[Update 22 Dec] Thus far, the only view of the titular shoe were by way of the leaked images but official ones have finally come to light offering a cleaner, more angular look at the pair. From the mix of materials and finishes, the textured laces, and the interior. The last which shows the hongbao-stylized Jumpman. Only 5000 pairs are produced and each one is numbered as labeled on the tag on the tongue’s underside.

[Update 16 Dec 2022] More photos of the AJ1 “Year of the Rabbit” have emerged, showing the upcoming sneaker in greater detail. The textures on this rabbit-themed shoe shine through with the pictures showing the upper featuring a range of suede fabrics and terry cloth lining for its white “fur” laces.

[Update 13 Dec 2022] Just a week in and more details have surfaced for the Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Year of the Rabbit”. With a scheduled release date of 21st January 2023, the sneaker is expected to arrive via Nike and selected retailers for a retail price of $140. Stay tuned here for more details and official images to come.

2023 will be the year for “23” having already planned their big releases all the way to the last quarter of the year. In addition are the commemorative pairs that have recently been announced. The Jumpman has at least a couple of Chinese New Year-themed shoes planned with their general catalogue but none will share the same prestige as the “Year of the Rabbit” iteration of the nonpareil Air Jordan 1 Low.

The silhouette rarely has to share its airspace standing on its own plateau, high above everyone else’s. Every special iteration is almost guaranteed to draw eyes like the Zion Williamson x Nike Air Jordan 1 Low “Voodoo” released months earlier. Drumming up more exclusivity will be the limited quantities to be produced for the occasion: only 5000 with possibly a digit more than that vying for it.

Jordan Brand hasn’t acknowledged the pair in any official capacity, but these leaked images does at least ascertain its existence. Many of its motifs are inspired by its animal namesake, the color scheme alone’s reminiscent.

White serves as the base layer as seen on the toe box, quarter, and the tongue. But the pair comes alive through the overlays dressed in brown on the mudguard, eyestays, and heel tab; and light blue on the counter below. The palette is completed through the profile Swooshes in off white.

The textured finishes is where the shoe really comes alive. Suede on the above-mentioned overlays proves to be a clear nod, along with the chenille lining on the sockliner. The laces does its part as well through its frayed aesthetic, all these elements working in tandem to embody the rabbit.

Chinese New Year theme is presented through the staple red on the tongue tag and footbed, alongside the golden motifs reminiscent of the holiday’s red packets. On the underside of the tongue is the rabbit insignia presiding over the shoe count.

As mentioned earlier, only 5000 pairs will be produced and numbered. Information is scant at the time of writing but more information may come to light within the coming weeks.

While waiting, consider checking out the commemorative Nike Dunk Low “Year Of The Rabbit”.

YOTR