How to clean and care for your Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 | A Quick Guide by SHOEGR

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 is one of those classic shoes that are loved because of their style and comfort. To keep that charm alive, they need to be cleaned often so they look fresh and stay longer. In this blog, we will share effective steps to follow to clean and care for your signature kicks with a shoe cleaning kit that makes the job easy.

Introducing the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Shoes

The Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 is an iconic sneaker that blends vintage style with modern comfort. First introduced in 1966, these shoes were originally designed as training footwear for athletes preparing for the 1968 Mexico Olympics. Over the years, the Mexico 66 has evolved into a fashion statement, loved by sneaker enthusiasts, casual wearers, and celebrities worldwide.

Materials used in Mexico 66

Before you get to know the cleaning process, it's essential to know what material your Mexico 66 is made of, as different materials require different cleaning methods:

1. Leather: Most classic models feature genuine or synthetic leather uppers.
2. Suede/Nubuck: Some variations come with a soft, textured suede finish.
3. Rubber Sole: All models feature a durable rubber outsole for grip.

Cleaning Essentials that you need

• Soft brush
• Medium brush
• Hard brush
• Cleaning solution 
• Microfiber Towel

How to Use Cleaning Brushes for Mexico 66

Proper cleaning of Mexico 66 shoes requires using the right brush for each part to avoid damage and ensure effective cleaning.

1. Uppers

Recommended Brush: Soft-bristled brush

Why? The upper of Mexico 66 shoes is made of delicate materials like leather or suede, which can scratch or wear out easily. A soft brush gently removes dirt without harming the surface.

2. Midsoles

Recommended Brush: Medium-bristled brush

Why? The midsoles are more durable than the upper but still need careful cleaning. A medium brush provides enough scrubbing power to remove dirt and stains without being too harsh.

3. Outsoles

Recommended Brush: Hard-bristled brush

Why? The outsoles are made of tough rubber and come in direct contact with dirt and debris. A hard brush helps remove stuck-on grime and mud effectively without causing damage.

Step by Step Cleaning Process you need to follow:

1. Remove the laces and dry brush the shoes to remove loose dust and dirt.

2. Prepare the cleaning solution by mixing 3 small squirts of SHOEGR Clean in 200-250 ml of water.

3. Clean the uppers:

• Dip a soft brush into the solution.

• Gently scrub using a circular motion, working in small sections.

• Avoid letting the solution sit too long on the material.

• Strain the brush of excess water.

4. Wipe and check: Dab the cleaned area with a microfiber towel to remove foam and check the results.

5. Clean the midsoles: Use a medium brush dipped in the solution to scrub the midsoles.

6. Clean the outsoles: Dip a hard brush into the solution and scrub the outsoles thoroughly.

7. Final drying: Use a microfiber towel to wipe the entire shoe, removing all moisture and foam.

8. Air dry completely before wearing.

Extra Care Tips for Mexico 66

Onitsuka Tigers Mexico 66 are fairly easy to clean and maintain. However, the suede may lose its nap over time. To restore the same using the suede shoe cleaner kit, here's what you can do:

Step 1: Dry Brush

Use a soft brush to gently remove dirt and dust from the suede surface.

Step 2: Soften the Suede

Take a medium brush and rub the suede in one direction. This helps break down hardened areas without damaging the material.

Step 3: Check the Texture

Lightly touch the suede to see if it feels soft. If needed, continue brushing until the texture improves.

Step 4: Remove Stains

Use a suede eraser and apply light strokes in a single direction to lift stains.

Step 5: Restore the Nap

Finish by dry brushing with a suede brush to remove any residue and restore the suede’s original softness.

Protect with COAT

It’s better to protect your Onitsuka Tigers from stains and water ahead of time, instead of spending too much time trying to clean tough stains. So, we suggest using the stain and water resistant shoe spray to protect them against spills and stains. Remember, you should apply Coat only on clean shoes. So, first clean the shoes before applying the coat. If you have a new pair of Onitsuka Tigers, treat it well from the very start so that it looks fresh and  beautiful for much longer.