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- 2014 vs. 2026: The 12-Year Evolution of Nike and Jordan Brand’s “Year of the Horse” Collections
In the landscape of sneaker culture, the Lunar New Year collection has evolved from a niche regional release into a global cornerstone of the annual drop calendar. This transformation mirrors Nike’s significantly expanded presence in China and the collection’s broader global appeal compared to a decade ago. As the industry enters 2026, the Year of the Horse returns to the forefront, marking the completion of a full 12-year rotation in the Chinese Zodiac. This reset offers the perfect opportunity to revisit the 2014 collection and observe how the creative direction of industry leaders like Nike and Jordan Brand has matured over the last decade.Looking back at the 2014 drops, Nike and Jordan Brand were in an era of maximalist storytelling. The aesthetic was literal, loud and celebratory. The centerpiece Jordan Brand “Year of the Horse” Pack – headlined by the Air Jordan 1 Mid and the Melo M10 – was defined by glossy black leathers and iridescent equine graphics in vibrant hues of red, pink and purple. Similarly, the Nike Kobe 8 System utilized a bold approach with red graphic scales and prominent Chinese characters. In 2014, sneakers were festive artifacts that were meant to stand out, reflecting a time when performance-based and bold basketball silhouettes dominated both the hardwood and the street.Fast forward to 2026, and the aesthetic trajectory has shifted drastically. This evolving sneaker trend is driven by a distinct change in consumer demand. Modern consumers have moved away from the desire for flashy designs and attention-seeking branding motifs. Instead, the market is now looking for intentional details – sophistication found in structure, material quality and texture rather than color intensity.While the brand acknowledged its history by bringing back the vibrant Kobe 8 “Year of the Horse” this year, the core of the 2026 collection prioritizes the intentional over the eccentric. Sophisticated, earthy tones like “Light Chocolate” and “Light British Tan” replace the loud finishes of the past, offering wearability that mimics the natural coat of the stereotypical stallion. The Air Jordan 1 Low MM V3 epitomizes this with saddle-inspired leather and artisanal pony hair panels, while the 2026 Air Jordan 1 Low OG “CNY” integrates culture through subtle craftsmanship – featuring delicate floral embroidery and a hidden scroll on the tongue that tells a poetic Chinese message. This lifestyle lens extends to the court as well. Performance silhouettes like the Jordan Luka 5 are now utilizing muted, clay-like tones, ensuring high-tech innovation remains at the forefront for added day-to-day wearability off-court.In 2014, the “Year of the Horse” collection emphasized loud self-expression while in 2026, sneakers are worn to seamlessly anchor a modern wardrobe with a focus on technicality and utility. Today’s buyer looks beyond the product as a commemorative souvenir, but rather focuses on the everlasting style that transcends the holiday itself. By answering this call for longevity, the collection proves that while the 12-year zodiac cycle remains constant, the design language of the sneaker world never stands still.Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
- Salomon XT-6 Arrives in “Maritime Blue”
Name: Salomon XT-6 “Maritime Blue/Black/Fiery Red”Colorway: Maritime Blue/Black/Fiery RedSKU: L49105400MSRP: ¥28,600 JPY (approx. $182 USD)Release Date: February 11Where to Buy: SalomonSalomon delivers a bold “Maritime Blue/Black/Fiery Red” variant to its XT-6, broadening the roster for the technical trail-runner model.The sneaker features a deep “Maritime Blue” mesh base that is reinforced by sleek, tonal TPU film overlays, creating a durable and slim structure that has been a favorite among trail runners since 2013. Striking “Fiery Red” accents cut through the darker tones, appearing on the branding and technical components, thus adding vivid energy into the shoe’s otherwise utilitarian palette.The signature Salomon branding runs vertically down the multi-colored “racing stripe” on the tongue, while the quarters are marked by precision-welded lines that define the silhouette’s streamlined look. Meanwhile, underfoot, the sneaker is equipped with an EVA midsole for cushioning and stability, paired with a rugged Contragrip outsole designed for traction across varied terrain. The streamlined silhouette is enhanced by the Quicklace system, offering easy adjustment and a secure fit, while the sculpted sole unit emphasizes the XT-6’s heritage as a performance-driven trail shoeClick here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
- Nike Honors Big Blue Nation With the Book 2 “Kentucky Wildcats” PE
Name: Nike Book 2 “Kentucky Wildcats”Colorway: TBDSKU: TBDMSRP: TBDRelease Date: February 7, 2026Where to Buy: Select Hibbett locationsDevin Booker’s signature line is heading back to campus as Nike prepares to honor the University of Kentucky with the release of the Nike Book 2 “Kentucky Wildcats” PE. Timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Wildcats’ legendary 1996 national championship, this Player Edition bridges the gap between heritage storytelling and modern performance. Rather than a standard team colorway, this iteration utilizes lifestyle-inspired materials to reflect Booker’s affinity for vintage aesthetics, all while refining the Book 2’s silhouette for the high-intensity demands of elite college basketball.The visual standout of the “Kentucky Wildcats” PE is the choice of materials. The upper is draped in faded indigo denim textures that provide a worn-in, vintage denim feel, setting it apart from typical synthetic basketball builds. This textured base is sharply contrasted by crisp Royal Blue hits on the inner lining, laces, and heel pull tabs, ensuring the University’s identity remains front and center. A clean white midsole with a thin blue stripe at the heel grounds the design, allowing the experimental upper to remain the primary focal point.Structurally, the Book 2 reflects a sleeker evolution from Devin Booker’s debut model. The silhouette features a more structured collar and reinforced midfoot designed for enhanced lateral stability—key refinements for the explosive movements of the modern game. This PE version demonstrates how Nike is positioning the Book 2 as a versatile hybrid, capable of transitioning from the hardwood of Rupp Arena to the streets of Lexington without missing a beat.In a move that emphasizes the shoe’s “Player Edition” status, Nike is keeping the rollout intentionally tight. Shunning a traditional mass-market release, the brand has partnered exclusively with Hibbett for a commemorative drop. This strategy treats the shoe more like a piece of fan memorabilia than a standard retail product, catering specifically to the Big Blue Nation faithful who value exclusivity and historical connection. The Nike Book 2 “Kentucky Wildcats” PE will be available on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 2–8 p.m. ET exclusively at select Hibbett locations. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Bleacher Report Kicks (@brkicks)Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
- Kith and Mephisto Celebrate French Craftsmanship With the Match Sneaker
Name: Kith x Mephisto Match SneakerColorway: TBCSKU: TBCMSRP: TBCRelease Date: February 6Where to Buy: KithKith has joined forces with Mephisto to launch a sophisticated footwear collection celebrating artisanal quality and timeless design. This inaugural partnership merges the New York label’s contemporary aesthetic with the technical mastery of the French heritage brand, which has operated its original factory since 1965.The collection centers on the Mephisto Match Sneaker, reimagined through Kith’s unique lens for both men and women. Each pair is meticulously constructed from premium materials, featuring a tactile mix of supple pebbled leather, rich suede and durable synthetic canvas. For its debut season, the collaboration explores a diverse color palette, ranging from a vibrant orange and soft mallow purple to a versatile brown grounded by nubuck overlays.Kith’s hallmark attention to detail is evident throughout the silhouette, highlighted by polished metal eyelets and distinctive co-branded lateral window panels. Signature Kith branding sits prominently on the tongue, while Mephisto’s globally renowned rubber outsoles ensure the longevity and comfort synonymous with French craftsmanship. By prioritizing superior textures and heritage construction, the collection offers a luxurious, elevated update to this everyday footwear essential.Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
