Quick Facts
- Devin Booker's Nike Book 2 will debut in the Phoenix colorway
- The pair plays into the mythological story of the phoenix
- Expect a retail release January 16, 2026 for $145
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After nearly two years on the market, Devin Booker’s first signature sneaker with Nike, the Book 1, went up in flames. We’re not just speaking metaphorically, Booker literally torched a pair on his Instagram story in a symbolic rebirth that plays into the mythology of a phoenix. What followed was an official on-court debut of the Nike Book 2. Before showing the entire world the new model, Sole Retriever was fortunate to get an early preview of the sneaker, which included the Phoenix pair he rocked against the Blazers.
As explained by Nike Basketball designer Ben Nethongkome, who worked on both the Book 1 and Book 2, the Torched colorway of the Book 1 plays into the storyline of the very first Book 2 colorway to hit shelves. When a phoenix burns, it turns to ash and is reborn from its very own death, clearly seen here with the 1-of-1,996 Book 1 Torched and the follow-up, the Book 2 Phoenix. The molded leather upper is crafted in a fiery solar orange and deep orange gradient, transitioning into darker tones as you move toward the sole unit. A literal fire graphic is displayed on the midfoot Swoosh, which runs past the Nike Air Zoom Spiridon-inspired midfoot cage.
Other inspirations for the Book 2’s design come from the Air Force 1, which is present on the redesigned outsole pattern, and the Nike SB Nyjah 2. Book told us at Nike headquarters, “There’s bits and pieces I just find from shoes that I’ve loved.” As for tech specs, the model features a full-length Cushlon 3.0 foam and a forefoot Zoom Air unit, which combine to create a lightweight and cushioned feel on the court.
Alongside the Phoenix pair, Nike also showcased the Rising rendition, which complements the Phoenix Suns' uniforms perfectly. It’s also another part of the journey of the mythological phoenix, with the Book 1 Torched acting as the death, the Book 2 Rising as the bird in the midst of its rebirth, and the Book 2 Phoenix being the born-again version.
The Nike Book 2 Phoenix will be released in January 16, 2026 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $145. Expect plenty of Book 2 colorways in the months ahead. Check below for exclusive first-looks at the sneaker, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app for updates on the latest releases, raffles, and restocks.
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
