Sustainably-produced sneakers have become a category of their own, as footwear brands turn towards a more eco-friendly approach for their fashionable kicks. Now, Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger, part of the Asics empire, has partnered up with the Doi Tung Development Project to take Thailand’s sustainable sneakers up a notch. 

 

The new Onitsuka Tiger x Doi Tung collection highlights the traditional handiwork of Thai craftsmen across three classic shoe models: Mexico 66 (B4,500), Mexico 66 Paraty (B 3,900), and Serrano (B3,900). 

 

This collab is meant to be more than just an ode to Thai craftsmanship, but a project that also provides meaningful employment to the people of Doi Tung. 

 

 

Hand-woven textiles based on traditional Thai patterns, which take up to a week to produce by hand from start to finish, form the core of the shoes. These materials are softer than machine-woven fabric, which gives the shoes a supple texture, while the red and blue colors evoke the look of the classic Onitsuka Tigers. 

 

 

Meanwhile, the Mexico 66 has been woven using 100-percent recycled PET thread from plastic bottles. The Thai-exclusive black models (B5,000) are embroidered with either the Onitsuka Tiger logo or a tiger pattern, with nods to Doi Tung in the accent colors.

 

All models are available from May 24 at the Onitsuka Tiger Store at Siam Square One, the Doi Tung Lifestyle Store on Rama 4 Rd., or  the Doi Tung Lifestyle Store at the Doi Tung Development Project in Chiang Rai. You can also buy them online.