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Throughout the Nike Book 1 lifecycle, Devin Booker has taken inspiration from past Nike hits for colorways that pay homage to the classics. Of course, with his signature model developed with the mindset of combining lifestyle and performance and the phrase "future classic" being the cornerstone of the design, it only makes sense that the past continues to inform the future of Booker's line. Ahead of upcoming homages like the Air Max 95 Neon-inspired colorway, images of a previous Book 1 PE inspired by the Nike Air Safari have appeared.
Before we get into this Book 1, let's take a moment to look back at the Air Safari. Initially released in 1987 and designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield, the Air Safari became a cult classic amongst sneakerheads. Inspiration for the exotic print came from a trip to a NYC furniture store where Hatfield saw an ostrich skin-covered couch.
Later, the model would inform the design of other iconic colorways and collaborations across Nike's lineup, including Foamposites, Air Max models, SB Dunks, and much more. The Air Safari received a retro in 2024, returning after a six-year hiatus.
Back to the Book 1, Devin quietly debuted the pair on his Instagram story last year ahead of the 2024-2025 NBA season, and that exact design will be making its way to retail. Here, we see the Air Safari's color scheme and colorblocking translated onto the Book 1 as the safari print is rendered in grey and black on the mudguard, collar, and heel.
Monarch orange leather finds a home on the toebox, while the shade also marks the sockliner and select branding details. Black covers the midfoot, tongue, laces, and eyestays, while a white outlined Swoosh, and a black/white rubber midsole and outsole finish the look.
The Nike Book 1 Safari will release on August 1, 2025, through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is $155. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Nike Book 1 Safari
Images via Nike
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
