# Zodiac Serpentine Sneakers The AF1 Year of the Snake are an Ancient Chinese-Inspired Kicks By Nikki Taylor | Published 2012-12-29 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/af1-year-of-the-snake References: [freshnessmag](http://www.freshnessmag.com/2012/12/28/nike-air-force-1-af1-year-of-the-snake-custom-by-zhijun-wang/) & [zjdsn](http://zjdsn.com/) The Chinese zodiac designated 2013 as the year of the snake therefore, Zhijun Wang created the AF1 Year of the Snake custom kicks as a commemorative piece. Wang describes that his design is inspired by the "Chinese Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches Calendar" and the "Gui Si." According to Wang "Gui belongs to water in The Five Elements." Therefore, the sneakers incorporate a laser printed design that depict flowing waves. The lines of the water are etched in the sneakers like a curving crawling serpent. The AF1 Year of the Snake shoes also include the Chinese characters for snake on the outside of the heel. There are also Chinese characters for two and zero and then for one and three on either side of the tongue. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Chinese Zodiac-inspired Sneakers:** Opportunity for brands to create limited edition sneakers inspired by different animals of the Chinese zodiac. - **Cultural Customization in Fashion:** Potential for designers to incorporate cultural elements and symbols into their fashion designs, appealing to consumers looking for unique and meaningful products. - **Laser Printed Designs on Shoes:** Innovative printing techniques on footwear can be used to create intricate and detailed designs, adding a new level of artistry to sneakers. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion:** Fashion brands can explore collaborations with artists and designers to create culturally-inspired and visually appealing sneakers. - **Customization:** Companies specializing in customization can offer personalized sneakers that incorporate traditional symbols and designs. - **Printing:** Print technology companies can develop advanced techniques for laser printing on shoes, opening up possibilities for unique and intricate designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Lunar New Year-Inspired Sneaker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-dunk-low-2.md) - [Celebratory Dragon-Inspired Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/year-of-the-dragon1.md) - [Scale Texture Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/year-of-the-snake.md) - [Zodiac Snakeskin-Finished Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dr-martens-year-of-the-snake.md) - [Lunar New Year Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/year-of-the-snake-sneakers.md) - [Minimalist New Year Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/on-year-of-the-snake-cloudtilt.md) - [Lunar Festivity-Inspired Embroidered Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-force-1-low-6.md) - [Illustrative Custom Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-new-year-sneaker.md) - [Lunar New Year Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibram-fivefingers-kso-evo-year-of-the-snake.md)