Polished pairs of dress shoes are rarely the most eye-catching items in a man’s wardrobe. They are typically in varying tones of brown and black, with lace-ups or monk straps, to match a classic silhouette.

The Onitsuka’s aim is to change the perception of formal footwear with unique designs that marry the sophistication of dress shoes and the cred of sneakers – think beet-red lace-ups with trendy, thick soles and a colourful mixed material fabric on a pair that is set to make a statement.

Made in Japan, The Onitsuka – Onitsuka Tiger's formal boutique line – embodies traditional Japanese craftsmanship, precision and innovative comfort technology in its shoes. It has since become all the rage, and the fanfare around its minimalist collection with fashion icon Nick Wooster last year is testament to this.

This season, The Onitsuka is set to introduce Japanese tweed for the first time in its upcoming collection, launching at the end of October. Fashion enthusiasts in Singapore will be in for a treat – ION Orchard is the only boutique in South-east Asia to carry this exclusive range.

Find your trademark tweed

Woven in the Iwate prefecture in Japan, The Onitsuka’s Japanese tweed is created with multiple combinations of thick and fine yarn, as well as natural and man-made fibres, and the material feels delightfully fluffy to the touch.

This tweed is then weaved onto the dress shoes’ glossy leather by a group of talented artisans. Its shiny, supple leather is sourced from the historic town of Himeji, renowned for its leather made from Kobe cattle and a 1,000-year-old leather industry.

Here is where the fun begins: Take your pick from The Onitsuka’s three models, each with its own distinctive personality. The Bit Loafer showcases a beautiful silhouette and is a true style chameleon that goes well with most fits, whether a three-piece suit or tailored chinos. Its hand-sewn moccasin construction offers great adaptability and longevity, delivering reliable shoes that will take you straight from an office meeting to a dinner date.

Brogues are formalwear’s best friends, best worn with a tuxedo or power suit combination. The Onitsuka’s version is effortlessly cool – the Brogue is based on the archival Emperor golf shoes of the 1970s, and characterised by its wingtip design and perforation details. With the new tweed collection, the Brogue’s black and red colourway has the brand’s signature red line on the sole, proving to be a standout in anyone’s closet. Who says that brogues cannot be fun and versatile, too?

Perhaps the most preppy of them all is the Blucher Lo. Casual-chic and suitable for any smart-casual occasion, like its Bit Loafer and Brogue siblings, the Blucher Lo offers enhanced cushioning, arch support and shock absorbency. If you need an instant style update to your wardrobe, these shoes – which come in both black and white, and black and red versions – are it.

Unlike others, these formal shoes have a reputation for their incredible support function. A lightweight inner sole crafted from materials of varying firmness, including the trademark aGEL foam, offers excellent cushioning and proper arch support. Extra sponges in the shoe’s tongue and around the ankles ensure remarkable comfort levels. Adding to its durability factor is a thick shark tread outer sole, which also features circles at impact zones for better grip.

Timeless classic styles

Aside from The Onitsuka’s tweed offerings, their mainstays are also worth a gander. The Monk-S is a flattering style that will turn heads and is a clever take on a classic monk-strap. It comes with an adjustable strap which features a removable logo buckle with a single snap, so you can slip these shoes on and off with ease.

Ladies can also join in the party with The Onitsuka’s gorgeous Wedge-O. You cannot go wrong with sophisticated oxfords, now given a new lease of life with an edgy platform wedge.

The Wedge-O feels perpetually current yet has maximum versatility, whether you are about to put on a miniskirt, long flowy dress or a pair of cuffed jeans.

Looking to jazz up your wardrobe? Visit The Onitsuka at ION Orchard to try on their classic styles or keep a lookout for its upcoming collection, available from end October 2024. Prices for The Onitsuka shoes range from $550 to $990.