Nike has officially unveiled their collection for this year’s Chinese New Year celebration. The Chinese Zodiac Calendar begins a new 12-year cycle in 2020 with the “Year of the Rat.” The Year of the Rat (YOR) coincides with the Olympics, in which Nike and China share a rich, interwoven history.
This year’s offerings from Nike and Jordan Brand incorporates designs from the last four YOR cycles: 1972, 1984, 1996, and 2008 (seen above). 1972 saw the founding of the Nike brand and the introduction of the Nike Cortez. In 1984, China won their first gold medal in the nation’s history. This was also the year Nike began sponsoring the Chinese national track and field team. The 1995-1996 season saw the introduction of classic Nike basketball silhouettes, like the Air More Uptempo. Beijing hosted the Olympics in 2008, the same year Nike debuted the Hyperdunk 2008, worn by athletes on both Team China and Team USA.
The Nike Air Max 1 features intricate patterns on a colorful, vibrant upper, while the AF1 features a unique pattern embossed on its white leather upper. In the NSW category, the Air Max 720 is dressed in black and gold, while the Air Max 90 comes in white with red and gold detailing and unique patterns on the shoe’s mudguard.
In the basketball category, we have two colorways of the KYRIE 6. One comes equipped with a yellow upper and translucent footstrap, while the other is dressed in black with a multi-colored footstrap. The collection also includes an Air Jordan 13 and Air Jordan 34, each featuring a Chinese coin inspired pattern on the upper.
The collection includes women’s styles of the Air Force 1 Shadow, Air Max 270 React, Joyride Run 2, Air Max 90, and Vandalised.
Select footwear in the collection will be available in full family sizing, including the KYRIE 6 (pictured above), Air Force 1, and Air Jordan 13.
Apparel in the collection includes tees, hoodies, jackets and more across Nike and Jordan Brand.
The Nike “Year of the Rat” Chinese New Year Collection begins releasing in January. Check out additional release info below.
Nike Air Force 1 Low “Chinese New Year”
Style Code: CU8870-117
Release Date: January 2020
Nike MX 720-818 “Chinese New Year”
Style Code: CU3013-070
Release Date: January 2020
Price: $190 USD
Nike Kyrie 6 “Chinese New Year”
Style Code: CD5029-700
Release Date: January 2020
Price: $140 USD
Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Chinese New Year”
Style Code: CW0418-006
Release Date: February 2020
Nike Air Max 90 “CNY”
Color: White/Noble Red/Black/Metallic Gold
Style Code: CU3005-171
Release Date: January 3, 2020
Air Jordan 13 “CNY”
Color: Pale Ivory/Black-Digital Pink-Club Gold
Style Code: CW4409-100
Release Date: January 23, 2020
Price: $200 USD
Nike Air Max 1 “CNY”
Style Code: CU8861-460
Release Date: January 2020
Photos: yankeekicks
Air Jordan 34 “CNY”
Color: Black/Metallic Silver-White-Digital Pink
Style Code: AR3240-016
Release Date: January 2, 2020
Price: $180 USD