The Nike Book 1 “What The” is scheduled for release during the on December 16, 2025, representing the final edition of Devin Booker’s first signature basketball shoe. Retailing at $170 and strictly limited to 1,996 pairs, this release consolidates nearly two years of previous colorways, design elements, and personal storytelling into a single, collector-focused model. The limitation of 1,996 pairs references Booker’s birth year.
Sneaker: Nike Book 1 “What The”
Color: Multi-Color
Release Date: December 16, 2025
Style Code: IH1335-100
Price: $170
Where to Buy: Nike
More Info: Nike Release Dates
The “What The” Nike Book 1 is the final chapter of Devin Booker’s first signature shoe before the Nike Book 2 drops. This edition stays true to the “What The” concept, blending colors, patterns, and design elements from previous Book 1 releases into a single pair. Each panel tells a story from textures borrowed from past drops to graphics inspired by Booker’s journey. For fans following the Book 1 line, this release captures the evolution in one highly detailed sneaker. The shoes will be available on December 16, 2026, with a retail price of $170.
The “What The” Series
The “What The” series originated with the 2007 SB Dunk Low “What The”, a model that merged elements from several past releases into a single pair. The idea translated to basketball shoes over time, allowing signature athletes’ narratives to be communicated through design. In Devin Booker’s case, the “What The” Book 1 is both a retrospective of the line and a culmination of creative experimentation within the first-generation signature shoe.
The concept operates on asymmetry and layered references. Each shoe tells a distinct story while forming a unified pair. This allows Devin Booker to merge previous colorways, influences, and regional ties into a product that feels personal.
Left Shoe Breakdown
The left shoe incorporates multiple design cues from previous Book 1 releases and broader Nike Basketball heritage. The safari print on the mudguard recalls classic Nike aesthetic elements, while Sedona-inspired graphics reference Arizona, where Booker developed as a player. Reptile-textured overlays and Chevy Gold suede on the toe box add contrast and nod to automotive culture, which has historically influenced sneaker design in urban markets.
Additional details include cross-stitching motifs inspired by Halloween editions, and laces borrowed from the 1995 NBA All-Star edition, connecting Booker’s signature line to basketball history. The phrase “No Sir” embroidered in Moss Point font further personalizes the shoe, reflecting Booker’s roots and community identity.
Each of these design elements is purposeful. The varied materials provide structural support and maintain durability during wear, while the visual motifs serve as storytelling devices, linking the shoe to both Booker’s journey and Nike’s broader legacy. The left shoe demonstrates how asymmetry can be meaningful rather than arbitrary, creating a layer of depth that extends beyond aesthetics.
Right Shoe Breakdown
The right shoe differentiates itself with its own set of visual references. It features Desert Camo tongues, echoing Booker’s Arizona heritage, and snakeskin overlays to introduce texture. The panels are drawn from the “Blue Blood” colorway, creating a connection to previous Book 1 releases. A rainbow-accented collar adds a modern, eye-catching touch, while Flagstaff map prints tie the design directly to Booker’s local geography.
A “1 of 1996” tag on the heel reinforces the exclusivity of the release. This asymmetrical pairing aligns with the “What The” philosophy: each shoe tells its own story, but together they form a cohesive expression of Booker’s career and personality. The combination of historical references, geographic details, and playful graphic elements makes the pair a visually dynamic collector’s item.
Materials and Technology
Despite its highly stylized appearance, the Nike Book 1 “What The” retains the performance technologies of the Book 1 line. The upper combines premium leather, synthetic overlays, and textured suede, balancing durability with flexibility. These materials ensure the shoes maintain structural integrity while accommodating the complex design elements.
The Phylon midsole provides lightweight cushioning, while the Zoom Air unit in the forefoot delivers responsive energy return and impact protection. These features are critical for basketball performance, allowing athletes to make quick cuts, jumps, and lateral movements without sacrificing comfort. The outsole employs multidirectional traction with flex grooves, providing grip on multiple surfaces while supporting natural foot movement.
More Book 1 Releases
Release Date, Availability, and Price
The Nike Book 1 “What The” is set to release on December 16, 2025. This will be a limited release, with only 1,996 pairs available, a number chosen to honor Booker’s birth year. Most likely, the shoes will be available exclusively through Nike.com, making it the primary way to secure a pair. Due to the extremely limited quantity, other retailers are unlikely to carry this edition, so anyone interested should plan ahead and monitor Nike’s official release information closely. The retail price is $170. Below, you can check out more photos for a closer look.
Bottom Line
I’ve always been a fan of the “What The” releases, and the Book 1 “What The” fits perfectly into the line of sneakers I’ve come to expect from this concept. The combination of previous colorways, textures, and unique design elements captures the essence of Devin Booker’s first signature shoe while keeping the playful, collage-like approach that defines “What The” editions.
The pricing at $170 is slightly higher than typical Book 1 releases, but considering the design complexity and collectible nature, it’s understandable. What I see as the main drawback is the extreme limitation: only 1,996 pairs. Since this is his final Book 1 colorway before the Book 2, it would make sense for Nike to release more pairs, giving fans and collectors a better chance to purchase the shoe.
I can anticipate that it won’t be a full general release, but realistically, this number feels restrictive. Ideally, a slightly larger run would balance the collectible appeal while allowing more people to experience the culmination of the Book 1 line. Overall, I respect the design and the story behind the sneaker, but I wish it were more accessible for the broader fanbase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the heel features a “1 of 1996” tag, indicating its limited edition status. This ties to Devin Booker’s birth year and emphasizes its collectible nature.
It is a limited release, not a full general release. With only 1,996 pairs, the shoes will likely sell through Nike.com via a draw or first-come, first-served queue rather than wide in-store availability. It could also be a random shock drop.
While it doesn’t commemorate a single game, the shoe acts as a retrospective of the Book 1 line, referencing graphics, textures, and elements from previous colorways across nearly two years, culminating in this final edition.
Images: sunsworldwide_