The 8 Best Lunar Releases You Can’t Afford to Miss

We’ve already seen some massive heat landing on shelves this year, but the real test of your collection starts now. We’ve reached that pivotal moment in the calendar where the first leaks of the Lunar New Year series start to materialise. With 2026 honouring the Year of the Horse, the latest batch of releases swaps tired cliches for genuine craftsmanship.

At The Sole Supplier, we’ve curated eight of the most essential pairs dropping to mark the transition. If you want to secure these at retail price, make sure you hit that 'Notify Me' button and grab The Sole Supplier app to stay ahead of the curve.

Jordan Brand kicks off the 2026 celebrations with a masterclass in "less is more." This Air Jordan 1 Low OG prioritises texture over loud branding, which is a massive win for anyone tired of shoes that scream for attention. Football Grey canvas builds the upper, creating a muted foundation that feels far more premium than standard leather.

Delicate floral embroidery snakes across the toe box, adding a tactile element that feels bespoke rather than mass produced. Cream accents on the laces and lining inject some much needed warmth, while a brown rubber outsole gives the pair that "straight out of the archives" look. Look inside and you'll find an internal message of harmony and luck; a private detail just for the person wearing them.

Release date: 17th February

First debuting in 2002, the Zodiac series carries a lot of weight for collectors. This iteration of the Air Force 1 respects that history by keeping the base clean while dialling up the hardware. The white leather upper features an embossed pattern on the heel that only catches the light at certain angles, maintaining a high end aesthetic.

A miniature red Swoosh sits just above the main logo, providing a sharp contrast that avoids looking cluttered. Nike opts for a metal top eyelet and a bespoke horse shaped lace dubrae to elevate the model from a standard GR to a true collector's piece. The tongue tag introduces a soft gradient that feels like a nostalgic nod to 90s outdoor gear, proving that the AF1 still has plenty of room for experimentation.

Release date: 2nd February

The P-6000 has quietly become the "insider's favourite," and this version doubles down on that cult status. Nike wraps the lower half in a light brown leather, giving the silhouette a grounded, sturdy feel. It’s a smart move that transforms a high tech runner into something much more versatile for the daily rotation.

The real magic happens on the base layer. Instead of the usual mesh, Nike uses a soft grey terry cloth that completely changes the tactile experience. Maroon accents link this pair to the wider collection, but the standout feature is the desert graphic on the tongue. It adds a narrative layer to a shoe that usually focuses purely on performance, making it a must have for the "retro runner" crowd.

Release date: 18th January

Usually, themed drops go for maximum impact, but the Pegasus Premium takes a different path. This release rewards people who actually look at their shoes. The traditional heel pull tab makes way for a wing shaped tag; a clever, literal nod to the Greek myth that gave the shoe its name.

The Anthracite Swooshes feature intricate paisley patterns, while a mismatched palette of pink, sail, and dark grey keeps things visually interesting without feeling chaotic. Inside, the insoles display open landscapes, echoing the freedom associated with the horse. With "soaring free since 1972" etched onto the heel, Nike honours the long standing heritage of the Pegasus line in a way that feels authentic and earned.

Release date: Spring 2026

Anthony Edwards and adidas Basketball are having a massive moment, and the AE 2 version of this release is pure class. Eschewing the typical bright reds, adidas goes for a sophisticated mix of metallic silver, tan, and baby blue. It’s a bold take that suggests performance gear can; and should; look like high fashion.

Silver mesh panels offer reflective hits for those late night runs, while a creamy overlay provides a soft visual anchor. A gold horse emblem sits proudly on the tongue, symbolising strength and ambition. Underneath, the signature sculpted midsole and aggressive traction remain, ensuring that while the shoe looks like a trophy, it still performs like a beast on the hardwood.

Release date: 16th February

The LD-1000 remains a staple for anyone who values classic runner DNA. For this edition, Nike leans into a "Team Crimson" suede that covers the main overlays, paired with terry cloth side panels for a vintage feel. It feels like something pulled directly from a 1970s track meet, but with a modern celebratory twist.

The standout shift here is the Pegasus embroidery, which moves from the heel onto the Swoosh itself. It’s a small change that completely rebalances the visual weight of the shoe. White accents on the midsole keep the look crisp, while the desert artwork on the tongue ties it back to the 2026 theme. This is arguably the easiest pair to wear from the entire collection.

Release date: 28th February

Nike brings the Field General out of the archives with a look that feels refreshingly simple. The upper uses a clean cream leather that acts as a blank canvas for the more detailed elements. It’s the kind of shoe that looks better the more you wear it, gaining character with every scuff.

The personality shines through the brown suede Swoosh, which features loose, multicoloured stitching to suggest motion. Small beaded ornaments hang near the laces, adding a craft inspired touch that separates this pair from standard retro releases. A maroon sockliner provides a deep, rich contrast, ensuring the shoe feels special every time you step into it.

Release date: 28th February

The Kobe 8 Protro is the heavy hitter of the lineup. Originally seen in 2014, this colourway returns with updated technology for 2026. Drenched in Light Crimson with Bright Citron laces, this isn't a shoe for the faint of heart; it’s a high energy tribute to the Mamba himself.

A translucent Vivid Blue outsole provides a striking finish, while a hidden horse icon on the insole pays homage to Kobe’s connection to the zodiac. Because it’s a Protro, the cushioning is lighter and more responsive than the original, making it just as lethal on the court as it is striking on the street. If you missed out twelve years ago, this is your chance to own a genuine piece of basketball history.

Release date: 31st January