Concept Lab // Air Jordan 9 “Bakin”

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Through Nike’s extensive back catalog of hardwood heaters, there’s a handful of designs that fans have been screaming out for a return. Often towards the top of that list is the controversial Nike Air Bakin from 1997, a sneaker both as audacious as it is infamous. A popular choice amongst flashy guards — most notably Tim Hardaway – it’s memorable for more than its striking visual cues and its aggressive hues — it also caused a stir amongst the Muslim community.

The controversy arose from the fiery logo on the heel; The word ‘Air’ was originally designed in a fiery motif that bared a slight resemblance to ‘Allah’ in Arabic text. It forced Nike to recall the shoes and re-release them with a basic Nike Air logo. in the back. Despite the uproar — or perhaps even more so because of it — the sneaker remains a coveted classic amongst sneakerheads, even more so given its rarity; Nike has been ungenerous in re-releasing the sneaker, with the pair returning on only one occasion (2013) since its initial release.

2013 Nike Air Bakin

So if we’re not going to get a retro of the pair soon, could we at least see it elsewhere? Perhaps Mike can take it on board – and this Air Jordan 9 “Bakin” might just fill the void. A straightforward concept for us — one we’ve been wanting to do for a long, long time — the pair boasts a similar appearance to its inspiration. Here you’ll find the same black-out sole units popped with white branding, red nubuck uppers hit with black detailing, and the famous yellow laces over the midfoot.

Wanna see more of our sneaker concept work? You can check out every single one of them right here.