The Controversial Classic Returns: Nike Air Bakin OG “Varsity Red” Set for Fall 2026

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. The Nike Air Bakin OG in the iconic “Varsity Red” colorway is set to return in Fall 2026. Originally made […] The post The Controversial Classic Returns: Nike Air Bakin OG “Varsity Red” Set for Fall 2026 appeared first on JustFreshKicks.

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. The Nike Air Bakin OG in the iconic “Varsity Red” colorway is set to return in Fall 2026.

Originally made famous by Tim Hardaway during his crossover-heavy days with the Miami Heat (and briefly worn by Dennis Rodman), the Air Bakin is a cult classic that screams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, updated sources now confirm we can expect this heat to drop 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

While pricing has not yet been confirmed, previous retros hovered around the $150 mark. Given the current market, we expect the Nike Air Bakin OG (2026) to retail somewhere between $160 and $175.

Feature	Details
Model	Nike Air Bakin OG
Colorway	Varsity Red/Black-Metallic Silver
Release Date	Fall 2026
Style Code	TBD
Expected Price	~$170 USD

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.