Key Details
Price: $170Style Code: IQ5365-600
- Revives Eric Avar's 1997 design with wave like Varsity Red overlays over a breathable black mesh base
- Keeps the original Max Air heel unit, encapsulated forefoot Air, metallic silver ankle Swooshes, and bright yellow round laces
- Made famous by Tim Hardaway's Miami Heat run and briefly worn by Dennis Rodman in the late 1990s
The Nike Air Bakin OG “Varsity Red” released September 28, 2026 for $170 via Nike SNKRS and select retailers. Nike confirmed the release through its official SNKRS Verified series.
If you miss the golden era of 90s basketball sneakers, get ready to fire up your rotation. One of the most distinct, aggressive, and controversial silhouettes from the Nike vault is officially making a comeback.
Originally made famous by Tim Hardaway during his crossover heavy days with the Miami Heat (and briefly worn by Dennis Rodman), the Air Bakin is a cult classic that screams 90s attitude. After initial reports pointed to a Spring release, the shoe ultimately dropped later in the year.
The 2026 iteration stays true to the Eric Avar designed original that first hit shelves in 1997. The shoe is defined by its wave like upper, featuring Varsity Red overlays that look like rising flames, sitting atop a breathable black mesh base.
| Feature | Specifications |
| Colorway | Varsity Red / Black / Metallic Silver / Orange Blaze |
| Laces | Signature bright yellow round laces for high contrast pop |
| Cushioning | Visible Max Air heel unit with encapsulated forefoot Air |
| Branding | Metallic Silver ankle Swoosh; Mini Yellow Swoosh on the midsole |
| Upper Materials | Synthetic overlays with breathable mesh underlays |
The “Allah” Logo Controversy: A Piece of Sneaker History
You can’t talk about the Air Bakin without mentioning why it’s one of the most controversial sneakers in Nike history.
When the shoe originally released in 1997, the heel featured a flaming “Air” logo. However, the stylized script bore a striking resemblance to the word “Allah” in Arabic. This sparked a massive backlash from the Muslim community, leading Nike to issue a recall of thousands of pairs.
Subsequent releases, and likely this 2026 version, replaced the controversial script with the standard “Nike Air” branding. For sneaker historians and collectors, this backstory makes the Bakin more than just a shoe; it’s a lesson in design and cultural awareness.
NIKE AIR BAKIN OG 2026 RELEASE INFO
The Nike Air Bakin “Varsity Red” released September 28, 2026 through select retailers and online on SNKRS. Available in men’s sizing for a retail price tag of $170 USD. Continue reading below for info on where to buy.
Nike Air Bakin OG
Color: Varsity Red/Varsity Maize Black White
Style Code: IQ5365-600
Release Date: September 28, 2026 (SNKRS)
Price: $170
Status: Released
Updated September 29, 2026: It released September 28, 2026 for $170 through Nike SNKRS and select retailers.
WHERE TO BUY
The return of the Air Bakin joins a massive lineup of 90s retros Nike has been pushing, appealing to both the OGs who watched Hardaway break ankles and the new generation who love bold, retro aesthetics. Pairs will be available on Nike.com and select retailers like Foot Locker, Finish Line, and boutique shops.
Stay tuned to JustFreshKicks for official release dates and pricing updates.
