Can I put the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 in the washing machine?

No. The leather stiffens and the suede toe cap loses its nap. Hand clean as above.

How do I clean the suede toe on the Mexico 66?

Dry. Brush in one direction with a suede brush, rub scuffs with a clean eraser, and keep water away from it.

How do I keep the white sole white?

Soapy water and a toothbrush after wearing, and a baking soda paste for yellowing. Store out of sunlight.

Should I protect the Mexico 66 before wearing it?

Yes. A leather and suede protector spray before the first wear makes every later cleaning easier, especially on cream, yellow and pink pairs.

Buying guide

HOW TO CLEAN THE MEXICO 66

The Mexico 66 is three materials on one shoe: smooth leather, suede at the toe and heel, and a rubber sole. Each one wants a different touch. Ten minutes once a month keeps a pair looking new for years.

What you need

A soft brush (an old toothbrush works)
A suede brush or a clean eraser
Two microfiber cloths
Mild soap or a sneaker cleaner, lukewarm water
Newspaper or shoe trees
A leather or suede protector spray (optional, recommended before the first wear)

Step 1: laces out, dry brush

Pull the laces and wash them separately in soapy water. Brush the whole shoe dry to lift dust and dried mud, especially along the stripes where dirt collects.

Step 2: the leather

Dampen a cloth with soapy water, wring it, and wipe the leather panels in small circles. Do not soak the shoe. Wipe again with a clean damp cloth to lift the soap, then dry with the second cloth. Light creases at the toe are normal and are part of the look; they soften, they do not go away.

Step 3: the suede toe cap and heel

Suede hates water. Brush it dry in one direction with the suede brush. Rub scuffs with the eraser. If a mark will not lift, dampen the cloth barely and blot; never rub wet suede. Let it dry, then brush again to raise the nap.

Step 4: the sole

White soles: soapy water and the toothbrush, then wipe. For yellowing, a paste of baking soda and a little water, left five minutes, then rinsed. Gum soles: soap and water only; keep bleach and magic erasers away or the honey color fades.

Step 5: dry and store

Stuff with newspaper or use shoe trees so the slim last keeps its shape. Dry at room temperature, away from a radiator or direct sun. Store in the original box or on a shelf out of sunlight; yellow, pink and cream leathers fade in a window.

Special builds

Lace uppers (Beige/Beige, Birch/Birch, Oyster Grey): dry brush and spot clean only, no soaking. Glitter uppers (Black/Gunmetal, Pure Silver): wipe with a barely damp cloth, no brush. Tonal pairs (Pink, Yellow, Lavender, Rust, Green): same routine as any leather pair; the matching suede darkens if it gets wet, so keep the toe dry. Floral textiles: cold water, mild soap, blot.

Shop Mexico 66

Questions people ask

Can I put the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 in the washing machine?: No. The leather stiffens and the suede toe cap loses its nap. Hand clean as above.
How do I clean the suede toe on the Mexico 66?: Dry. Brush in one direction with a suede brush, rub scuffs with a clean eraser, and keep water away from it.
How do I keep the white sole white?: Soapy water and a toothbrush after wearing, and a baking soda paste for yellowing. Store out of sunlight.
Should I protect the Mexico 66 before wearing it?: Yes. A leather and suede protector spray before the first wear makes every later cleaning easier, especially on cream, yellow and pink pairs.