Air Bakin High SP Returns in Varsity Royal and Black on November 12
Nike is pulling another chunky hoops silhouette out of the vault. The Nike Air Bakin High SP “Varsity Royal and Black” (style code IQ5365-400) is listed on Nike SNKRS for November 12 at $170, with the drop set for 8:30 PM on Nike’s launch page.
If you have been waiting for a bold, padded high-top that does not look like everything else on the shelf, this one is worth a reminder on your phone.
Quick facts
Name: Nike Air Bakin High SP “Varsity Royal and Black”
Style code: IQ5365-400
Price: $170
Release date: November 12, 2026
Where: Nike SNKRS (official Nike launch page)
What the shoe looks like
Nike describes the Air Bakin as a chunky silhouette with a ribbed upper, and this colorway runs that upper in Varsity Royal over black. In Nike’s photos the blue ribs sit against a black base and midsole, with light grey laces and a small Swoosh on the side, so the shoe reads as bold blue and black rather than a loud multi-color mix.
Underfoot, Nike points to Max Air in the heel and extra Air in the forefoot. Up top there is plenty of padding and a generous high cut around the ankle, which is a big part of why the silhouette looks so substantial on foot.
What is new here
The headline is the return itself. Nike says the Air Bakin is coming back from the vault for just the second time, and this pair arrives in a fresh colorway rather than a straight repeat. That makes it a good entry point if you missed the earlier run and want a clean, easy-to-style color scheme.
Who it suits
This is a shoe for people who like retro basketball shapes with real presence. The padding and high cut make it a natural fall and winter pick with straight-leg denim, cargos or track pants, and the blue-and-black palette is easy to wear every day. It also suits collectors who like Max Air cushioning in a model that does not show up on shelves very often.
Nike does not publish fit notes for this release, so start with your usual Nike size and double-check against a size chart before you order. A high, padded shoe like this tends to feel snug at launch, so give it a few wears before you judge it.
How it compares to a Dunk High
Both are high-tops, but they come from different places. The Dunk High is a flat, classic court shape built around leather panels and clean lines. The Air Bakin is bulkier, with a ribbed upper and visible Air cushioning, so it looks bigger and more sculpted. If the Dunk High feels too plain for you, the Air Bakin is the louder choice. If you want something slim that tucks under pants easily, the Dunk is the easier daily wear.
Where to buy
The pair is listed on Nike SNKRS for November 12. SNKRS drops can sell out quickly, so turn on notifications, make sure your payment and size details are saved, and be ready a few minutes early. If you miss out, keep an eye on resale and restock news, and check our latest footwear news for the next Nike drops, such as the Air Force 1 ’07 Milwaukee Brewers.
While you wait, a clean pair of everyday Nikes goes a long way. A good shoe cleaner helps keep ribbed uppers looking fresh, and our guide to the best shoe deodorizers covers the rest of the care routine.
FAQ
When does the Nike Air Bakin High SP Varsity Royal and Black release?
Nike lists the release for November 12, 2026 on SNKRS, with the drop at 8:30 PM.
How much is the Air Bakin High SP Varsity Royal and Black?
The retail price on Nike is $170.
What is the style code?
The style code is IQ5365-400.
What cushioning does the Air Bakin have?
Nike lists Max Air in the heel and additional Air in the forefoot.
Where can I buy it?
Through Nike SNKRS on release day.
Source: Nike SNKRS.
