Nike Honors Big Blue Nation With the Book 2 "Kentucky Wildcats" PE
A commemorative denim release celebrating the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Championship.
Name: Nike Book 2 “Kentucky Wildcats”
Colorway: TBD
SKU: TBD
MSRP: TBD
Release Date: February 7, 2026
Where to Buy: Select Hibbett locations
Devin Booker’s signature line is heading back to campus as Nike prepares to honor the University of Kentucky with the release of the Nike Book 2 “Kentucky Wildcats” PE. Timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Wildcats’ legendary 1996 national championship, this Player Edition bridges the gap between heritage storytelling and modern performance. Rather than a standard team colorway, this iteration utilizes lifestyle-inspired materials to reflect Booker’s affinity for vintage aesthetics, all while refining the Book 2’s silhouette for the high-intensity demands of elite college basketball.
The visual standout of the “Kentucky Wildcats” PE is the choice of materials. The upper is draped in faded indigo denim textures that provide a worn-in, vintage denim feel, setting it apart from typical synthetic basketball builds. This textured base is sharply contrasted by crisp Royal Blue hits on the inner lining, laces, and heel pull tabs, ensuring the University’s identity remains front and center. A clean white midsole with a thin blue stripe at the heel grounds the design, allowing the experimental upper to remain the primary focal point.
Structurally, the Book 2 reflects a sleeker evolution from Devin Booker’s debut model. The silhouette features a more structured collar and reinforced midfoot designed for enhanced lateral stability—key refinements for the explosive movements of the modern game. This PE version demonstrates how Nike is positioning the Book 2 as a versatile hybrid, capable of transitioning from the hardwood of Rupp Arena to the streets of Lexington without missing a beat.
In a move that emphasizes the shoe’s “Player Edition” status, Nike is keeping the rollout intentionally tight. Shunning a traditional mass-market release, the brand has partnered exclusively with Hibbett for a commemorative drop. This strategy treats the shoe more like a piece of fan memorabilia than a standard retail product, catering specifically to the Big Blue Nation faithful who value exclusivity and historical connection. The Nike Book 2 “Kentucky Wildcats” PE will be available on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 2–8 p.m. ET exclusively at select Hibbett locations.
