Book 1 “Blue Blood”
First came the “Chapter One” debut, and now Nike’s Book 1 “Blue Blood” shoes deliver an indigo-washed sequel that fuses hardwood tech with throwback denim swagger. Inspired by the Kentucky Wildcats’ polarizing 1996 denim uniforms—and the literal “blue blood” of college-hoops royalty—this colorway turns Booker’s signature silhouette into a campus classic ready for street or court.
Release Facts at a Glance
Launch & Pricing
- Global drop: April 10 2025 on Nike .com, SNKRS and select retailers
- Style code: IH0892-900 (IH0888-900 EP for Asia/Outdoor)
- MSRP: $140 USD / Rp 2,199,000
Official Palette
Multi-Color / Sail / Game Royal with bleached-Swoosh hits and aged Sail midsole.
Design Story: Denim Nostalgia Meets Hoops Precision
All-Over Denim Upper
A stone-washed fabric shell echoes Kentucky’s infamous jean jerseys while adding lifestyle texture rarely seen on performance hoops models. Exposed-foam tongues and pre-yellowed midsoles amplify the thrift-store-grail aesthetic.
Wildcats Call-Outs
Booker’s college jersey number “1” is stitched on the lateral heel, and a retro Wildcats logo appears on the woven Book tongue tag—small details that lock the PE energy into a GR pair.
Sail-Tint TPU Sidewalls
Borrowed from desert racing trucks, the raised cage stabilizes forefoot crossovers while visually framing the bleached Swoosh for that vintage-denim contrast pop.
Performance Tech Under the Indigo
Top-Loaded Air Zoom Heel
A visible Zoom pod sits directly under the heel for instant pop on north-south drives and stop-on-a-dime pull-ups.
Midfoot Plate for Plant-and-Pivot
A rigid plastic shank, also top-loaded, keeps your foot aligned during Booker-style jab steps and spin fades.
Cushlon Foam Full-Ride
Soft yet responsive carrier foam runs toe-to-heel, keeping marathon runs to the rack plush without sacrificing court feel.
Outdoor-Ready Traction
A multi-directional, herringbone-like tread plus extra-durable EP rubber (in Asia release) grips blacktop and hardwood with equal hunger.
Fit & Sizing Tips
- Runs true to size with a race-day-snug mid-foot wrap.
- Wide-foot hoopers or thick-sock wearers can half-size up; denim breaks in but not as fast as knit.
- Heel pods and padded collar provide lock-down minus Achilles bite.
Style Guide: How to Wear the “Blue Blood”
Campus Casual
Pair with relaxed carpenter jeans in a lighter wash, white tee, and varsity jacket—the denim-on-denim vibe nails that ‘90s Wildcat spirit.
Tunnel Walk Flex
Cargo tech pants and a cropped nylon jacket in Sail or Stone let the Game Royal lining glow under arena spotlights.
Off-Day Athleisure
Grey fleece shorts, oversized hoodie, and the Book 1 “Blue Blood” give brunch fits a hoops heritage twist without trying too hard.
Book 1 “Blue Blood” vs. Other Book 1 Drops
| Feature | Blue Blood | Chapter One (Debut) | Decade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper | Stone-washed denim | Smooth ballistic mesh | Suede & mesh combo |
| Theme | Kentucky denim uniforms | Booker’s Chevy Blazer K5 | 10-year NBA milestone |
| MSRP | $140 | $150 | $145 |
| Lifestyle Appeal | High (denim) | Medium | High |
Collectibility & Resale Snapshot
Early pairs hover 15-20 % above retail on resale platforms such as StockX thanks to limited run, NCAA nostalgia, and denim novelty. Expect a post-tournament spike if Kentucky makes a deep March run.
Care Tips to Keep Denim Fresh
- Spot-clean with a damp cloth; avoid soaking to prevent dye bleed.
- Use suede brush on bleached Swoosh to lift dust without fraying edges.
- Store with cedar inserts—denim traps odour more than mesh uppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hoop seriously in a denim upper?
Yes. The fabric is backed by synthetic underlayers and reinforced stitching, so performance matches other Book 1 colorways.
Do they come in GS or EP versions?
A global men’s release plus an EP (extra durable rubber) variant for Asia-Pacific outdoor hoops. Sizes run M 6–15 (W 7.5–16.5).
Will the denim fade?
Natural creasing will lighten high-flex areas, adding vintage character; applying a fabric protector spray slows the fade.
Conclusion: A Court-Ready Classic with Denim DNA
The Book 1 “Blue Blood” shoes bottle Devin Booker’s Kentucky pride, denim street style, and Nike Basketball innovation into a single signature statement. Whether you’re torching defenders or strolling the quad, this colorway proves that blue blood runs deep—especially when it bleeds denim. Cop, lace, and write your own chapter.