FOLLOW US
Newsletter
Sneaker Fortress
  • Sneaker News
  • Popular Releases
  • Top 10
Step Into the Future of Sneaker Culture.
Nike Shop
Sneaker Fortress
No Result
View All Result
  • Nike Shop
  • Top 10
  • Air Jordans
  • Nike
  • adidas
  • ASICS
  • Converse
  • Crocs
  • New Balance
  • PUMA
  • Reebok
  • Vans
Home Air Jordans Air Jordan 1

The Air Jordan 1 High “Xuanwu” Could Be The Most Beautiful Sneaker of 2025

Jordan Brand's exclusive "Xuanwu"-inspired Air Jordan 1 High is undoubtedly the "Year of the Snake" release that sneakerheads wanted.

Caryn Ganess by Caryn Ganess
January 17, 2025
in Air Jordan 1
Air Jordan 1 High Xuanwu
This post includes references to products from some of our advertisers. We may earn compensation when you click on links to these products. The opinions and information provided on this site are the original editorial content of Sneaker Fortress.

While Jordan Brand’s Year of the Snake releases have been a little underwhelming, to say the least, the label is set to release a special “Xuanwu” inspired Air Jordan 1 High design that will almost make up for their lacklustre offerings.

The upcoming pair draws inspiration from the Chinese mythological creature Xuanwu, known for its combination of a turtle and snake, which is precisely what you will see reflected in the shoe’s details. 

A Closer Look At The Sneaker

To kick things off, the shoe’s black collar and white leather base are the perfect backdrop for the detailed scale and shell patterns that run along the shoe.

The tortoise component of the Chinese deity is portrayed through the brown and amber tortoiseshell embellishments on the Swoosh, Wings logo, heel, and outsole. The sleek, black and gold snakeskin leather at the toe overlays, eyestays, and ankle flap then emphasises the serpent motif. Finally, a simple off-white midsole completes the ensemble, and a pair of leather rope laces gives the high-end shoe an added luxury.

These shoes are definitely more detailed and luxe than the rest of Jordan Brands’ “Year of the Snake” offerings, but they also come with a premium price tag to match. 

Air Jordan 1 “Xuanwu” Release Details

Expect these premium sneakers to retail for $355 USD come January 29, 2025. Unfortunately, the sneaker will be available in very limited quantities, with only 3,399 pairs of the ‘Xuanwu’ AJ1s scheduled to be offered as an Asian exclusive release.

Yet there are plenty of other “Year of the Snake” designs for the rest of the world to “enjoy”. From snake skin-decorated AJ11s to Kobe 5s with gold snake graphics, there will soon be various options to snatch up for those celebrating the Chinese New Year. Until then, be sure to follow us here at Sneaker Fortress for more sneaker drops and news.

Air Jordan 1 High "Xuanwu"
Image Credit: Jordan Brand
Air Jordan 1 High "Xuanwu"
Image Credit: Jordan Brand
Air Jordan 1 High "Xuanwu"
Image Credit: Jordan Brand
Air Jordan 1 High "Xuanwu"
Image Credit: Jordan Brand
Air Jordan 1 High "Xuanwu"
Image Credit: Jordan Brand
Air Jordan 1 High "Xuanwu"
Image Credit: Jordan Brand
Air Jordan 1 High "Xuanwu"
Image Credit: Jordan Brand
Air Jordan 1 High "Xuanwu"
Image Credit: Jordan Brand
Air Jordan 1 High "Xuanwu"
Image Credit: Jordan Brand
Air Jordan 1 High "Xuanwu"
Image Credit: Jordan Brand
Air Jordan 1 High "Xuanwu"
Image Credit: Jordan Brand
Air Jordan 1 High "Xuanwu"
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

Is the Air Jordan 1 ‘Xuanwu’ the ‘Year of the Snake’ release you’ve been waiting for, or do you have other sneakers in mind for your Chinese New Year celebrations? We’d love to hear your thoughts and preferences. Share with us in the comments section below!

Images: @brkicks

Tags: Air JordanAir Jordan 1FeaturedSneaker News
ShareTweetSend
Our favourites. Available now at Nike.com

Caryn Ganess

Caryn Ganess

Caryn Ganess is a South African writer and pop culture commentator with a razor-sharp eye for sneaker trends and a deep-rooted passion for storytelling. Originally from the windy shores of Port Elizabeth, Caryn graduated cum laude with an Honours Degree in Psychology — a background that now fuels her captivating explorations of human behavior, fashion, and fandom. Whether she’s unpacking the cultural legacy of the Nike Cortez, breaking down the enduring cool of the Air Jordan 11, or analysing the psychological depth of your favourite movie villain, Caryn blends academic insight with real-world relevance. Her writing doesn’t just cover sneakers, film, gaming, and comics — it dissects them with precision, flair, and a personal touch that resonates with readers. An accomplished contributor to Fortress of Solitude, Sneaker Fortress, 23 Jumpman Street and Lifestyle Fortress, Caryn has become known for her ability to connect the dots between psychology and pop culture. As a full-time mother, she brings an added layer of empathy and lived experience to her work, offering a refreshing perspective on the emotional power of entertainment and storytelling. From retro kicks to psychological thrillers, Caryn tells the stories behind what we wear and what we watch — one article (and one sole) at a time.

Related Posts

These Sylvester And Tweety Sneakers Are Beautiful
Air Jordan 1

‘I Tawt I Taw A’ Sylvester and Tweety Air Jordan 1 High

November 8, 2024
Louis Vuitton Air Jordan 1 Low Monogram Caramel Crisp
Air Jordan 1

Louis Vuitton x Air Jordan 1 Low Gets “Monogram Caramel Crisp” Look

October 4, 2024
Air Jordan 1 Low Year of the Snake
Air Jordan 1

This Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Year of the Snake’ is Straight-Up Venomous

February 20, 2025
The SoleSavy 1 V2 “Disappearing City” Sneakers
Air Jordan 1

Air Jordan 1 SoleSavy 1 V2 “Disappearing City” Sneakers Are Cool

April 29, 2024
House of Heat Union x Air Jordan 1 "Black/White-Shadow"
Air Jordan 1

The Union x Air Jordan 1 “Black/White-Shadow” House of Heat Concept Is Great

February 29, 2024
Level Up With The Air Jordan 1 Mid 22Tron22 Sneaker scaled
Air Jordan 1

Level Up With The Air Jordan 1 Mid “Tron” Sneaker

September 19, 2023
Air Jordan 1 Low OG "Rust Pink"
Air Jordan 1

Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Rust Pink” Could Be Another Smash Hit

April 9, 2025
Quiet-Luxury-Air-Jordan-1-Low-Pack
Air Jordan 1

The “Quiet Luxury” Air Jordan 1 Low Pack Is Simple & Elegant 

July 5, 2024
Off-White x Air Jordan 1 "Canary Yellow"
Air Jordan 1

Off-White x Air Jordan 1 “Canary Yellow” Is Another Great 2025 Release

August 12, 2024
joker jordan 1
Air Jordan 1

Joker “Clown Prince of Crime” Jordan 1 Celebrates Heath Ledger

May 6, 2024
Load More

Trending

The Top 15 Most Comfortable Sneakers In 2024

2024’s Top 15 Most Comfortable Sneakers You Need to Try

December 23, 2024
Reebok Universal Monsters Collection

Reebok x Universal Monsters Collection Arrives For Halloween

October 7, 2024
Top 10 Best Sneakers Worn By Drake

The Top 10 Best Sneakers Worn By Drake

February 24, 2025
Sneaker Fortress

© 2025 Sneaker Fortress, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

Company

  • Sign Up For Our Newsletter
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Work With Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Ethics Policy
  • Publishing Principles
  • Ownership
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy & Site Disclaimer
  • Sitemap
  • Fortress Entertainment Sites:
  • Fortress of Solitude
  • Sneaker Fortress
  • 23 Jumpman Street

Connect

Nike Shop
  • adidas
  • Converse
  • Air Jordans
    • Air Jordan 1
    • Air Jordan 2
    • Air Jordan 3
    • Air Jordan 4
    • Air Jordan 5
    • Air Jordan 6
    • Air Jordan 7
    • Air Jordan 8
    • Air Jordan 9
    • Air Jordan 10
    • Air Jordan 11
    • Air Jordan 12
    • Air Jordan 13
    • Air Jordan 14
    • Air Jordan 15
    • Air Jordan 16
    • Air Jordan 17
    • Air Jordan 18
    • Air Jordan 19
    • Air Jordan 21
    • Air Jordan 23
    • Air Jordan 39
  • New Balance
  • Nike
    • Nike Air Force 1
    • Nike Air Max
    • Nike Dunk
    • Nike Foamposite
    • Nike Kobe
  • PUMA
  • Reebok
  • Vans
  • Yeezy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Web Stories

© 2025 Sneaker Fortress, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.