Nike is Bringing Back the Hyperflight in Varsity Red For Fall 2026

There have been plenty of amazing designers who graced the halls of Nike’s headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, but there are a few who stand above the rest. Eric Avar is one of these, and his name should be familiar to every sneakerhead. While he’s currently the Vice President of Design and Innovation at The Swoosh, Avar is responsible for a slew of iconic Nike Basketball products. This includes most of the Nike Kobe line as well as ‘90s classics like the Foamposite and Air Zoom Flight The Glove. He also designed the futuristic and avant-garde Hyperflight, which was released in 2001 and became a cult-classic for hoopers. Thankfully it's coming back for the first time since its retro run in the early 2010s, and Sole Retriever can report that the model will be released in its OG Varsity Red rendition.

Coated primarily in the titular varsity red hue, the sneaker’s glossy, almost jelly-like leather upper is accented by black detailing on the stability shank around the collar, the internals, and the outsole. Pops of white appear on the mini Swoosh near the lateral toe, while hits of yellow appear on the vamp. Breathability is achieved through the perforated finish applied to the tongue and medial midfoot. As for cushioning, the sneaker originally utilized a full-length Zoom Air unit, but the last retro in the 2010s cut that down to just the heel. We’ll have to see if Nike goes back to the OG for the retro in 2026 that will be in celebration of the model’s 25th anniversary.