The Nike Ja 3 Celebrates the “Year of the Horse” in 2026

With the new year coming up quick, sneaker brand’s are lining up their releases for the Asian Lunar New Year celebration. This week, we have an early look at Nike’s pair of the Ja 3 for the “Year of the Horse”, dressed in a red & brown colorway. Nike’s tradition of releasing Lunar New Year-themed […] The post The Nike Ja 3 Celebrates the “Year of the Horse” in 2026 appeared first on JustFreshKicks.

With the new year coming up quick, sneaker brand’s are lining up their releases for the Asian Lunar New Year celebration. This week, we have an early look at Nike’s pair of the Ja 3 for the “Year of the Horse”, dressed in a red & brown colorway.

Nike’s tradition of releasing Lunar New Year-themed sneakers dates back to 2002 with the Air Force 1 “Year of the Horse.” Each year, Nike designs special editions inspired by the Chinese zodiac, embedding rich cultural details like dragons, snakes or rabbits alongside festive colors and premium materials. These releases often feature symbolic motifs such as coins, brush-stroke graphics or embroidered characters, as well as materials reflecting that year’s zodiac animal. 2026 will mark the Swoosh’s second time all the way around the zodiac, bringing us back to the Year of the Horse theme that started it all.

With Lunar New Year celebrations kicking off late in January of 2026, we are starting to see some brands plans for their special releases. Our first look was from adidas, with their special-edition style of the new AE2. Now, Nike’s first release has surfaced, decking out the Ja 3 for the new year. The look comes predominantly in a bright “Silt Red” shade, which makes up the midsoles and the textured rubber pieces spread across the upper. Underneath, Light Chocolate brown is used for the mesh pieces, making up the jagged claw marks across the shoe. The final touch is a metallic gold finish for the Swooshes.

NIKE JA 3 “YEAR OF THE HORSE” RELEASE INFORMATION

Nike’s new special-edition release of their Ja 3 has not been announced yet, though the release is likely to fall around January/February 2026 for Lunar New Year. The silhouette’s “Year of the Horse” colorway will come in a mix of chocolate brown and bright red tones, with a metallic gold accent. Pairs will be available through Nike and select retailers for $145.

Nike Ja 3 “Year of the Horse”
Color: Light Chocolate/Silt Red-Metallic Gold
Style Code: IB6508-200
Release Date: 2026
Price: $145

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