Back in 2011, Nike unveiled one of their coolest Chinese New Year Air Force 1 designs to date- the “Year of the Rabbit”. Inspired by the packaging of the popular Shanghai candy, White Rabbit, this design features the iconic white, blue, and red colour scheme. And while this sneaker definitely owns a prime spot in our sneaker dreams, the Air Force 1 “White Rabbit” customs by Chase Shiel (@chaseshiel) and Marc dela Rea (@kixplore) offer an even more whimsical take on the delectable candy.
A Closer Look at the Air Force 1 “White Rabbit” Design
If Nike ever chooses to revisit the cherished 2011 design, teaming up with these creative sneaker artists would be an inspired decision.
Yet while both designs celebrate the same sweet treat, their aesthetics couldn’t be more different. This custom pair features creamy off-white tumbled leather with a plastic coating reminiscent of the White Rabbit candy and its edible paper covering. Pops of red adorn the tongues and lace dubrae, evoking the candy’s outer packaging. Additionally, a double-layered red and blue leather Swoosh and a charming white rabbit patch stitched onto the hindfoot panels further amplify the theme.
But what really takes the design from simple to extraordinary is the white fur overlays. This detail may not directly match the shoe’s overarching candy inspiration, but it does tie into the rabbit theme and add an unmissable textural element to the design.
Finally, the pair is completed by a white midsole and gum rubber outsole, featuring an extra touch of red on the “Air” branding that decorates the heel.
Is the Sneaker Available for Purchase?
Although this pair isn’t immediately available for purchase on Chase’s official website, you can contact the sneaker artist for a similar custom design using his online order form. Prices on his site vary from $570 USD to $770 USD but can increase depending on the design’s materials, complexity, and detail.
While you consider commissioning your own custom design, take some time to get inspired by other customs on our site. From a fresh take on the “Paris” SB Dunks released in 2002 to custom versions of the “Bison” SB Dunk Lows from 2003, and even an Air Jordan 3 reimagining of Travis Scott’s Friends and Family “Purple Suede” kicks from 2019, there’s plenty of creativity to discover and draw inspiration from. And don’t forget to follow us here at Sneaker Fortress for more custom and concept kicks.
Do you prefer the original Air Force 1 “Year of the Rabbit” design, or is this custom “White Rabbit” pair your new favourite? Share your thoughts about these pairs in the comments below!
