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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) 10%
  • (3 Stars) 5%
  • (2 Stars) 5%
  • (1 Stars) 0%
Customer Fit Survey:

Customers surveying this product said...

  • 61% "Felt a half size smaller than marked"
  • 93% "Felt true to width"
  • 85% "Moderate arch support"
Write a Review of This Product

Recent Customer Reviews - 642 Reviews Total

  1. Posted: Jan 29, 2010

    Reviewer: Zack S from Illinois

    • 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
    Before this purchase, I had already owned several pair of Onitsuka Tigers. One pair is nearly identical to this pair however a different color. Basically I knew the quality and comfort I was ordering, as well as working with the awesome customer service of Zappos removed any online purchasing doubt. PROs: Being raised in Louisiana I've always been a huge New Orleans Saints fan, and wanted a pair of shoes that had black/gold in them to flaunt my Who Dat pride. These shoes are perfect for game day. They match my Saints jerseys without question, and the compliments I've received on them are never ending. To top it off they're very comfortable and durable. I had a few reservations on the "snake skin" print before purchasing, however it's not as gaudy as appeared online or when worn with a pair of blue jeans. CONs: Only one negative I have is that they are not very warm shoes for the midwest weather. Any slight breeze seems to go right around your toes, so thick socks are a must in colder climates with these kicks.
    Other Brands Recommended by Reviewer: Puma
  2. Posted: Jan 28, 2010

    Reviewer: Dennis from Brooklyn, NY

    • 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
    Let me start of by saying that I love Zappos. Okay, moving on. The Onitsuka Tiger sneakers are the best. They are comfortable and come in an amazing array of colors, which I love. I currently own about a dozen or so pairs and I am waiting for new color combinations to arrive. If anybody is on the fence about purchasing these sneakers, jump off and start ordering. Zappos has THE BEST delivery options out there. What are you waiting for? Order these sneakers!
    Other Brands Recommended by Reviewer: There are a lot of brands to choose from, but I am obsessed with Onitsuka Tigers by Asics.
  3. Posted: Jan 27, 2010

    Reviewer: Scott B from Phoenix

    • Overall: (4 Stars)
    • Comfort: (4 Stars)
    • Style: (5 Stars)
    Shoe Size: Felt true to size Shoe Arch: Moderate arch support Shoe Width: Felt wider than marked
    Good shoe all around, though the heels squeak when sweaty. This happens a lot, since the shoe doesn't breathe very well. Fits true to size, don't order big.
    Other Brands Recommended by Reviewer: Puma Speeder is the same style and slightly better made.
  4. Posted: Jan 27, 2010

    Reviewer: Anonymous from Portland, OR

    • Overall: (5 Stars)
    • Comfort: (5 Stars)
    • Style: (5 Stars)
    Shoe Size: Felt a full size smaller than marked Shoe Arch: Moderate arch support Shoe Width: Felt true to width
    Good and bright red. Needs a day or two of breaking in, but comfortable with a nice toe box and placement of arch support.
  5. Posted: Jan 26, 2010

    Reviewer: Anonymous from Los Angeles, CA

    • Overall: (5 Stars)
    • Comfort: (4 Stars)
    • Style: (5 Stars)
    Shoe Size: Felt true to size Shoe Arch: No arch support Shoe Width: Felt true to width
    Love the style - I love the style and colors of this shoe and have received many compliments on them. (I got the Zappos exclusive Snake/Black Gold). They're not the most cushioned shoe, and I wish there was more arch support, but they're comfortable enough for a normal day out. Other reviewers have noted that the shoe felt small, but I ordered my normal size and it fit perfectly.
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:

  1. Posted: Jan 24, 2010

    Reviewer: Anonymous from Planet Earth

    • Overall: (2 Stars)
    • Comfort: (5 Stars)
    • Style: (1 Stars)
    Shoe Size: Felt true to size Shoe Arch: No arch support Shoe Width: Felt true to width
    I love Onitsuka Tigers, they’re my favorite shoes in the world. Comfortable, classy looking. I can dress them up with my business suits or dress them down with jeans. I bought these shoes (the black/steel grey color) to wear with a black suit. I wore them out and people kept asking me why I was wearing blue shoes with a black suit. Unfortunately, the black in these shoes looks very blue. I love the shoes, but really, they shouldn’t be labeled as black.
  2. Posted: Jan 24, 2010

    Reviewer: Jacob Y from Muncie, Indiana

    • Overall: (5 Stars)
    • Comfort: (5 Stars)
    • Style: (5 Stars)
    Shoe Size: Felt true to size Shoe Arch: Excellent arch support Shoe Width: Felt true to width
    The Onitsuka Tigers are great shoes. They are comfortable and durable... and they are cool looking! I sometimes wear 9 1/2 and sometimes size 10, depending on the shoe, but I got size 10 in these.
  3. Posted: Jan 19, 2010

    Reviewer: Anonymous from Planet Earth

    • Overall: (5 Stars)
    • Comfort: (5 Stars)
    • Style: (5 Stars)
    Shoe Size: Felt true to size Shoe Arch: Excellent arch support Shoe Width: Felt true to width
    I love these shoes. I bought my first pair in a color pattern that is no longer available and they are fantastically comfortable. I really like the navy color combo; it looks just as good in real life as in the photos. I have a high arch and a narrow heel- these have great arch support. They used to run a bit big, now they fit perfectly to size.
    Other Brands Recommended by Reviewer: Saucony Jazz
  4. Posted: Jan 16, 2010

    Reviewer: Melissa H from Los Angeles, CA

    • 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
    I love love love these shoes. They are really comfortable and they just look sooo cool. I have a pair from a few years ago that I basically wore out, and when I saw these on Zappos I knew I had to have them. They are the perfect sneaker, because not only do they feel good, but they are super stylish. Highly recommend.
  5. Posted: Jan 16, 2010

    Reviewer: Sherrie M from Houston, TX

    • 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
    The shoes are great! Very comfortable and really great looking!
  6. Posted: Jan 16, 2010

    Reviewer: Anonymous from Planet Earth

    • Overall: (5 Stars)
    • Comfort: (5 Stars)
    • Style: (5 Stars)
    Shoe Size: Felt a half size smaller than marked Shoe Arch: Moderate arch support Shoe Width: Felt true to width
    Comfy, cute.
  7. Posted: Jan 15, 2010

    Reviewer: Anonymous from New York, NY

    • 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
    If you love Onitsuka Tiger shoes, you will love these. Same great fit. Color is dead on! Got lots of compliments so far!
  8. Posted: Jan 15, 2010

    Reviewer: Anonymous from Boston, Massachusetts

    • Overall: (3 Stars)
    • Comfort: (4 Stars)
    • Style: (5 Stars)
    Shoe Size: Felt true to size Shoe Arch: No arch support Shoe Width: Felt wider than marked
    I bought the black one with smooth leather, and was disappointed at how stiff it was even after breaking it in. According to the tag on the shoe, it is made of synthetic leather. I was expecting it to be real leather like on the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, however, these feel a bit cheaper in comparison. I use this as an everyday walking shoe and found it hard to slip on and off without untying the laces each time because there is leather on the inside on the back of the shoe with a rubbery texture which prevents sliding. I noticed that different colored versions of this shoe uses different materials for various parts of the shoe as well. I think that if I had chosen a shoe that was suede, fabric, or a mix of the two over the smooth leather, it would've been a lot more comfortable. Walking comfort feels good and natural to me because there is minimal padding and arch support. MY ADVICE: STAY AWAY FROM THE SMOOTH LEATHER MODELS IF YOU CAN!
    Other Brands Recommended by Reviewer: ASICS, Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66
  9. Posted: Jan 14, 2010

    Reviewer: Noel J from Lawrence, KS

    • 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
    This is the second pair of Onitsuka Tigers that I have owned and I absolutely love them. They are very comfortable and durable and make my feet look quite a bit smaller. The black/steel grey colors look great and go with nearly every casual outfit I own. I will probably be ordering more pairs in different colors soon!
    Other Brands Recommended by Reviewer: Saucony, Asics
  10. Posted: Jan 14, 2010

    Reviewer: Barbara R from Philadelphia, PA

    • Overall: (5 Stars)
    • Comfort: (5 Stars)
    • Style: (5 Stars)
    Shoe Size: Felt true to size Shoe Arch: Excellent arch support Shoe Width: Felt true to width
    The ordering process was quick and easy. My son-in-law asked for Tiger Sneakers for Christmas in a bright color. I had many colors to chose from, I selected colors correlated to his native Peru. Unplanned was the sale price. They arrived promptly within a few days and he was delighted with my selection. Will definitely use this company in the future.
  11. Posted: Jan 14, 2010

    Reviewer: Anonymous from MS

    • Overall: (5 Stars)
    • Comfort: (5 Stars)
    • Style: (5 Stars)
    Shoe Size: Felt true to size Shoe Arch: Excellent arch support Shoe Width: Felt true to width
    These were a gift for my son-in-law. Great fit. He likes them a lot. Zappos service was super quick!
  12. Posted: Jan 13, 2010

    Reviewer: Eddie D from Pasadena, CA

    • 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 are very stylish and surprisingly comfortable shoes. They are reasonably priced and with free shipping? Heck, buy two pairs!
    Other Brands Recommended by Reviewer: Puma Cabana Racer 2
  13. Posted: Jan 13, 2010

    Reviewer: Tresea B from Cayman Islands

    • 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
    I ordered these shoes for my husband during the Christmas holidays. I was so impressed with the speedy delivery of my order that I order a pair of Asics running shoes for myself. The shoes were just as shown in the picture. My husband loved them! They are very comfortable and stylist. I highly recommend ordering from Zappos.
  14. Posted: Jan 13, 2010

    Reviewer: Anonymous from Orlando, FL

    • Overall: (5 Stars)
    • Comfort: (5 Stars)
    • Style: (5 Stars)
    Shoe Size: Felt a half size smaller than marked Shoe Arch: Moderate arch support
    I love these shoes. So comfortable. These are a very dark blue. I usually wear a 5.5, but that was just a smidge too small, so I ordered a 6 and they fit perfect! I will say that they are not shoes for cold weather as the top of the shoe is made of material, and cold seeps through pretty easily. The colors are bold and striking. I really would like to order another pair in some other color scheme as well. They are fun, good quality, comfortable, and not too bulky. Perfect!
  15. Posted: Jan 12, 2010

    Reviewer: Anthony f from West Virginia

    • Overall: (4 Stars)
    • Comfort: (3 Stars)
    • Style: (4 Stars)
    Shoe Size: Felt true to size Shoe Arch: No arch support Shoe Width: Felt narrower than marked
    This shoe is sleek and stylish. It is comfortable with minimal cushioning and arch support. Also, the red and orange laces look a little much in person, but you can switch them out for black ones that complement the color scheme without being overbearing. I have had a few pairs of Ultimate 81 over the pas 5 or six years. I even had this color before. Overall, these shoes have a comfortable, slim fit that I like. I have flat arches and wear custom orthotic insoles in all of my shoes. No problems here. My only hang-up is that it is a little expensive for such a low-tech shoe. I expect more cushioning for the price. The shoe's durability makes up for this. It will come apart, but It will last you and look good as it is wearing out.
    Other Brands Recommended by Reviewer: Puma, Converse, PF Flier
Read Additional 622 Customer Reviews

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