Air Jordan 1 High OG “Year of the Snake” sneakers: First look, design details, and everything we know so far

Jordan Brand has created an Air Jordan 1 “Xuanwu” to honor the Year of the Snake, continuing a powerful run of limited-edition releases for the yearly Zodiac traditions.

With its exquisite armor plating and tortoise-shell coloring, this stunning design, which is limited to only 3,399 pairs, pays homage to old Eastern traditions.

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Speculative Release window, where to buy, price

The remainder of the Jordan Brand "Year Of The Snake" collection will probably be released in January or February.

In February 2025, a limited number of merchants in Asia will exclusively carry the Air Jordan 1 High OG "Xuanwu."

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Sneaker design

Inspired by Xuanwu, one of the Four Divine Beasts in Chinese mythology, the design is a part of the Jordan New Year Transformation Series. This iconic figure skillfully combines cultural importance with fine craftsmanship to represent protection and longevity.

The gold-sprayed leather with snake-pattern embossing, which gives it a glittering, scaly appearance, is the shoe's most remarkable feature. The Swoosh, outsole, and heel all include elaborate details of traditional Chinese symbols that stand for peace and prosperity, such as cranes, peaches of longevity, and auspicious clouds.

High-quality materials enhance the shoe's opulent appearance. Premium cowhide leather is used to create the upper, laces, and lining for a sophisticated look. This edition is genuinely unique because of the Wings logo and lace tips' 24K gold plating, which adds to their grandeur.

In Taoism, the official moniker refers to a powerful divinity. This magnificent artwork reflects the common portrayal of him as a warrior donning black royal robes. The figure's armor is very comparable to the plating on the Swoosh and heel.

Tortoises and snakes are frequently used to represent Xuanwu; the former is represented by the dark brown and amber colors of the outsole, the Wings logo, and the slide-out packaging, while the latter is embodied by the rough leather of the ankle collar and toe guard.

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About the release

Each of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac represents a year in the traditional East Asian lunar calendar, which has a twelve-year cycle. By the first century CE, the connection between these animals and the Chinese calendar had solidified, having started in the third century BCE.

Rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig are the twelve animals in order. Each is said to represent certain characteristics that are seen in the personality of those who were born in that year.

The Year of the Snake, a species known for being alert, serene, and intelligent, begins on January 29, 2025.

Since Nike released its first sneaker with a zodiac theme in 2002, Lunar New Year releases have only grown in popularity. Today, all of the major companies regularly outfit their most well-known models in YOTx makeup at the beginning of each new year.

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Its release falls precisely around the Lunar New Year festivities, making it an essential item for both collectors and fans.

This shoe honors four decades of Air Jordan heritage in addition to celebrating the "Year of the Snake." Its status as a noteworthy release is solidified by its fusion of mythology, art, and workmanship. Don't pass up the opportunity to get this exquisite, limited-edition item from sneaker history.