Nike Air Bakin SP ‘Black/White’ Release Date IQ5365-001

A cult-favorite 1990s Nike basketball shoe is set for a big 2026 and beyond following previews of new variations at men’s Paris Fashion Week and more.

Not only is the Nike Air Bakin set to return in its original Varsity Red/White/Varsity Maize/Black colorway along with a reissue of the sneaker’s original Black/Varsity Royal style, but a simple Black/White makeup is also lined up for a holiday ’26 release.

Designated as an Air Bakin SP, the upcoming black-based look is expected to receive limited availability. The new colorway combines black suede with matching synthetic material across the upper, while white Swoosh branding stands out at the tip of the toe, midsole and heel. Curiously, the embroidered Nike Air logos at the tongue and heel opt for a fully blacked-out look rather than the white contrast seen on the rest of the shoe.

But the standard Air Bakin reissue isn’t the only thing fans of the ‘90s model have to look forward to. For the first time ever, the shoe will receive a low-top update which includes a new grid-shaped upper design replacing the linear waves of the original Air Bakin. 

The Air Bakin was released in 1997 alongside other summer-themed shoes like the Air B-Que, Air Grill, Air Melt and Air Scald. Each shoe in the range featured “Air” logos that were designed to look like flames — a detail which ended up altering plans for the Beaverton, Ore.-based sportswear company.

In April of ’97, the Council on American-Islamic Relations argued that the Air branding featured on the shoes looked like the word “Allah” in Arabic script. It asked Nike to apologize to Muslims for its inclusion and recall shoes which included the logo. In turn, Nike updated the branding across the flame-themed line, agreed to undergo sensitivity training and constructed playgrounds at Islamic centers.

”We absolutely regret any misunderstanding, and we regret that this appeared in retail stores,” a Nike spokesperson said at the time.

The new Nike Air Bakin SP Black/White is set to be released this holiday season for $170 with availability from Nike’s Snkrs app and select Nike Sportswear retailers. The style code of the sneaker is IQ5365-001.