The Nike Air Force 1 Returns for it’s Third “Year of the Horse” Release

With the new year coming up quick, sneaker brands are lining up their releases for the Lunar New Year celebration in February. This week, we have our first look at Nike’s Air Force 1 offering for the occasion, featuring some fun new details for the Year of the Horse.

Nike first started their Lunar New Year collection back in 2002, during the zodiac calendar year of the horse. It’s been nearly twenty-four years since then, and numerous other sneaker brands have adopted the annual release, following Nike’s lead of using zodiac animals for each collection. In 2026, we will have circled back around to the Year of the Horse, the same animal that starred in Nike’s first release in ’02. That year’s drop featured an Air Force 1 Low, dressed in white with red accents. For the upcoming collection, Nike is running back the AF1, now packed with plenty of new details.

Nike has not yet announced any plans for their 2026 Lunar New Year collection, but we can safely assume this will be a special one. The new project marks Nike’s second full trip around the 12 section zodiac calendar, bringing us back to the Year of the Horse. The Air Force 1 returns for its third iteration on the theme, joining the Ja 3 for the 2026 series. This pair features a clean, Sail white palette, with a sheer white Swoosh and heel tab. Tiny embroidered Swooshes in red appear on the outer sides, along with a metal eyelet and cast metal lace ornaments. The heel panel features a topographic-like pattern, raised to give the shoe some extra texture.

NIKE AIR FORCE 1 LOW “YEAR OF THE HORSE” RELEASE INFORMATION

Nike has not yet announced their 2026 Lunar New Year collection, but the project will likely release in February, alongside the holiday. The Air Force 1 has now joined the project, donning a crisp white colorway with red accents and beautiful detailing around the heels. Pairs will likely be available from both Nike and select retailers, though further details are currently unavailable.

Nike Air Force 1 Low “Year of the Horse”
Release Date: 2026

Check out the early images below, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more of the latest sneaker news, release dates, and restock alerts. 

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