This Air Jordan 1 Is the Most Elaborate of All the ‘Year of the Snake Sneakers’ — but Only 3,000 Pairs Will Release in One Country
Jordan Brand‘s newest slate for Chinese New Year was already quite full with months of leaks having given way to official confirmation this month. Despite all that’s surfaced, the house that Michael Jordan built was able prevent breaches for the most intricate and exclusive sneaker of the “Year of the Snake” collection.
The Air Jordan 1 High “Xuanwu” is named of the Mandarin word for “Black Turtle-Snake,” one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations. Both animals are thus represented on the shoe’s ornate overlays, as the heel counter, Swoosh and Jordan Wings logo all take on a tortoiseshell appearance more like what you’d expect to see on sunglasses. The heel counter and Swoosh also feature an intricate pattern with traditional motifs, and the remaining overlays take on the appearance of black and gold snakeskin.
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Additional gold detailing includes the tongue logo and lining for the Wings mark, and the laces appear to be made of leather with ruffled edges as another premium flourish. White underlays and midsole counterbalance all the intrigue, and the shoe is then rounded out with a tortoiseshell outsole.
Special packaging will include a tortoiseshell shroud for the box and a gold silk bag inside the box but around the sneakers.
Jordan Brand’s “Year of the Snake” assortment also includes an Air Jordan 1 Low and Air Jordan 11 Low coming next week on the Snkrs app.
The release for the Air Jordan 1 High “Xuanwu” will be as limited as the shoe is eye-catching. Just 3,399 pairs will go on sale exclusively in China for 3,399 Chinese Yuan, which converts to roughly $463.
The number 3,399, pronounced, “Sānsān jiǔjiǔ” in Mandarin, is often used as a greeting for newlyweds and translates to a wish that they grow old together. Tortoises and serpents are also are also considered symbols for longevity in Chinese culture.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
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