Devin Booker and Nike Basketball are preparing to launch one of the most meaningful Book 1 colorways to date. Releasing on April 10, 2025, the Nike Book 1 Blue Blood pays tribute to Booker’s brief but impactful time at the University of Kentucky. The design draws directly from Booker’s college experience, channeling the aesthetics of both vintage denim and Kentucky Wildcat pride in a sneaker that sits firmly at the intersection of performance and lifestyle.
A Denim-Centric Design
The Nike Book 1 Blue Blood features a washed denim upper that sets it apart from other basketball sneakers currently on the market. The indigo hue is consistent across the upper, giving the shoe a uniform, rugged look while raw-edged finishes provide contrast through subtle distressing. Bleached denim Swooshes outlined in white embroidery sit on each side panel, contributing both to the shoe’s tactile feel and its visual identity. While denim has long been associated with lifestyle and fashion sneakers, its use here carries an added layer of personal significance, reflecting Booker’s interest in off-court style and understated textures.
The vintage effect is emphasized through a pre-yellowed Cushlon 2.0 midsole, engineered to emulate the patina of aged footwear. The exposed foam tongue and suede collar finish off the lifestyle aesthetic, while Kentucky blue accents on the tongue tab, liner, and laces root the shoe back into its collegiate theme. On the lateral heel, Booker’s jersey number “1” is embroidered, creating a direct reference to his Wildcats uniform.
Performance Engineering
While the “Blue Blood” colorway leans heavily on nostalgia and lifestyle design, its construction remains focused on athletic function. The Book 1, designed by Ben Nethongkome, uses Cushlon 2.0 foam for soft landings and a Zoom Air unit in the heel for responsiveness. A TPU sidewall reinforces lateral movement, while the grippy rubber outsole ensures reliable traction on the court. This blend of visual design and technical execution allows the shoe to exist comfortably in both sport and streetwear spaces.
Nike’s focus with the Book 1 line was to build a performance basketball sneaker grounded in classic style references. The silhouette itself draws from the Air Force 1, Nike Blazer, and Air Jordan 1. The result is a shoe that carries forward recognizable structural codes while meeting the rigorous demands of modern-day players.
The Blue Blood Colorway
Every sneaker tells a story, and the “Blue Blood” edition is officially labeled under the product code IH0892-900. The numeric designation identifies it as a distinct entry in the broader Nike Book 1 line. Previous releases, including the “Forrest Gump,” “Flagstaff,” and “Black Label” editions, each served to represent elements of Booker’s personal life – whether locations, inspirations, or experiences. This colorway, however, is the first to focus on an institution: the University of Kentucky.
Booker’s Year in Lexington
Before entering the NBA, Devin Booker played one season (2014–2015) at the University of Kentucky under head coach John Calipari. Although he wasn’t a starter, Booker made a major impact coming off the bench, averaging 10 points per game on a team that went 38–1 and reached the Final Four. He shot 47 percent from the field and 41 percent from beyond the arc, earning SEC Sixth Man of the Year honors. His performance with the Wildcats helped build his reputation as a high-IQ scorer with composure beyond his years.
The Evolution of the Nike Book 1
The Book 1 marks Booker’s first signature sneaker with Nike. The silhouette debuted in 2023 with an emphasis on narrative design. Booker was closely involved in the development process, from selecting materials to determining the shape and feel. Every detail, including the heel tab shaped like a book spine, serves as a reference to storytelling and progression – central themes in the branding of the shoe.
The Book 1 was designed to reflect Booker’s personality. Its understated colorways and minimal branding echo his calm demeanor on and off the court. And unlike some signature models that opt for bold or experimental forms, the Book 1 uses a structured and symmetrical shape to convey control, restraint, and focus.
These Kentucky shoes are the first general release in the Book 1 series to reference Booker’s college background, making them highly anticipated by fans of both Kentucky basketball and Booker’s growing sneaker catalog.
Release Details
The Nike Book 1 “Blue Blood” is set to release on April 10, 2025, at a retail price of $140 USD. The sneaker will be available at select Nike Basketball retailers and via Nike.com.
i am not sure anybody ever asked for denim sneakers nike! who did this ? whose idea is this?