Nike Air Bakin High "Varsity Royal" returns November 12th, 2026

Nike Air Bakin High "Varsity Royal" returns November 12th, 2026, bringing back an original colorway nearly two decades after it last appeared.

According to multiple internal documents, Nike is re-releasing the "Varsity Royal" color scheme during Holiday 2026. The Air Bakin debuted in 1997, and this original colorway last appeared in 2008, marking its first return in nearly two decades.

The pair comes with style code IQ5365-400, an official "Varsity Royal / White / Black / Metallic Silver" colorway, a $170 retail price, and is currently expected to release on November 12th, 2026. The upper combines black textile panels with vivid blue synthetic overlays that run from the toe through the high collar. Repeated elongated openings expose black mesh beneath the lace structure, while white rope laces add a sharp contrast across the center. Layered curved blue lines wrap around the ankle, framing black panels finished with white Swooshes. Blue NIKE AIR embroidery appears on the rear panels, with matching marks printed inside the shoes. Black pull tabs and padded collars complete the high-top construction. Underfoot, the sculpted black midsole carries white Swooshes at the sides, raised text at the arch, and translucent windows through the heel. The outsole is mostly black with dense zigzag traction, while a blue translucent central insert carries a white Swoosh and Nike Air branding.

When is Nike Air Bakin High "Varsity Royal" releasing?

Nike Air Bakin High "Varsity Royal" is releasing during Holiday 2026 on Nike.com and at select retailers. The official release date is November 12th, 2026. That confirmed date places the release within Nike's Holiday 2026 seasonal rollout. Nike's Holiday 2026 rollout window spans October to December. Check out images of Nike Air Bakin High "Varsity Royal" below while we wait for more details about the launch.

In other news, check out the Nike Air Foamposite Pro "Louisiana Tigers", which is releasing soon.