PHOTO COURTESY OF ONITSUKA TIGER
Onitsuka Tiger is swapping the sneaker court for the dance studio with the GYMNARINA. Pronounced “jim-nah-ree-nah”, the new lace-up flat borrows its silhouette from classic ballet shoes. Merging the brand’s athletic DNA with the delicate poise of a ballet slipper, the result sits comfortably at the intersection of sport and grace.
At first glance, the shoe reads like a soft, slim-fitting ballet flat. Look closer, though, and Onitsuka Tiger’s signature codes start to surface. The crossed straps and heel flap echo the construction of the long-running MEXICO 66 trainer, while the instantly recognisable Tiger Stripes wrap the sides. Together, these details anchor it in sneaker heritage despite its overall shape leaning into something far more delicate and feminine.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ONITSUKA TIGER
Versatility is central to the GYMNARINA’s appeal too. Each pair ships with two lace options. Flat shoelaces finished with metal aglets offer a sportier, utilitarian look, while satin ribbons evoke something softer and more romantic. Swapping between the two shifts the shoe’s personality from casual to dressy, effectively giving you two looks in one.
Underneath the elegant exterior, the shoe is engineered for everyday comfort. The upper is crafted from soft leather, while shirring elastic around the opening provides a snug, adaptive fit. Retailing at SGD200, it launches in five colourways. Black, blue and red deliver punchy, statement-making colour, whereas the silver and rose gold options bring a soft metallic shine more in line with its ballet inspiration.
In Singapore, you can try on the GYMNARINA at Onitsuka Tiger’s revamped store in Takashimaya Shopping Centre. It is also available at its Jewel Changi Airport, Raffles City, Suntec City and VivoCity boutiques, as well as online. Proving that ballet flats and sneaker DNA can coexist beautifully, Onitsuka Tiger opens a brand new chapter beyond the track.
