First Look at Nike’s “Varsity Royal” Air Bakin Release for Holiday 2026
What to know
ClosetKept AI- Air Bakin retro originally released in 1997 as part of heat-inspired collection with controversial branding.
- Varsity Royal colorway features bold blue striped cage, black base, white Swooshes, grey laces.
- Style code IQ5365-400; releasing Holiday 2026 at $170 via Nike and select retailers.
- Multiple versions in development: OG red/yellow, colorful tweed, low-top, and triple black colorway.
Nike’s Air Bakin retro is almost here. While we anxiously await the official debut of the ’90s model in its OG red style, a new pair in “Varsity Royal” has surfaced, rumored for a holiday season release.
One of Nike’s most anticipated releases this year is the Air Bakin retro. The silhouette first landed in 1997 among a larger collection of heat-inspired models, which included the Air Scald, Air Melt, Air Grill, Air B-Que, and of course, the Air Bakin. The collection was largely recalled, thanks to some controversial branding on all five styles, but the Bakin made brief reappearances in 2007 and again in 2023 through a Supreme collaboration, both featuring standard Nike Air logos on the heels. Nike seems to be all in on the upcoming retro run of the high-top model, with colorful tweed and low-top versions in the works, in addition to the OG red and yellow style. This week, another tame colorway of the basketball classic has surfaced, pitting the models stripes leather shell piece in bold “Varsity Royal” blue. Nearly every other piece of the shoe comes in black, though white Swooshes and Air bags as well as grey laces complete the look. This pair is slated to arrive alongside a stealthy triple black look later this year.
NIKE AIR BAKIN “VARSITY ROYAL” RELEASE INFORMATION
Nike has not made any official announcements for the return of their Air Bakin basketball shoe yet, but several pairs, including this “Varsity Royal” look, are expected during the Holiday 2026 window. This pair adds the bold blue tone to the shoe’s signature striped cage outer layer, with white Nike branding and grey laces set over a black frame. Pairs will be available from both Nike and select retailers for $170.
Nike Air Bakin “Varsity Royal”
Color: Varsity Royal/Black-White
Style Code: IQ5365-400
Release Date: Holiday 2026
Price: $170
Check out the early images below, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more of the latest sneaker news, release dates, and restock alerts.
