Every year, the Beaverton-based brand releases a pack celebrating the Lunar New Year. This year, it is dedicated to the rabbit.
Commonly referred to as Chinese New Year, the start of the civil year gives way to the creation of special edition pairs by the Beaverton-based brand. Indeed, Nike draws inspiration from numerous holidays and traditions to expand its sneaker lineup.
Following the Year of the Tiger that marked 2022, the Swoosh brand honors the transition to the Lunar New Year of the Rabbit with a full pack called "Year of the Rabbit". Last seen in 2011, the rabbit graced classics like the Air Jordan 7 and the Nike Air Force 1 in limited quantities.
This time around, the brand takes a literal approach and unveils its most popular silhouettes in a full pack comprising no fewer than ten pairs.
Lowtops inspired by the mammal
From fireworks to dragon dances, China knows how to bring color and celebration to the annual Lunar New Year festivities. It is therefore no surprise that brands like Nike seek to incorporate many of these colorful elements into their annual collections for Chinese New Year.
- Air Jordan 1 Low OG "Year of the Rabbit"
Photo Credits: Nike
If the Air Jordan 1 Low enjoyed great success in 2022, it was largely thanks to the collaborative silhouettes with Travis Scott. The Houston rapper brought his Cactus Jack touch to the "Reverse Mocha" lowtop that defined the summer season and established itself as one of the best sneakers of 2022. Additionally, the winter version "Black Phantom", released on December 15, also made a strong impression on the sneaker community.
To continue this momentum, Jumpman has planned to honor the Chinese New Year with a Jordan 1 Low, limited to 5,000 units. Dressed in colors reminiscent of the mammal's fur, it features soft tones along with unique fluffy laces that provide a perfect finishing touch.
Air Jordan 1 Low OG "Year of the Rabbit"
View on the calendar
- Nike Dunk Low "Year of the Rabbit"
Photo Credits: Nike
As its name suggests, this Nike Dunk Low is part of the pack paying tribute to Chinese New Year 2023. To mark the occasion, the Swoosh brand revisits the color blocking seen on the Nike Air Force 1 from 2011.
Created to celebrate the same event, the lowtop appears with an OG composition that promises a sharp look. Additionally, it features red chenille, particularly on the traditional lateral red Swoosh, and is finished with a subtle rabbit detail on the side.
Nike Dunk Low "Year of the Rabbit"
View on the calendar
- Nike Dunk Low "Year of the Rabbit"
Photo Credits: @prvt.selection (Instagram)
A second lowtop completes the "New Year of the Rabbit" pack. Given that we have seen it in every form and especially in multiple designs throughout the year, it comes as no surprise that Nike's designers planned another iteration.
However, based on the first visuals, this one leans more into the long-eared animal's color palette. Indeed, it appears to feature a grey suede base with layered white leather overlays. Furthermore, the lateral Swoosh features white chenille that perfectly complements the rabbit design on its side.
Nike Dunk Low "Year of the Rabbit"
View on the calendar
- Nike Air Force 1 Low GS "Year of the Rabbit"
Photo Credits: Nike
The Beaverton-based brand includes an Air Force 1 for smaller feet in its "Year of the Rabbit" pack. Indeed, the brand also gives younger wearers the opportunity to pick up an elegant silhouette honoring Chinese New Year.
While it sports an immaculate base, numerous details have been added, such as a rabbit on the Swoosh, depicting the mammal with its favorite treat, a carrot.
Nike Air Force 1 Low GS "Year of the Rabbit"
View on the calendar
- Air Jordan 1 Elevate Low "Year of the Rabbit"
Photo Credits: Nike
Just like the Air Jordan 1 Low OG in the pack, this silhouette will join the Chinese New Year lineup with only 5,000 units.
For the occasion, it adopts a different color palette. However, it retains traditional elements such as insoles with a Jumpman patch shaped like an envelope distributed during the New Year celebrations.
More silhouettes to expand the "Year of the Rabbit" pack
To accompany these various lowtops, Nike also has other silhouettes planned.
- Air Jordan 1 High Zoom CMFT 2 "Year of the Rabbit"
Photo Credits: Nike
A silhouette that gained more traction in 2022, the Air Jordan 1 High Zoom CMFT 2 joins the selection for the annual Lunar New Year collection.
While it opts for a more traditional colorway like the Air Jordan 1 Elevate, this version does not appear to feature a rabbit logo for the occasion. However, it will be equipped with a new foam padding.
Air Jordan 1 High Zoom CMFT 2 "Year of the Rabbit"
View on the calendar
- Air Jordan Legacy 312 "Year of the Rabbit"
Photo Credits: Nike
Sidelined for some time, the Air Jordan Legacy 312 is expected to return, notably in the Chinese New Year celebration colors. However, it does not feature a chenille Swoosh or rabbit-related elements, but rather more traditional Lunar New Year accents.
- Nike Blazer Mid "Leap High"
Photo Credits: Nike
This time, it is the Nike Blazer Mid that dresses up in traditional Chinese details. Discover the high-top silhouette with a furry tongue and side panels. Additionally, it features pink Swooshes, once again giving it the appearance of the long-eared animal.
- Air Jordan 37 "Year of the Rabbit"
Photo Credits: Nike
For this silhouette, there are no elements that reference the rabbit's appearance. Indeed, the designers opted for a traditional color blocking. However, the tongue features a rabbit motif and displays a Lenoweave upper inspired by the Air Jordan 7 from 2011, drawing from West African basket-weaving techniques.
- Air Jordan XX3 "Year of the Rabbit"
Photo Credits: Nike
In honor of the Year of the Rabbit, Jumpman is bringing back a signature model that sneaker enthusiasts particularly appreciate. Discover this pair without fur or fleece giving it the rabbit look for the Chinese New Year 2023 celebrations.
Indeed, the pair opts for a traditional oriental design with leather topstitching and Michael Jordan's signature. However, you will find insoles similar to the rest of the pack, with an elegant rabbit design inside the tongue.
Chinese New Year begins on January 22, 2023 and will end on February 9, 2023. Therefore, the "Year of the Rabbit" pack is expected during this period on Nike and on the SNKRS app. For now, the pack does not have a release date and the price of some pairs has not been revealed.
Be sure to follow us on social media: Instagram, Twitter so you do not miss any updates!