The Nike Air Bakin Varsity Blue Retro Finally Drops in Two Weeks

Published October 30, 2026 at 9:00 PM

Quick Facts

Starting with a black nubuck base, the high-top retro basketball shoe adds rippling blue leather to the side panels, with mesh filling in the missing middles for breathability
Stretching up the ankle like the swirl of an electric stove, the Bakin is one of Nike Basketball’s most beloved and recognizable silhouettes
The Nike Air Bakin Varsity Royal will be released November 12, 2026

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Nike Basketball’s retro program kicked things into high gear this year, and in addition to early-aughts classics like the Hyperflight, The Swoosh is heading back to the ‘90s with a hot plate of crispy bacon, or, sorry, Bakin.

Bring Home the Bakin

The Nike Air Bakin Varsity Blue has been popping up in previews for the past few months, most notably on new Nike collaborator Jae Tips during a Nike Basketball event in NYC over the summer. Now, after the OG red and black Bakin hit retail shelves and NBA courts running, the Varsity Blue colorway is getting its time to shine in November.

Starting with a black nubuck base, the high-top retro basketball shoe adds rippling blue leather to the side panels, with mesh filling in the missing middles for breathability. Stretching up the ankle like the swirl of an electric stove, the Bakin is one of Nike Basketball’s most beloved and recognizable silhouettes.

Nike Air Bakin Varsity Royal Release Details

The Nike Air Bakin Varsity Royal will be released November 12, 2026 through Nike and select retailers in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $170. For all the latest Nike retro news and drop info, download the Sole Retriever App.