Nike Book 1 “What The” – Release Date, Limited Pairs, Story & Model History

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Nike Book 1 “What The” – Release Date, Limited Pairs, Story & Model History

Side Kicks Streetwear • Sneaker Release Guide

Updated: 03 January 2026

About the release

The Nike Book 1 “What The” served as the final chapter of Devin Booker’s first signature sneaker, closing out the Book 1 era ahead of the launch of the Book 2. Released in December 2025, the pair acted as both a celebration and a summary of everything the silhouette stood for across its two year run.

Limited to just 1,996 pairs worldwide, a nod to Booker’s birth year, this release leaned heavily into collector appeal. Rather than introducing something new, Nike used the “What The” format to remix the Book 1’s history into a single, mismatched farewell.

Nike Book 1 What The mismatched colourway official images

TL;DR – Nike Book 1 “What The”

Release date 16 December 2025
Model Nike Book 1
Nickname What The
Style code IH1335-100
Retail price $170 USD
Availability Nike SNKRS and select retailers
Pairs made 1,996 worldwide

How it fits the “What The” lineage

Nike’s “What The” concept has long been used to mash together a silhouette’s most recognisable moments into one design, dating back to early SB and basketball releases in the mid 2000s. The Book 1 “What The” followed that exact blueprint.

Each shoe told a different story. Panels referenced past Book 1 colourways including Haven, Mirage, Blue Blood, Sedona, Flagstaff, Desert Camo, and Safari inspired editions. Materials ranged from denim and suede to reptile textures and snakeskin overlays, finishing with a gradient outsole inspired by the “Sunset” colourway.

Nike Book 1 model history

The Book 1 marked Devin Booker’s entry into Nike’s signature basketball lineup, debuting as a low top performance model with vintage inspired design cues. It was built to balance on court control with everyday wearability, reflecting Booker’s understated approach to style.

Performance wise, the Book 1 featured Cushlon 2.0 foam, a heel Zoom Air unit for impact protection, and a TPU sidewall for lateral stability. Across its lifespan, the silhouette developed a strong catalogue of colourways and player exclusives, setting the stage for a “What The” send off.

Why this release mattered

The Nike Book 1 “What The” was less about hype and more about closure. It captured the full creative range of Booker’s first signature line while cementing its place within Nike’s wider basketball archive.

With the Book 2 arriving shortly after, this limited release effectively closed the Book 1 chapter. The production cap, detailed storytelling, and strong collector focus ensured it became one of the most memorable Book 1 releases rather than just another colourway.

Nike Book 1 “What The” images

A closer look at the mismatched details and patchwork storytelling behind the final Book 1 release.

Nike Book 1 What The mismatched left and right shoes
Nike Book 1 What The upper panel and material mix
Nike Book 1 What The heel tag 1 of 1996
Nike Book 1 What The outsole gradient detail

Side Kicks tracks sneaker releases globally so you never miss what matters.

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