Take an On-Foot Look at the Special-Edition Nike Dunk Low "Setsubun"

Back in January, images of the Nike Dunk Low “Setsubun” surfaced on the internet, and now thanks to YankeeKicks we got an on-foot look at the upcoming pair. The shoe was designed in honor of Japan’s annual Setsubun festival — also known as the “bean-throwing” festival — which begins right before the spring season starts in the old Japanese calendar.

For the event, residents would throw dry soybeans out the door or at family and friends wearing a demon “oni” mask as they chant “demons out, good luck in!” The ritual is performed in order to ward off evil or demonic spirits and pave the way for good fortune year-round.

Taking a look at the pair, the base is predominantly shaped with neutral shades of brown to mimic the color of soybeans as a light creamy base covers the toe box and quarters while dark brown overlays seal the forefoot and ankle as a taupe hue outfits the eyestays to the heel. A rich purple hue details the tongue outline and sockliner with a touch of texture for the lateral Swoosh.

An embroidered demon outline is found by the heel to represent Tsuno Daishi — The Great Horned Master. From an interior look, the insoles feature the artwork entitled 金時の節分 (1840) by Utagawa Kuniyoshi which shows the warrior Sakata Kintoki throwing beans at a famous demon-fighter Minamoto Yorimitsu (Raikō). The shoe is finished off with a Sail midsole over a brown translucent outsole.

Look out for the Nike Dunk Low “Setsubun” to release within the year with a possible exclusivity to Japan.

Elsewhere in footwear, Nike revealed a new Air Force 1 Low covered in reflective mini Swooshes.