Nike expanded its lineup for the Year of the Dragon with a special sneaker drop tied to Chinese New Year. Sneaker Bar Detroit reported on this limited release.
The highlight is a unique Air Force 1 Low featuring gold prints and dragon-inspired accents. The upper showcases a shimmering gold silk material with a delicate floral motif and a classic Swoosh. On the left shoe sits a dragon, while the right shoe bears a phoenix—symbols chosen to convey balance, fortune, and renewal.
The pair was slated to launch on February 14, 2024, exclusively on SNKRS in China, with a retail price of 2599 yuan, roughly equivalent to about 33,000 rubles at the time.
Despite the bold design, chatter on social media leaned toward skepticism. The sneakers drew comparisons to counterfeit items, with several comments describing the look as disappointing or poorly executed.
Fans voiced sentiments such as “This seems like a Chinese fake,” and others called the design unattractive or poorly conceived, suggesting the product appeared rushed from a street market rather than a premium brand release.
In broader terms, consumers in Russia and other markets have increasingly turned to international sources for purchasing items from abroad, reflecting shifting shopping habits and accessibility in a global marketplace.