Nike Designer Teased Air Raid II Retro Release
The iconic 1990s basketball sneaker may finally return to shelves for its first-ever retro launch.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Fashion
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Nike designer Frank Cooke has shared a social media teaser indicating the return of the Nike Air Raid II. This model, originally created for outdoor use in the 1990s, has never before seen a retro release.
Why it matters
The Air Raid series is celebrated for its integration of streetball culture and distinct design elements. Bringing back this unreleased silhouette taps into significant demand from long-time sneaker enthusiasts and collectors.
The Air Raid II features design elements from the original 1990s 'Live Together, Play Together' campaign. It is defined by its colorful Afrocentric geometric patterns and imagery inspired by streetball.
The players
Frank Cooke
He is a designer for Nike who recently shared a social media update regarding the company's future product pipeline.
Nike
Headquartered in Beaverton, this multinational corporation is one of the world's largest suppliers of athletic shoes and apparel.
The details
Frank Cooke posted a teaser image showing the back of the sneaker to his Instagram account in October 2026. The shoe was engineered for durability on outdoor courts, setting it apart from standard indoor models of that era.
Timeline
The Nike Air Raid II was originally released during the 1990s.
Frank Cooke teased the sneaker on Instagram in October 2026.
The footwear could potentially see a public release in late 2027 or early 2028.
Culture Shift
This move highlights the ongoing industry trend of brands mining their archives to satisfy a growing demand for retro aesthetic. It follows the established pattern of the Nike retro sneaker release cycle by bringing back a legacy silhouette to drive engagement among modern collectors.
Sneaker enthusiasts should monitor future announcements from Nike regarding specific release dates to understand availability. The potential return of the model will likely shift purchasing decisions for collectors who have long awaited a retro version of this specific shoe.
The takeaway
The return of a previously unreleased archive model marks a significant moment for the sneaker community. Interested buyers should prepare for potential high demand if the release is confirmed for the 2027 or 2028 window.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry trends by visiting our Fashion section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sneaker News.
Live Poll
Would you be interested in purchasing a re-released version of a classic 1990s sneaker model?
