Balenciaga, Adidas, and other footwear labels launch collections for the Year of the Tiger
Beloved footwear labels launched tiger-inspired sneakers to honor the feisty and powerful feline for the Year of the Tiger—and sneakerheads are definitely here for it!
Putting the spotlight on the fierce Chinese Zodiac, the Chinese New Year pairs are eye-catching in their own ways. Some are in bold tiger patterns, while others remained consistent with their muted aesthetic.
Thinking of shopping for new shoes? Take a look at some kicks that could make a great addition to your hot collection this year.
Charles & Keith
Charles & Keith is here to complete your CNY look with its low-top Red Stevie Tiger-Print Jacquard Sneakers, P2,999. You can match them with an oversized graphic cropped shirt and high-waisted side-stripe jeans for a stylish, Instagram-worthy OOTD.
How cute are these loafers? Also from Charles & Keith, these Antonia Penny Loafers, P3,199, could make for a classy Lunar New Year look when paired with midi skirts or sharp-cut pants.
With the Drew Tiger-Print Sandals, P2,299, from the same brand, you can perk up your outfit without much effort. The grosgrain strap and flatform sole could look best with a sleeveless crop top, denim shorts, and a belt bag for a fuss-free, on-the-go appearance this CNY.
Jordan
Every year, Jordan releases a special sneaker capsule to commemorate the holiday. This time, the collection features the updated Air Jordan 1 Low and Air Jordan 6 Low.
The Air Jordan 1 Low for CNY is decked out in a calligraphy-style tiger design, featuring fine blocks of color. Only 5,000 pairs of this are available in different parts of the globe.
Meanwhile, the Jordan 6 Low is more on the clean, minimalist side. According to Nike, the pair "taps into the heritage of the Chinese New Year festivities by using crafted, porcelain-vase-inspired details over cracked Spruce Aura leather."
Nike
It's evident that Nike didn't shy away from its decorative side in the Nike Air Force 1 Low, featuring not only bright colors, but also playful patterns. The usual Nike Air branding has also been replaced with a unique "T" logo with its iconic check in the middle.
Balenciaga
Another one on the list is Balenciaga's new runner trainers, giving off the Year of the Tiger vibes with its patterns and colors: white, orange, black mesh, and nylon.
adidas
Adidas is also here to up your sneaker game with the Dame 8, P6,000, CNY in collaboration with NBA star Damian Lillard. A mixture of black and red colors complements its bright orange sole, making it a must-have for the occasion.
Dior
How classy does Dior's CNY pair look? American artist Kenny Scharf collaborated with Kim Jones—the luxury brand's artistic director—for the B27 Low-Top Sneaker, HK $11,500 (P75,193). Made of gray smooth calfskin, it features tonal Dior Oblique Galaxy leather cutouts that put the spotlight on the tiger's Chinese astrological sign.
Gucci
Gucci also crafted a range of tiger-themed shoes for the Lunar New Year. The Tiger Ace, AU $990 (P35,509). is designed with a "Gucci Tiger" print available in red and teal.
The Tiger Rhyton, HK $8,500 (P55,589), meanwhile, carries a much simpler design, but still with the printed motto "Gucci Tiger." According to the brand's official website, "references to the feline are often seen throughout the Creative Director's collections as an expression of the House's fascination with the wild beauty of the natural world."
