One of Nike’s Most Controversial Sneakers Could Be Returning to Shelves

Rumours about what’s to come in 2026 are still churning, and hot off our Instagram timelines is the news that the infamous could be returning next year. While 2025 gave us the KD 18 homage colourway and 2023 saw the Supreme collaboration, next year the OG ‘Varsity Red’ colourway is expected to land, according to Sneakerfiles.

The Nike Air Bakin was designed by Nike legend Eric Avar, was first laced on the hardwood by Tim Hardaway, and hit shelves in 1997. But the crispy clean new sneak didn’t last long in stores – and not for the reason Nike hoped. Almost directly following the Air Bakin's release, Nike received backlash from the Muslim community due to the logo located on the heel. The logo read 'Air' in a cursive, flame-like font, but also closely resembled the word ‘Allah’ written in Arabic text. Nike attempted to rectify their mishap by placing a fabric patch over the logo... but that didn’t work to quell the uproar. So, Team Swoosh pulled all 38,000 pairs out of circulation.

The original intention behind the Air Bakin's position was as part of Nike’s outdoor-inspired basketball line, sitting alongside the Air Grill, Air Melt and the Air B-Que. Since 1997, Beaverton have dropped the Air Bakin again – but the retros replace the controversial heel logo with classic Nike Air branding.

There’s no concrete details from Nike as of yet on the 2026 Nike Air Bakin, but keep it locked for more details.

Read about more controversial sneakers , and find five facts about the Nike Air Bakin .