In a fresh tribute to Kentucky basketball lore, Phoenix Suns star **Devin Booker** and **Nike** have unveiled a new Kentucky‑themed version of his signature **Book 1** sneaker, paying homage to the legendary 1996 Wildcats squad that captured the NCAA Championship. The drop arrives just as fans and alumni once again embrace the legacy of that dominant team — sometimes nicknamed “The Untouchables.”
### A Sneaker That Honors Legacy
The latest iteration, dubbed the **“Blue Blood”** edition, embraces a denim-inspired aesthetic that nods to Kentucky’s iconic denim uniforms — the same bold style that the 1996 champs donned so famously. ([SI][1]) Its washed indigo upper, bleached‑effect Swoosh, and exposed foam tongue marry nostalgia with streetwear sensibilities. ([DSCENE][2]) The midsole is given a pre-yellowed treatment to mimic vintage wear, while accents of Kentucky blue appear on the tongue tab, lining, and laces. ([DSCENE][2])
The design also embeds clear symbolic references. On the tongue, the number **“34‑2”** reappears — a direct nod to the 1996 Wildcats’ record en route to the title. ([Sneaker News][3]) Heel details include Booker’s jersey number “1” and throwback Wildcats logos, reinforcing the connection to both his alma mater and the memorable championship run. ([DSCENE][2])
### From Player‑Exclusive to Public Access
What’s especially noteworthy is that the “Blue Blood” edition is one of the few Kentucky Book 1 colorways made available to the public. Earlier Kentucky-themed editions were limited **player exclusives** (PEs) gifted to the University of Kentucky program and staff. ([Sneaker News][3]) While the PEs remain highly coveted among fans, this release gives a wider audience a chance to own a piece of that tribute. ([DSCENE][2])
Nike and Booker first hinted at a Kentucky PE back in late 2024, with the “34‑2” tongue detail and vintage Wildcats icons featured prominently. ([Sneaker News][3]) In early 2025, reports confirmed the “Blue Blood” edition would drop on **April 10, 2025**, at a retail price of **$140**. ([DSCENE][2])
### Resonance for Kentucky Fans
For Big Blue Nation, the timing couldn’t be better. The 2025–26 season marks multiple anniversaries tied to the 1996 title, and the resurgence of the denim aesthetic in both uniforms and now footwear stirs a sense of tradition and nostalgia. ([SI][1]) Kentucky head coach **Mark Pope** notably showcased an earlier PE pair in a 2024 exhibition, holding the shoe aloft and calling it “incredible.” He specifically pointed to the “34‑2” detail and classic Wildcats branding as standout touches. ([SI][4])
Booker’s connection to Lexington remains a powerful narrative. Though his playing tenure at UK was brief, his gesture of gifting special editions and releasing a public tribute underscores a lasting bond. ([dopedispatch.com][5])
### Looking Ahead
As sneaker culture continues to celebrate storytelling through design, the **Nike Book 1 “Blue Blood”** stands out as more than just a shoe — it’s a wearable nod to a storied past. Whether it becomes a future collector’s item or a fan-favorite hoop sneaker, its place in the intersection of college legacy and modern basketball branding is already secure