Quick Facts
- Devin Booker adds denim to his Book 2 sneaker to honor the University of Kentucky
- The UK Wildcats played the '95-'96 season in denim uniforms
- The sneaker will release early in Lexington on February 7
- Expect a wider release in Spring 2026
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No one had quite as dominant a season in NCAA men’s basketball as the 1996 Kentucky Wildcats. They only lost twice, once against the UMass Minutemen in their second game of the season and to Mississippi State in the SEC Championship. “The Untouchables,” as they are often referred to, would go on to win the NCAA National Championship a few weeks after their loss to Mississippi State, and throughout the entire '95-’96 campaign, they wore denim uniforms. Wild right? To honor this unusual uni choice, Devin Booker, who played for Kentucky in his college days, is dropping a new Nike Book 2 covered in denim.
The design of the Book 2 silhouette takes inspiration from the Air Spiridon, Nyjah Huston’s signature Nike SB sneaker, and classics like the Air Force 1, but that's secondary on this denim-clad colorway. The entire upper is coated in a worn-in blue denim, with cutouts for the Swoosh filled in with white suede. A royal blue hue is found on the lace set and sockliner, matching the woven tongue label, which displays a portrait of a wildcat. Finishing touches include the Chapter Two text on the heel tab and a tonal sail and blue midsole and outsole.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of UK’s “Untouchable” season, but Booker previously paid homage to the Cats with a Nike Book 1 in denim and a PE for the team. Converse, the brand that sponsored the Wildcasts in the ‘95-’96 season, is bringing back the team’s Converse Cons Blue sneaker, which also features denim overlays, later this year.
The Nike Book 2 Must Be The Denim will be released early at The Downtown Studio in Lexington, Kentucky on February 7, 2026. A wider release will take place in Spring 2026 through Nike and select retailers. Retail is set at $145. Check below for images of the sneaker, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more.
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
