Cover Onitsuka Tiger announces the launch of “TAI-CHI OG,” based on the original model “TAI-CHI,” first introduced in 2003 (Photo: Onitsuka Tiger)
Onitsuka Tiger announces the launch of “TAI-CHI OG,” based on the original model “TAI-CHI,” first introduced in 2003 (Photo: Onitsuka Tiger)
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The Japanese label reissues its archival 2003 silhouette as TAI-CHI OG, one of the signature styles from the era during which Onitsuka Tiger established itself as a fashion label
Onitsuka Tiger unveiled its TAI-CHI OG footwear collection at its Fashion Walk flagship store on September 17. The release reintroduces the understated design first launched in 2003, re-engineered for contemporary wardrobes.
The original TAI-CHI arrived during a transitional period for the brand, as it moved from performance sportswear towards fashion. Inspired by the minimalistic appearance of traditional tai chi footwear, the silhouette became one of the defining models of the era. The TAI-CHI OG keeps the plain-toe construction and slim profile largely intact, offering a clean, low-key option for wearers who favour heritage and design history over seasonal trend cycles.
Above The campaign builds its visual language from quiet urban observation rather than spectacle, filmed across Hong Kong's in-between spaces (Photo: Onitsuka Tiger)
Above The TAI-CHI OG retains the plain toe design and simple silhouette of the archive model (Photo: Onitsuka Tiger)
The campaign builds its visual language from quiet urban observation rather than spectacle, filmed across Hong Kong's in-between spaces (Photo: Onitsuka Tiger)
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The launch drew fashion media, trendsetters and friends of the brand to the Causeway Bay store, where the reissue was styled across a range of looks. Singer Gigi Cheung and actor Kenji Fan attended wearing pieces from Onitsuka Tiger’s autumn-winter 2026 collection, paired with TAI-CHI OG, a combination that read less as a showcase and more as a working demonstration of how the shoe works within a wider wardrobe.
Above The TAI-CHI OG updated for modern lifestyles, with the brand’s signature stripe running across a premium leather upper (Photo: Onitsuka Tiger)
Above Inspired by traditional tai chi shoes, the slim, minimal silhouette marked a new direction for Onitsuka Tiger (Photo: Onitsuka Tiger)
The TAI-CHI OG updated for modern lifestyles, with the brand’s signature stripe running across a premium leather upper (Photo: Onitsuka Tiger)
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Design-wise, the update stays close to the 2003 original. It retains the plain toe design and simple silhouette of the archive model, updated for modern lifestyles, with the brand’s signature stripe running across a premium leather upper.
The campaign builds its visual language from quiet urban observation rather than spectacle, filmed across Hong Kong's in-between spaces (Photo: Onitsuka Tiger)
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Founded in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka as the forerunner to Asics, Onitsuka Tiger built its name on youth athletics, until its early-2000s pivot towards fashion. The brand’s designs continue to celebrate a blend of Japanese heritage and modern sensibilities, through timeless silhouettes, new interpretations and collaborations with like-minded cultural connoisseurs. Back in 2003, the TAI-CHI proved that Onitsuka Tiger was a cultural force; 23 years on, the TAI-CHI OG continues to prove that.
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