The Nike Book 1 ‘Safari’ Is Ready to Run Wild
Devin Booker’s first signature silhouette has already made some serious noise, and the next chapter is about to go wild. Enter the Nike Book 1 ‘Safari’ – a primal homage to Tinker Hatfield’s legendary 1987 Air Safari, reimagined through the lens of Booker’s sleek on-court aesthetic.
This Book 1 trades muted tones for something far more savage, with bold safari-print overlays stalking across the forefoot, collar, and heel. A matte black canvas base grounds the chaos, while burnt orange accents nod to the OG Safari’s punchy palette. Underfoot, you’ll find the signature Cushlon 2.0 midsole and Zoom Air unit ready for takeoff.
Originally designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Safari was a rebel in Nike’s 1987 ‘Air Pack’, launching alongside icons like the Air Max 1 and Air Trainer 1. Instead of banking on visible tech, it broke ground with a wild, speckled leather mudguard inspired by a luxury ostrich-skin couch Hatfield spotted in a New York boutique. It was a bold move – no athlete endorsements, no big campaign – just unapologetic style. Though initially overlooked, the Air Safari gained cult status over the years, influencing atmos collaborations, SB colourways, and the broader sneaker-as-art movement.
The ‘Safari’ Book 1 continues a strong run of colourways for Booker, each one telling its own story. The ‘Forrest Gump’ colourway nodded to the iconic Nike Cortez worn in the cult film, while ‘Mirage’ and ‘Hike’ editions channeled Arizona’s famous sunsets. And who could forget the ‘Haven’, a heartfelt release named after his dog?
Look for the Nike Book 1 ‘Safari’ to land over the coming months.
Ready to get wild? Make sure to check out our comprehensive history of the 'Safari' colourway!