Nike Air Bakin “Varsity Royal” Returns November 2026

The Nike Air Bakin “Varsity Royal” will return on November 12, 2026. Originally released in 1997, the shoes last debuted in 2008. The retail price is $170.

Nike Basketball will revive the Air Bakin in 2026. Recently, we reported that the “Varsity Red” Air Bakin pair will return to retailers. However, that isn’t the only colorway that will return. Landing at retailers during the Holiday season is the “Varsity Royal” Nike Air Bakin, a colorway we haven’t seen re-released in almost 20 years.

The model was originally released in 1997, and the “Varsity Royal” is an original colorway. Since then, we only seen one other release, which was the first and only retro in 2008.

The Nike Air Bakin is linked to Tim Hardaway, who wore the Red pair. Mitch Richmond and Kevin Garnett also wore the silhouette and appeared in separate Nike commercials. However, most people tend to link the shoes to Hardaway.

Controversy was linked to the model due to the “AIR” on the heels. It resembled the Arabic word “Allah.” Following backlash from the Islamic community, Nike would recall the shoe and re-release it with a standard Nike Air logo.

The 2026 “Varsity Royal” Nike Air Bakin will feature Blue on the upper with slits down the panels. The slits expose Black mesh, while Silver appears on the ankle, and Black nubuck wraps the shoes. More than likely, Nike Air branding will land on the heels in Blue, while White laces, an exposed Air unit, and a Black rubber outsole complete the design.

More Nike Air Bakin Releases

Nike Air Bakin Varsity Royal 2026 Release Date

The Nike Air Bakin “Varsity Royal” will be released on November 12th, 2026, at select Nike Sportswear retailers, including Nike.com. The retail price is $170. Regarding the time frame, the shoes will launch between October and December 2026. Once we have more info, we will update you. For now, check out more photos of the 2008 launch below.

Bottom Line

It’s about time that Nike brings back the Air Bakin. I love the Red pair, but it’s been so long since we saw a release of the Blue, which, at the time of writing, I am more excited for. I do hope they come with the original Air branding on the heels, but it’s unlikely. Hopefully, when the shoes drop, there are enough pairs to go around.

Images via size?

Images via rache1_nguyen.

The information is exclusive, in collaboration with zsneakerheadz. Photos via liukangscloset.

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