Aaron Hope 
It would seem there’s no way next year’s Chinese Zodiacal sign can live up to this one that’s soon to wrap up. 2013 was a magical confluence of forces where an animal pattern trend that had been bubbling for a while crossed paths with the one of those dozen animals that’s best suited to footwear: the snake. The Year of the Horse could see its fair share of pony fur but the more interesting part will be how brands incorporate the YOTH theme without exploiting the literal. The Puma Suede Year of the Horse pack is a good example, four pairs split between the high and low versions opting for rich brown suede and leather uppers instead of an overtly equine construction. Check out the full set below and look for these at select retailers on January 1st, a full month ahead of Chinese New Year.
