by ELLIOTT BRETLAND @thesportsman.com

Nike ensure 2021 is kicked off in style with a treasure chest of Chinese New Year-inspired shoes

Chinese New Year is fast approaching and to celebrate, Nike are releasing a ‘Year of the Ox’ collection. The beast is said to be strong and dependable according to the Zodiac; add those qualities to the style and look of the Swoosh brand and you have some incredible sneakers to kick off another twelve months.

With celebrations set for February 12, the American sportswear giant are launching a capsule of cool kicks to mark the occasion. From a mixture of Air Jordans to the Dunk Low, Kyrie 7s and Air Max 2090s, the trainers come in bright and eye-catching colourways including explosive firecracker, spring blossom and the artisanal Chinese knot, drawing inspiration from temple fairs, which are religious gatherings held by folk temples for the worship of the Chinese Gods and now feature ritual praying, entertainment and crafts.

“Each detail immerses the collection in different senses and textures, showing off a full range of creative expression that typifies year-end celebration,” Nike says of the collection.

The Air Jordan 1, especially, fuses the brand’s signature style with a cultured twist beautifully. The typical black and red sneaker is complemented with traditional Chinese cloud patterning in gold. Featuring also a gold stitched basketball emblem on the heel, the tongue of course boasts the ‘Nike Air’ tag. Made from premium leather, the midsole comes in white and the sneaker is adorned with the zhongguo jie knotting influenced by Chinese folk art of the Tang and Song dynasty all the way back in 960–1279 CE.

As well, Nike are also releasing exclusive women’s styles as part of the collection which will include the Air Max Verona, Blazer Rebel and Escape Run. The different trainers will start dropping throughout the month of January here. The Air Jordan 5 Low will be released on January 14 while the Air Jordan 1 will arrive on the last day of the month.