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Nike drops new Kentucky Zoom Pegasus — but is it time for a change?

With a new shoe drop Kentucky and Nike continue to grow their partnership. But should Kentucky look elsewhere?
ByDrew Holbrook|
May 30, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; General view of Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 31 shoe display in advance of the 40th Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
May 30, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; General view of Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 31 shoe display in advance of the 40th Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Summer is sneaker season, and Nike just delivered a fresh look for the Big Blue Nation

The latest Nike Zoom Pegasus has officially dropped in a sharp Kentucky edition, featuring a crisp white sole, bold blue upper, and clean white Swoosh. It’s sleek, fast-looking, and designed with the kind of classic colorway that never goes out of style. The timing is perfect as Kentucky athletes prepare for the new school year — and with team photo days and practice gear releases coming up, fans can expect more drops soon.

But this isn’t just about new shoes. It’s part of a much bigger conversation: Should Kentucky stick with Nike, or is it time to move on?

Back in 2013, Kentucky inked a $47 million deal with Nike, one of the largest at the time. That agreement helped elevate the program’s national image with elite gear and recruiting power. But now, over a decade later, Kentucky is expected to sign a new and even larger deal with the Swoosh — likely extending the partnership well into the 2030s.

While many fans remain loyal to the brand, some have expressed fatigue. Nike’s recent track record — especially with U.S. Soccer kits and inconsistent design tweaks — has been hit-or-miss with critics. And for fans looking at bold and different? There’s envy in the air.

Adidas schools like Texas A&M, Nebraska, and Miami have all rolled out creative, sometimes wild looks. Meanwhile, blue-bloods like Kansas and Indiana — also Adidas partners — have leaned into tradition with sleek alternates.

That’s led to a growing undercurrent of fans hoping Kentucky might jump ship, especially as NIL and recruiting edge closer to lifestyle branding.

Still, Nike remains the gold standard in performance gear, and Kentucky’s modern identity has long been tied to the swoosh — from John Wall and Anthony Davis to Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham.

But with no new uniform combinations announced yet for the 2025–26 season, the door remains open for a surprise — or a fan-driven push for a visual shakeup.

So let’s ask the question:

Would you rather see Kentucky stick with Nike — or switch things up and go three stripes deep?

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