Quick Facts
- Nike will release multiple Chinese New Year-themed sneakers in 2026
- Next year will be the Year of the Horse
- Joining other Nike sneakers is an Air Force 1 Low
- Expect a release in Spring 2026
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Chinese New Year is one of the sneaker industry’s favorite holidays. The deep meaning and raucous celebration have always given sneaker brands new stories to turn into detailed colorways, with the lunar cycle’s animal iconography always taking center stage. In 2026, the Year of the Horse has already inspired a number of new colorways, and the latest addition to the pack is a white colorway with intricate texture and flourish.
The Nike Air Force 1 Low Year of the Horse starts with a white upper made of premium material, adds a small red Swoosh falling off the larger white side panel Swoosh, and a set of embroidered color swatches at the back side of the Swoosh. The back panel is where the shoe shines, with swirling fabric overlay patterns and embroidered flying horse graphics behind it, all done in clean white for a subtle look. The tongue label features a multi-color scene of a desert landscape where a horse might roam and a silver flying horse lace dubrae is added on the bottom lace.
In addition to the new preview of the Chinese New Year Air Force 1 colorway, Nike is also prepping a Ja 3 and Kobe 8 Year of the Horse to honor the Lunar New Year. On the adidas side, the Three Stripes is also bringing the holiday to the hoops market, adding a light blue Year of the Horse colorway to the AE 2.
The Nike Air Force 1 Low Year of the Horse will be released Spring 2026 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men's sizing, the retail price is set at $125. To stay up to date on all the latest Nike drop news, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
