Nike and SKIMS are launching their first footwear collaboration. The debut release revisits a cult Nike silhouette: the Air Rift.
The NikeSKIMS Rift reworks the original split-toe runner with a stripped-back, contemporary feel. The shoe keeps the signature tabi toe, paired with a quick-fit midfoot strap, a minimalist midsole influenced by barefoot running, and a textured outsole designed for grip.
First released in 1996, the Nike Air Rift marked a turning point for Nike. Its split-toe construction was inspired by Kenya’s Great Rift Valley and developed with input from barefoot long-distance runners. The design aimed to support natural foot movement by allowing the first and second toes to move independently.
While initially created as a performance runner, the Air Rift later found a second life as a lifestyle shoe. After years of cult status, it was officially reissued in 2015 and has remained a reference point for experimental footwear design.
The NikeSKIMS Rift signals a new direction for both brands. For Nike, it continues an ongoing interest in natural-motion footwear. For SKIMS, it marks their first step into shoes, expanding beyond apparel and shapewear.
According to the brands, future seasonal drops will extend the NikeSKIMS range into a full head-to-toe offering, with more footwear planned.
The NikeSKIMS Rift Mesh is set to release on 26 January 2026 via Nike.com.
