Sneaker styles go reptilian for Chinese New Year
Nike has introduced a capsule collection of footwear and apparel inspired by basketball star Kobe Bryant and the 2013 zodiac. The brand first released its zodiac-based collections back in 2002, and the latest designs complete the 12-pronged cycle. This year’s collection includes three Nike Kobe 8 color schemes, featuring snakeskin-style uppers and releasing January 25. Also look for three Nike Air Force 1 models featuring the scaly effect.
New Balance is ringing in the Year of the Snake with a four-sneaker collection featuring reptile-inspired uppers in red, green, navy, and a florescent design.
Taking the theme even farther, Vans and Stussy are also releasing a Sk8 Hi Year of the Snake model featuring not only a reptile-printed upper but a snake slithering across the outside and on the tongue tag in the form of the Stussy logo. To top it off, “Year of the Snake” is stiched on the back of the shoe. Vans’ Old Skool line is also releasing snake-themed shoes in an array of colors to mark the occasion.
