Onitsuka Tiger – Why Colourful Trainers Are Replacing the Minimalist White Sneaker

There was a time when every stylish man, from Milan to Shoreditch, swore by a pair of pristine white trainers. The cleaner, the better. The minimalist aesthetic reigned supreme for over a decade, with brands like Common Projects, Axel Arigato, and Veja convincing us that less really was more. But the reign of the all-white sneaker is over. Now, it’s all about colour.

Men are lacing up in everything from solar yellow to cobalt blue, neon green to sunset orange. No longer reserved for running tracks or retro subcultures, colourful trainers are a statement of mood, individuality, and self-expression. They say more about your fashion sensibilities than a thousand ironic graphic tees ever could.

So, what changed?

Colour as an Antidote to Monotony

It’s been a long road paved in neutral tones. In the wake of lockdowns and global uncertainty, the fashion pendulum swung away from sterile minimalism and into vibrant rebellion. People are dressing for joy, for visibility, for the hell of it. And men, traditionally restrained by navy, grey and beige, are now realising what women have known for decades: colour changes everything.

Colourful trainers are an easy gateway into that shift. You might hesitate before donning a lime green suit or scarlet trousers, but a pop of colour at your feet? That’s an experiment most men are willing to try.

The Rise of the Cult Trainer

Few styles have dominated the streetwear conversation like the Adidas Samba. Originally designed as a football shoe, the Samba has risen through the ranks to become the lifestyle trainer of the moment. Its distinctive silhouette and trio of stripes make it a recognisable icon, while its versatility means it works with denim, cargos, tailored trousers – even the odd suit.

And now, it’s not just black or white. Recent years have seen the Samba refashioned in suede pastels, high-gloss patent finishes, and bold contrasts. Collaborations have driven the frenzy – notably Grace Wales Bonner’s take on the Samba, with golden threading, elevated materials, and earthy colour palettes inspired by diasporic heritage and Caribbean elegance. These editions didn’t just sell out. They became grails, traded and coveted like collector’s art.

But saturation brings backlash. When Rishi Sunak, in an ill-judged PR attempt to “connect with the youth,” wore a pair of Sambas to promote tax policies outside Downing Street in 2024, the collective groan was audible. For a moment, it looked like the Samba might go the way of the dad sneaker – overexposed and underwhelming.

Yet, fans pivoted.

The Alternatives: Spezial, Gazelle & Terrace Nostalgia

For those wanting a similar vibe without the PM baggage, Adidas Spezial and Gazelle models have stepped back into the spotlight. They maintain the terrace aesthetic – think 1980s Britpop meets 1970s football culture – but with just enough difference to feel fresh. Celebrities like Brad Pitt and Paul Mescal have been photographed in them, often teamed with rolled-up chinos or vintage track jackets.

The Gazelle, in particular, thrives in colour. Emerald green suede with white stripes? A classic. Bubblegum pink with gum soles? Surprisingly wearable. These trainers offer personality without the need for loud branding or futuristic design.

From Japan with Style: The Mexico 66 by Onitsuka Tiger

Then there’s the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, a shoe that was burned into pop culture’s collective memory by Uma Thurman in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill. That vibrant yellow-and-black pair is unmistakable – a tribute to Bruce Lee and martial arts history, reimagined as street fashion.

Today, the Mexico 66 has become a go-to for men who want heritage with flair. The Prince of Wales (yes, that Prince) has even been spotted in a pair, proving you can go royal and colourful at once.

The Mexico 66 is a narrower, sleeker alternative to bulkier trainer styles, often finished in premium leather or suede, and available in colourways that span everything from forest green to Tokyo red. They are the connoisseur’s colourful trainer – quieter than Nike, richer than Reebok, and undeniably cool.

Why Colour Matters

Beyond style, colour is psychology. Red trainers show confidence and energy. Blue signals calm and collected thought. Green can represent balance and groundedness, while yellow? Joy, optimism, maybe even a bit of cheek.

In an era where masculinity is constantly being redefined, colourful trainers say: I’m not afraid to be seen. I’m not afraid to feel. I’m not afraid to have fun.

And men are listening. Search data from global retail platforms shows a steep rise in non-white trainer purchases, particularly in Europe and Asia. Metallic finishes, too, are trending – gold, silver, iridescent. Think disco on your feet, but with premium materials and low-key styling.

Style Tips: How to Wear Colourful Trainers

Wearing colourful trainers doesn’t mean dressing like a clown. The key is balance. Here are a few pointers:

1. Neutral Base: Pair your bright kicks with neutrals like beige, grey, or navy to let them shine.
2. Echo the Colour: Pick up a hint of the trainer’s tone elsewhere – a cap, a logo, or even a sock.
3. Contrasting Confidence: Go for a colour clash if you dare – orange trainers with green trousers, pink kicks with denim-on-denim.
4. Tailoring Twist: Break the rules by pairing colourful trainers with a casual suit. Brad Pitt does it. So can you.
5. Care Counts: Clean them. Even the most vibrant trainers can look tragic if covered in grime.

The Fall of the White Trainer?

Is the white trainer dead? Not entirely. It’s still a safe choice for job interviews, weddings, or anywhere you need to blend in. But it no longer dominates the cultural conversation. It’s no longer the only acceptable option.

Today, men want more than minimalist uniformity. They want playfulness, individuality, a bit of flair. Fashion is cyclical, yes – but it also evolves. We’re no longer in the age of anonymous normcore. We’re in the era of expressive feet.

Final Thoughts: Step Boldly

Whether it’s the legendary Samba, the Mexico 66 with Tarantino flair, or a no-name neon number discovered in a Tokyo alleyway, colourful trainers are here to stay. They’re democratic, joyful, and – crucially – fun. And in a world that’s often too grey, why not start with your shoes?

After all, as any stylish man knows: confidence begins at ground level. So give your outfit a jolt of electric blue, fire red, or lemon zest. Step out. Stand tall. And leave those scuffed white trainers for another time.