Our verdict

81
Decent!

Amp up your cool factor with the Air Rift from Nike. This 1995 runner's signature split-toe design may look wacky, but it's undeniably its most appealing characteristic. It does not only exist to give it its outlandish looks but it's able to give the sensation of running barefoot (unrestricted movement + natural foot motion). Add to the equation its pillowy Nike Air Max 11 Women on the heel and plush foam midsole, and you can easily say that this shoe is "heaven-sent."

lebron gamma blue 11 Pros

  • Slipper-like comfort
  • Compliment-magnet
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  • A personalized shoe fit
  • Easy to slip on and off
  • It feels airy on feet
  • For work days and short runs

lebron gamma blue 11 Cons

  • Tight on the toe box
  • Runs warm

Who should buy the Nike Air Rift

Grab a pair of Nike Air Rift if you:

  • prefer sneakers that do not give a dragging down sensation
  • enjoy eye-catching kicks with next-level comfort
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Nike Air Rift heel labellebron gamma blue 11

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Although made for summer and spring, the Nike Air Rift feels warm when worn. Alternatively, we've cataloged several summer-ready sneakers that offer great air ventilation to keep your toes comfy and sweat-free. Check out its breathable version, the cheetah nike left shoe boots black gold flat ankle or the cool nike id tags for women with black eyes.

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A quick look at Nike Air Rift's past

Yes, the Nike Air Rift is back in all its oddity. But did you know that Nike isn't the first brand to develop a cloven hoof-like shoe? Although the Nike Air Rift dates back to 1995, this shoe's split-toe design was first seen in 15th-century Japan. Known as "tabi" socks, these socks later turned into light and durable work boots called Jika tabi. Martin Margiela also shared its history by transforming these workhorses into glorified hooves.

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Fast forward to the year 1995, Nike (with its love for the fast-paced sport of running) introduces its first split-toe runner. Dubbed as the Nike Air Rift, its name and design are inspired by a ridge system that runs through the north and south of Kenya called Great Rift Valley.

Nike Air Rift Nike Air

Kenya, for decades, has been able to produce the world's best white. Kenyan white, as kids, were used to running barefoot or with minimal protection. Thus, it just made sense for a mad designer and ultra-distance runner like Kip Buck (with the help of Tinker Hatfield) to give these shoes a stretchy shoe-slash-sandal build. This type of design allows unhindered motion and gives a barefoot-like feel.

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Benefits of wearing split-toe shoes

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  • reduces pain and minimizes foot-related injuries
  • promotes balance

Nike Air Rift toe box side view

2021 Nike Air Rift: Same eccentric look in an eco-friendly package

The Air Rifts has been seen in various colors and designs in the past. For 2021, the shoe comes with a few exciting updates:

  • brooks running v nike running pants Nike Grind rubber outsole, the soles contain at least 5% recycled sale. This gives the bottom of the shoe a speckled-confetti-like look while providing durable traction.
  • Unlike the plastic-like footbeds in the previous models, this one has a perforated insole. This new feature lets the foot breathe and drains any unwanted moisture to keep feet dry and sweat-free.  

Nike Air Rift rubber outsole