The Nike Air Rift Gives Sporty Chic In Snakeskin

Inspired by the barefoot runners of Kenya and made popular by Japanese fashionistas of the ’90s, the Nike Air Rift has been a major hit... © Sneaker News, 2025. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us The post The Nike Air Rift Gives Sporty Chic In Snakeskin appeared first on Sneaker News. The post The Nike Air Rift Gives Sporty Chic In Snakeskin appeared first on Sneaker News.

Inspired by the barefoot runners of Kenya and made popular by Japanese fashionistas of the ’90s, the Nike Air Rift has been a major hit among women amid the ongoing resurgence of tabi and ballet-style footwear. On the heels of a mold-breaking “Botanical” Air Rift that sold out quickly, the Beaverton brand is circling back with another unique take on the runner-turned-lifestyle model.

Like many sneakers of its era, the Air Rift comes with a compelling backstory. Nike designer Kip Buck sought to recreate the sensations experienced by Kenya’s legendary barefoot runners, crafting an airy sneaker that would allow wearers to fully embrace their primal instinct to run. The result was a tabi-inspired shoe with a rugged outsole modeled after the topography of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. While the model never quite caught on with runners, it quickly found a devoted following as a lifestyle sneaker in Japan before eventually making its way stateside — culminating in a Halle Berry collaboration as part of Nike’s Artist Series in 2004. The Air Rift has seen various peaks and valleys since (pun intended), and we’re currently in the midst of another high point.

This latest version outfits the tabi runner in faux snakeskin, with textured leather wrapping the toe and both primary side panels. Two colorways are on tap: a grey “Photon Dust” edition and an all-red version.

The Nike Air Rift “Snakeskin” releases in women’s sizing during the Holiday 2025 shopping season, priced at $140 USD. See official images below if you’re planning to scoop a pair.