe. However a word of warning, the insole is completely unsupported, and you can\'t remove it to insert another, so if you plan to add an insole, make sure you get a somewhat larger size, or it will be a tight fit.
Posted: Nov 10, 2009
Reviewer: from Los Angeles
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
The shoes are great, very lightweight and comfortable. Not to mention the styling. As always Zappos service was excellent and I got exactly what I was expecting, except better.
Posted: Nov 10, 2009
Reviewer: R C from Kentucky
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
The Asics were a gift for my son. He was very pleased with the shoes. Perfect fit, and fast shipping. The purchase was an A+.
Read Additional 539 Customer Reviews

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