A new year also means iconic celebrations, and Chinese New Year is no exception. Staying true to its commitment to world cultures, Nike has honored this ancestral festival for many years and shows no signs of stopping. As 2025 marks the transition from the Year of the Dragon to the Year of the Snake, the Swoosh and its Jordan division deliver a complete collection, ready to take the sneaker world by storm.
Headlining the lineup: the Air Jordan 1 High OG Xuanwu. Inspired by Xuanwu, also known as the "turtle-snake" in Chinese mythology, this design blends a subtle and refined tribute to millennia-old traditions. A symbol of the north, winter, and the element of water in cosmology, Xuanwu embodies longevity, wisdom, and balance. Nicknamed the "Black Warrior of the North," this revered Taoist protector lends his mystical aura to Peter Moore's legendary design. White leather upper. Snakeskin pattern. No doubt, the sportswear brand highlights both sacred reptiles with a flawlessly executed design. The finishing touch? A 24-karat gold plating on the branding and aglets that celebrates both the brand's heritage and the cultural richness of the festival. Limited to 3,399 pairs, the shoe will be available exclusively in Asia during the month of February.
Air Jordan 1 High OG - Asia Exclusive "Xuanwu"
Expected release on February 28, 2025
See on the calendarBut the collection doesn't stop there. After honoring the Year of the Dragon, the younger sibling of the Air Jordan 1 High joins the celebrations with two designs. While the first AJ1 Low opts for a minimalist design with iridescent reflections, reptilian details take center stage with the addition of a textured snakeskin Swoosh. The second Air Jordan 1 Low continues the reptilian lineage with a complex texture play, accompanied by its traditional Wings logo that here evokes the gleam of a snake's eyes.
Air Jordan 1 Low "Year of the Snake"
Expected release on December 31, 2025
See on the calendarAir Jordan 1 Low OG "Year of the Snake"
Expected release on March 31, 2025
See on the calendarScales for the Air Jordan 5 and 11
Jordan doesn't limit itself to its Air Jordan 1 range and also bets on its fifth signature model. Premium materials. White blends. Black accents. The pair retains the design details of its OG shape along with its iconic elements, namely the translucent sole, the lace-lock, and the breathable side panels. However, the silhouette is refined with subtle iridescent details. Finally, the sportswear brand adds its Air Jordan 11 to the collection for the first time. While the original marked a historic moment in MJ's career, this version of Tinker Hatfield's design honors its heritage with aged white leather. However, the pair features an exotic finish with snakeskin, replacing the traditional patent leather.
Air Jordan 5 "Year of the Snake"
Expected release on January 23, 2025
See on the calendarAir Jordan 11 Low "Year of the Snake"
Expected release on January 23, 2025
See on the calendarNike Air Force 1, Dunk Low: the Swoosh's best-sellers join the party
The sportswear brand couldn't overlook its iconic models for Chinese New Year. This year, the Swoosh presents several special editions of the Nike Air Force 1 Low and its Dunk Low that channel the fierce energy of the mythical creature with a striking blend of textures and colors. Within this snake-themed collection, Nike showcases two versions of its Air Force 1. In 2002, Bruce Kilgore's model was the very first to honor the Lunar New Year, so it's only natural that the Swoosh places it at the center of its collection. On the menu: white, gray, and gold for one, while the other opts for a cleaner design mixing white and green.
Nike Air Force 1 Low '07 WMNS "Year of the Snake"
Expected release on January 28, 2025
See on the calendarNike Air Force 1 Low '07 "Year of the Snake"
Expected release on January 28, 2025
See on the calendarMeanwhile, the low-top subtly revisits the reptile with two new versions. The pairs brilliantly fuse cultural symbolism with quilted lining inspired by snake scales and color variations that complete the look. The first version opts for brown overlays and gold accents, while the second features a blend of gray and green evoking a snake's shedding.
Nike Dunk Low LX WMNS "Year of the Snake"
Expected release on January 28, 2025
See on the calendarNike Dunk Low "Year of the Snake"
Expected release on January 14, 2025
See on the calendarThe final nod? Zhongguo Jie knots, a lucky charm symbolizing luck, harmony, reunion, and love, are featured on each pair. A way for Nike to marry the festive and symbolic aspect of the Year of the Snake with its own expertise. Between the boldness of textures, the choice of colors, and the depth of each symbol, Nike is aiming to make a strong statement with its "Year of the Snake" collection, arriving from January 28, 2025.
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