The Killer History Behind Zava’s Sneakers On ‘Ted Lasso’

If there’s one thing we’ve come to expect from an episode of Ted Lasso, it’s that the sneaker game will be on point.

Series co-creator and star Jason Sudeikis is a known sneakerhead, and the titular character is often seen sporting cool, colorful sneakers.

From Dani Rojas’ tribute to Richmond’s late mascot Earl on his red cleats to Jamie Tartt’s hot pink soccer boots and Coach Beard’s collection of New Balances, there’s been no shortage of great shoes among the supporting cast of Ted Lasso. Even the newest member of A.F.C. Richmond has already worn a pair of sneakers that we were immediately drawn to.

The singularly-named Zava (Maximilian Osinski) is a star striker (and essentially a fictional Zlatan Ibrahamović, for the football fans out there) who leaves Juventis F.C. for the English Premier League in episode 2 of season 3.

In his introduction to the team in episode 3 of the season, and again in an episode 4 locker room scene, we see Zava rock a pair of bold yellow sneakers with black accents.

And if there’s anything Ted Lasso loves more than a great pair of sneakers, it’s a pop culture reference. It turns out that these sneakers have a fairly rich cinematic history, and were worn by a few iconic movie stars before making their way to Zava.

So What’s The Deal With These Sneakers?

The kicks in question are Onitsuka Tiger’s Unisex Mexico 66 shoes in yellow and black. If they look familiar to you, it’s probably because this is not their first supporting role.

Hong Kong movie star and martial artist Bruce Lee was the first star we know of to sport the style. In one of his most famous films, Game of Death, he can be seen wearing the distinct Mexico 66s as part of an entirely yellow and black tracksuit outfit. It’s that look that went on to inspire an arguably even more iconic and recognizable cinematic ensamble.

Dressed in yellow and black from head to toe, right down to her shoes ( the yellow Onitsuka sneakers, of course) is The Bride aka Beatrix Kiddo (Uma Thurman) in Kill Bill.

The movie pays homage to a number of martial arts films, most conspicuously Game of Death with Thurman’s look as The Bride. Even if you haven’t seen Kill Bill, you undoubtedly recognize The Bride.

It’s not clear if the use of the shoe on Zava in Ted Lasso is a nod to its past cinematic moments or not, but given how intentional details tend to be, we wouldn’t be surprised. Foreshadowing perhaps?

In both Kill Bill and Game of Death, the characters who rely on the Onitsuka’s Mexico 66 for their kicks are fierce martial artists involved in many big fights. Though Zava isn’t a martial artist (at least, not yet), and he’s not particularly engaging in physical fights, he’s still supposed to be the best at what he does (and we’re shown that through a thrilling montage of trick goals).

He’s not literally killing people, he’s just single-handedly killing the competition.

• Onitsuka Tiger Unisex Mexico 66 Shoes in Yellow/Black, $100

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