Nike Air Bakin OG (2026)

Nike Air Bakin OG "Varsity Red" (2026)

The Nike Air Bakin OG makes its long-awaited return in the iconic Varsity Red/White/Varsity Maize/Black colorway — its first retro appearance in this specific makeup since 2014. Originally debuting in 1997 as a late-'90s basketball performance shoe, the Air Bakin earned a cult following on and off the court, becoming closely associated with players like Tim Hardaway and developing a particularly devoted following in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. regions.

The silhouette is defined by its high-cut collar, a black toe that wraps around the base of the side panel into the heel, and a wavy red upper panel that gives the shoe its signature heat-rising visual effect. Varsity Maize yellow laces and clear Swoosh branding on the ankle and midfoot midsole round out the bold, high-contrast palette. The heel tab carries a traditional Nike Air logo rather than the original script found on first-run pairs. The Air Bakin OG also carries notable cultural history — a 1997 controversy over the heel logo design made it one of the more talked-about Nike silhouettes of that era, adding to its collector mystique.

Details

• Style Code: IQ5365-600
• Colorway: Varsity Red/White/Varsity Maize/Black
• Release Date: September 29, 2026
• High-top basketball silhouette, originally released 1997
• Wavy red leather upper with black toe wrap and mudguard
• Varsity Maize yellow laces; clear Swoosh on ankle and midsole
• Exposed heel Air cushioning unit
• Traditional Nike Air heel tab logo (not OG script)