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Kentucky Men’s Basketball Introduces the New Nike Book Chapter 2 “Must Be the Denim” Shoes

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The Kentucky men’s basketball program officially introduced the new Nike Book Chapter 2 “Must Be the Denim” shoes last night.

The shoes from former UK star Devin Booker are a tribute to the 1996 Kentucky national championship team.

There will be an exclusive UK launch of the Nike Book 2 “Must Be The Denim” Saturday at the Downtown Studio in front of
Rupp Arena from 2-8 p.m. ET.

You can see details about the release and how to purchase the shoes in other locations below.



Details on the release:

Lexington, Ky. – Hibbett and Nike will celebrate the University of Kentucky Wildcats with an exclusive early debut of the ‘Nike Book 2 Must Be The Denim’ sneaker inspired by Devin Booker’s Wildcat legacy while commemorating the 30th anniversary of Kentucky’s 1996 NCAA Championship and the team’s iconic denim uniforms.

A limited number of pairs will be available for purchase for one day only – February 7, 2026, while supplies last, exclusively in Lexington, ahead of the March retail launch.

The launch will be anchored by “The Book 2 Fair” an immersive pop-up experience blending UK basketball history, sneaker culture and fan nostalgia. The ‘Nike Book 2’ will be available at the Book 2 Fair at The Studio at Rupp Arena and will feature a one-of-a-kind blue denim colorway, a wildcat graphic and “Book” printed on the back.

“At Hibbett, we live for moments that bring sports, culture, and community together. Partnering with Nike to bring the ‘Nike Book 2 Must Be The Denim’ exclusively to Lexington ahead of the official launch is a special opportunity to create excitement for Kentucky Wildcat fans and sneaker lovers alike,” said Stephani Smith, Chief Merchant, Hibbett. “We’re proud to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience ahead of the February 7th game, celebrating Devin Booker, Big Blue Nation and the passion that makes Kentucky basketball so iconic.”

• The “Book 2 Fair” Pop-up Event, UK Downtown Studio, 410 W. Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507 from 2pm to 8pm

• Two Hibbett locations will also carry the ‘Nike Book 2 Must Be The Denim’ and guests can purchase the shoe starting on Saturday, February 7th during normal business hours

• 524 W. New Circle Rd., Lexington, KY 40511

• 3174 Richmond Rd., Lexington, KY 40509

Book 2 Fair Pop-up Immersive Experience

• Fans and Guests can preview and purchase the ‘Nike Book 2 Must Be The Denim’ for one day only, in Lexington ahead of official March shoe release

• Honoring Devin Booker’s college legacy with the Wildcats, ‘Nike Book 2 Must Be the Denim’ inspired interactive space for fans to immerse themselves in University of Kentucky (UK) basketball history and nostalgia

• Captivating full denim takeover of event space with interactive photo moments, archival school newspapers and a glimpse into UK’s history and culture

• Gift with purchase – exclusive Denim Notebooks

• Kentucky-first story: exclusive to Lexington, early limited shoe release made available for purchase only at 2/7/26 Pop-up event and at two Hibbett locations in Lexington

• Community story: ‘Nike Book 2 Must Be The Denim’ designed to commemorate Devin Booker’s Wildcat Basketball legacy

• Team Spirit: Men’s and Women’s Wildcat Basketball Teams and 30th Anniversary Wildcat Alumni Team will be outfitted with ‘Nike Book 2’ Shoes at the event

* Photo: Screenshot from UK Men’s Basketball video on X

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