12 Sneakers of the Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac, or Sheng Xiao (生肖) (meaning ‘born resembling’), were developed around animal signs to predict a newborn’s personality traits and destiny. Based on the Chinese calendar, the year a person is born determines their animal sign; but according to tradition, it reveals more than simply your age — it’s a window into your personality, career, love prospects, and future fortune. 

Each of the 12 animals owns certain characteristics that a person born under the sign would be believed to eventually demonstrate. Today, Capital helps you align the signs and elements for the Year of the Water Tiger by navigating the wide world of sneakers and giving ideas of the best sneakers to wear according to your (or your loved one’s) zodiac. 

Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

The first sign in the Chinese zodiac is the ever-charming Rat. Year of the Rat babies are proud of their ability to talk to just about anyone on just about anything under the sun. Smart, persuasive and extremely quick-witted, the likable Rat can strike up a conversation anywhere and with anyone, at any given time. A head-turning sneaker like the KD 14 ‘Aunt Pearl’ will definitely give them something to talk about, whether it’s the sneaker’s unique design or the deeper meaning behind its colorway. 

Ox (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

Those born in the Year of the Ox are all about balance. Stability characterizes the Ox’s personality, brought about by their patient, kind and conservative nature. Although stubborn, Ox babies are ever-reliable, and it is something they seek in others as well. The PUMA Suede is the sneaker of their dreams. Rich in heritage, this sneaker hit the scene in 1968 and has been worn by the icons of every generation. Perfect for the dependable Ox, this classic stayed true to its origins and will continue to do so for all time. 

Tiger (1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

2022 is the Year of the Tiger, a sign that is tagged to authoritarians, perfectionists and intense thinkers. Tigers may be courageous but they are also emotional and tend to live in their thoughts. People born under this sign would definitely enjoy a reliable running sneaker like the adidas Ultraboost 22 to support them as they go on long or short runs to clear their minds. Let them have the ‘best running shoe ever’ on-feet as they go out for that much-needed endorphin rush that will help organize their musings and ideas. 

Rabbit (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)

Everyone’s got a friend born in the year of the Rabbit, and that comes as no surprise as people under this sign are some of the friendliest, most sincere and compassionate beings you will ever meet. Given their predisposition for socialization, the Rabbits will have a grand time rocking the Nike Blazer Low – a silhouette that is friendly to every body type and style, just like a true babe of the Rabbit year. 

Dragon (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)

Dragons have a penchant for wanting anything and everything that’s in the superlative. It is just in their nature to be attracted to things that exude energy and luxury. That is why people born in the Year of the Dragon will definitely enjoy the LeBron XIX. Apart from its subtle nod to fearlessness with the image of a lion featured on the tongue, LeBron’s latest signature is magnificence in sneaker form, something that will appeal to every charismatic Dragon. 

Snake (1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)

There are many ways to describe a person born in the Year of the Snake, depending on who you are asking, but one thing all will agree on is that Snakes are mysterious. Ask a Snake-born what they think and you are bound to get a variety of signals that could mean one thing or another. For someone as charming yet enigmatic as those hatched during these years, the adidas Stan Smith is the perfect option. To witness them wearing the most ubiquitous pair of sneakers in the world makes one think of more questions than answers, a character that is peak Snake. 

Horse (1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

Impatient but warm-hearted and always positive, people born under the Horse sign are easily bored by routines and are always looking for new experiences. A sneaker like the RS-2K HF The Hundreds is right up their alley, as this pair features an energetic partnership between the world-famous sneaker brand PUMA, and a homegrown streetwear label The Hundreds, who prioritize “People Over Product” – a perfect shoe in a futuristic aesthetic, birthed by two dynamic brands. 

Sheep (1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

People that just love to chill have got to be born in the Year of the Sheep. You’ll often find these mild-mannered, peace-loving beings slipping back into favorite pieces from their wardrobe that bring out their best selves, injecting confidence into their usually shy demeanor. These homebodies will definitely enjoy footwear such as these Jordan Break Slides that provide comfort and style all in one and which they can wear all day, every day. 

Monkey (1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

These fun-loving individuals are always on the lookout for where the action is. Energetic and active, everyone born a Monkey loves a good adventure. This passion for discovery and unrivaled fearlessness leads them to silhouettes like the recently-released Nike Blazer Low ‘77 Jumbo – a new take on a fan-favorite that’s sure to be adopted first by those that relish being different and standing out just like anyone born in the Year of the Monkey. 

Rooster (1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)

Roosters are best known for being the independent, responsible ones. Those born under this sign are leaders by nature, whether it be at home or in the school/workplace. Due to their propensity for hard work and steering others, people born a Rooster definitely need a shoe that’s been leading the sneaker industry for as long as anyone can remember. Enter the adidas Superstar – the iconic sneaker that has been on the feet of game changers and leaders since anyone will admit to remembering (we’re betting they were born during the Year of the Rooster, too).

Dog (1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

Loyal, loving and honest, Dogs might always be faithful but are never boring. Someone as prudent and devoted needs a shoe that’s both enduring yet dynamic such as the Nike Air Force 1. The iconic silhouette will undeniably give those born in the Year of the Dog the comfort of being in something familiar while indulging his/her sense of novelty with fresh takes such as this ‘Athletic Club’ colorway.

Pig (1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)

Last, but definitely not least, the Year of the Pig. People born under this sign are loving, tolerant and are nurturers by heart. Boars thrive when everyone around them is in good spirits. Since they are honest and appreciative of luxurious things, Year of the Pig babies will definitely enjoy the Nike Air Huarache. This sneaker will hug their feet and keep them comfortable and content, sharing with them that same feeling they give everybody else in their midst.

Visit Capital today to discover an impressive product offering, and get a gift for yourself or your loved one this Chinese New Year. The “favorite sneaker store” among many, Capital boasts unparalleled customer service put forward by its staff members. 

For any special request, Capital’s ODPT (On Demand Product Transfer) solution allows for any customer to get their preferred sneakers where they want it, when they want it. Should you fancy a pair of shoes that is available at www.capital.com.ph or other Capital stores that are not offered at the store close to your location, this multi-brand boutique can arrange a branch transfer that is free, easy, and convenient. Gift cards are also available in stores for those who are not quite sure what sneaker their recipients would love. 

For those who have no time to stop by the stores, shop for shoes and apparel online 24/7 at www.capital.com.ph or enjoy assisted shopping with our Sneaker Specialists on Demand simply by dropping a message on Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/CapitalPhils/), Instagram (@capital_ph) or by joining our Viber community through the following link: (https://shorturl.at/gxXY3).