Jordan Brand has a weird relationship with the lunar calendar. Sometimes they go all out with global general releases that sit on shelves, and other times they drop hyper-limited region exclusives that leave the rest of the world refreshing resale sites at 3:00 AM.
The jordan 11 chinese new year saga has officially taken its most interesting turn yet. For years, collectors begged for the "Eleven" to get the full Zodiac treatment. We finally got it, but it wasn't exactly what people expected.
Most people think of the Jordan 11 as a patent leather masterpiece. It's the "tuxedo for your feet." But for the 2025 "Year of the Snake" (YOTS) release, Nike decided to shed that skin—literally.
The "Year of the Snake" 11 Low: No Patent Leather?
If you're a purist, this one might’ve hurt. Honestly, the Air Jordan 11 Low "Chinese New Year" for 2025, which hit most markets around January 23, 2025, ditched the shiny patent leather entirely.
In its place? A textured, "Football Grey" snakeskin mudguard.
It makes sense thematically, sure. A snake doesn't have plastic-coated leather; it has scales. The upper is a crisp "Summit White" tumbled leather, and the whole thing sits on a sail-tinted midsole that gives it a slightly aged, vintage vibe. It’s a departure from the "Year of the Dragon" AJ1 Lows from 2024 which used loud greens and reds. This one is muted. It’s sophisticated.
Basically, it's a "snakeskin" 11 that doesn't scream for attention from across the room.
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The December "China" Exclusive: A Different Beast
Wait, it gets more complicated. Just when everyone thought the Low was the main event, Jordan Brand dropped the Air Jordan 11 "China" on December 1, 2025. This was a high-top, and it was a completely different vibe than the YOTS Low.
This pair was a masterpiece of "Gym Red" and "Metallic Gold."
It didn't just use different colors; it used different art. We’re talking intricate embroidery and seed bead accents forming floral patterns across the heel and collar. This wasn't a mass-produced sneaker meant for every Foot Locker in America. It was a love letter to Chinese craftsmanship, complete with Hanzi lettering on the tongue that translates to "Air Jordan 11" and "extremely skillful."
If you're looking for the most "premium" version of the jordan 11 chinese new year concept, this December exclusive is the winner, hands down. But good luck finding a pair for under $500 now.
Why the Jordan 11 Matters for CNY
You’ve got to understand the timing. The Air Jordan 11 turned 30 in 2025.
Tinker Hatfield designed this shoe in 1995 while Michael Jordan was still playing baseball. He gambled on MJ coming back. He gambled on the world being ready for a basketball shoe that looked like a dress shoe.
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Linking the 30th anniversary of the silhouette with the Lunar New Year wasn't just a marketing gimmick—it was a way to cement the shoe's status in a market that basically keeps the sneaker industry alive. China's sneaker culture is massive. By creating these specific "China" exclusives, Jordan Brand is acknowledging that the future of the 11 might not just be "Breds" and "Concords."
Common Misconceptions About These Drops
I see a lot of people getting confused on Reddit and Discord about which shoe is which. Let's clear some stuff up.
First, the "Year of the Snake" 11 Low is not the same as the "Navy Snakeskin" or "Pink Snakeskin" retros we've seen in the past. The 2025 YOTS has a much more "bone" and "grey" palette.
Second, the price. The retail was $190 for the Lows and significantly more for the "China" high-top exclusive. If you see someone selling a "Year of the Snake" 11 for $100 brand new, they’re fakes. Period. The quality on the authentic pairs—especially the leather—is significantly higher than your average Jordan 1.
How to Style the 11 CNY Without Looking Like a Tourist
Look, red and gold or grey snakeskin can be a lot.
If you're rocking the YOTS Lows, keep the rest of the fit neutral. Think black joggers or light-wash denim. Let the texture of the snakeskin do the heavy lifting.
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If you were lucky enough to snag the "Gym Red" high-tops, you've basically got a statement piece on your feet. Honestly, I'd pair those with something dark and tailored. You don't want to compete with the gold embroidery.
What to Look for Moving Forward
As we head deeper into 2026, the resale prices for these are starting to stabilize. The "Year of the Snake" Lows actually sat on shelves in some regions because people weren't sure about the lack of patent leather.
That’s your opportunity.
When a Jordan 11 "sits," it usually means it’ll be a cult classic in three years. People will look back and say, "Man, I should've grabbed those when they were at the outlet."
Your Action Plan:
- Check Local Outlets: Seriously. The YOTS 11 Low has been spotted at Nike outlets for 15-20% off retail in some "brick and mortar" locations.
- Verify the Tongue: On the "China" high-top exclusive, the Hanzi lettering is the easiest way to spot a fake. The embroidery should be tight, not fuzzy.
- Monitor the 2026 "Year of the Horse" Rumors: Word is Jordan Brand might pivot back to the AJ1 or AJ4 for the next CNY, which could make the 2025 11s even more unique as a one-off anniversary event.
The jordan 11 chinese new year collection proved that the brand is willing to take risks with its most sacred silhouette. Whether you love the snakeskin or miss the patent leather, you can't deny they're doing something new. Grab your pair now before the 30th-anniversary hype fully inflates the market.