For a few years now, Nike has been paying tribute to one of the most celebrated yearly events, Chinese New Year. With this year being the Year of the Tiger, it comes as no surprise the most prominent aspect of a tiger and its stripes are a direct influence in the design. However, kudos to Nike for going the tonal route, but Nike Sportswear has been pretty good about this in past years with mostly subtle designs. Although the notable exception was the Year of the Dog Uptowns from a few years ago, they went against the grain and put together probably my favorite “Year of the…” release to date.

Pony hair (I’m pretty sure) makes an appearances as well and oddly enough it works within the whole dynamic of the shoe. These are sort of in-line with the Year of the Dog Air Force 1 Hyperstrikes that had “fur” on them as well… a move that I didn’t really mind at all. That’s not to say I like them all, the Hideout Footscapes weren’t my cup of tea… actually I take that back, it’s cause it’s a Footscape and I absolutely hate that shoe haha. Ok that was a cheapshot, I was just looking for a way to slander the Footscape.

My boy Alex over at Starks is killing it as of late, making another cameo on this pack with some custom laces in a silk pouch. Somebody correct me if I’m wrong but they slimmed down these Cortez joints and they are the usual fat bulbous toebox shits I’m accustomed to. All in all solid job from Nike on this one though.

But on a sidenote, how will releases and sneakers themed around Chinese holidays change down the line? Taking a cue from various luxury brands that create exclusives for the China-market (Leica M8.2 China Edition *shudders*), undoubtedly there is a “Mainland China” aesthetic to the products embraced in that region. In a general overview, bright, loud, tacky and logo-driven might best sum it up. Some brands toy with the thought of changing their decade/century old design-language to help infiltrate China better… but for those who stand their ground, will they be left behind? Refer back to this post in 5 years.

Big thanks to Rocky for the hook-up, he be holding it down in Shanghai!!!

Oh yeh these came with a big, heavy wooden box, but unfortunately it got shit-kicked on the ride over.

-Eugene