The Year of the Rat has not been the best of years. But February 12 marks the beginning of the Year of the Ox, and I am positive that 2021 is going to be a better one. The Ox represents hard work and positivity, which I’m sure we are all going to embrace whole-heartedly!
The Ox is the second of all the Zodiac animals. According to Myth, the Jade Emperor threw a big party and said that the order of the animals would be determined by which order they arrived in. The rat, because he was so small, begged a ride from the kind Ox, but tricked him at the last minute when they arrived and jumped down ahead of the Ox and became the first Zodiac animal, leaving the Ox to come in second. Rude!
It’s going to be hard to celebrate Chinese New Year in February, as the main activities include setting off fireworks, visiting friends and relatives, and enjoying dinner together. Which are all things we currently can’t do. But one thing you can do is dress up!
A number of sneakers will release in honour of the Chinese New Year for 2021. Check them out below and maybe think about styling an outfit around a pair on the day!
Air Jordan 5 Low 'Chinese New Year' | DD2240-100
This sneaker has a seemingly simple colorway at first, with a red, yellow and white colour scheme. But the Air Jordan 5 Low 'Chinese New Year' actually features a tear-away canvas upper that reveals a much more colourful pattern underneath!
The tear-away upper means the sneaker can be worn in lots of different ways to reflect your personal style! The shoe also features logos on the heel and behind the tongue. Behind the netting on the medial side we see the word 'ACTION'.
The Air Jordan 5 Low 'Chinese New Year' releases on the 23rd January at 9am at Nike.
Air Jordan 1 Low OG 'Chinese New Year' | DD2233-001
This gorgeous sneaker has an upper not made of the usual leather, but canvas instead. On the upper, the toebox, Swoosh and heel are coloured a lucky red. The rest of the sneaker has been given a contrasting black color.
We see images of the Ox all over the upper. A fully coloured ox features on the black background, while a gold embroidered ox features on the red alongside blooming flowers. A red rope with a gold knot loops around the ankle in a nod to the Chinese Lucky Knot, symbolising good luck and prosperity. A white midsole and red outsole round off the sneaker nicely.
Although expected in February, the 'Air Jordan 1 Low OG Chinese New Year' does not have an exact release date yet. Keep an eye on our release calendar to stay updated!
New Balance 920 'Year Of the Ox' | M920YOX
A striking red sneaker to honour the new year, the New Balance 920 'Year of the Ox' also features fabulous gold gilding.
The 'N' logo and tongue display gold embroidered details, and the rest of the suede and mesh sneaker is covered in a red and black colour scheme.
No release date yet, but we expect it in January 2021 sometime. Keep an eye on our release calendar to stay updated!
Kung Fu Panda x Reebok Pack
For a bit of fun, these sneakers from Reebok are inspired by the film 'Kung Fu Panda' and have been brought out specially to celebrate the New Year!
The Kung Fu Panda x Reebok pack is available now from various retailers.