Jordan Brand, alongside much of the footwear industry, has prepped a series of sneaker releases to honor the upcoming Chinese New Year, which celebrates the Year of the Snake in 2025. So far, Jordan sneakers taking on themes of the zodiac include six different pairs, like the Air Jordan 1 Low OG, Air Jordan 5 Retro, and Air Jordan 11 Retro. While these three sneakers, and the other three parts of the overarching collection, will drop worldwide, images of an Asia-exclusive colorway of the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG in a Year of the Snake colorway have appeared.
Crafted using premium leather and containing intricate detailing, the sneaker is inspired by Xuanwu, one of the four spirits of heaven in ancient Chinese mythology. Across the upper, we see faux snakeskin leather in a black and gold hue applied to the mudguard, eyestays, and collar overlay. Solid hits of cream leather appear on the toe and midfoot, contrasting the premium smooth black leather laces, tongue, and collar underlay. For the Swoosh and heel overlay, we see a 3D TPU pattern featuring traditional Chinese depictions of auspicious clouds alongside other lucky symbols, all in a burnt sepia color scheme.
More golden details are found on the Nike Air logo along the tongue tag, the trim of the 3D Jordan Wings logo on the collar, and the text on the inside of the tongue tag, which denotes the pair is limited to 3,399. In Chinese culture, the number 3,399 is a lucky number, often said to newlywed couples, as it essentially means “together for a long time.” Down below, the sneaker comes with a sail rubber midsole and a semi-translucent rubber outsole containing the same burnt pattern applied to the Jordan Wings logo, Swoosh, and heel overlay.
The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Year of the Snake will release exclusively in Asia through Nike sometime in the Spring 2025 season. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is 2,599 Chinese Yuan, which comes to approximately $355 USD when converted. Check below for images of the sneaker, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via gc911
Images via Nike
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com