NikeSKIMS enters footwear for the first time with the NikeSKIMS Rift, officially launching on January 26. The debut marks a new phase for the brand as it extends its design system beyond apparel and accessories into shoes.
The NikeSKIMS Rift takes direct reference from the Nike Air Rift, the split-toe running silhouette introduced in the 1990s. That original design established a distinct approach to foot articulation through its divided forefoot. NikeSKIMS revisits that foundation and reshapes it with updated construction and material choices aligned with the brand’s visual language.
The defining tabi-style toe remains central to the NikeSKIMS Rift. The split supports articulation between the first and second toes, a feature rooted in the Air Rift’s original focus on natural motion. NikeSKIMS pairs this structure with a streamlined mesh upper and a low-profile shape that keeps the shoe close to the ground.
There’s something so powerful and beautiful about a ballet flat, which is why reimagining the Nike Rift for the first NikeSKIMS sneaker felt perfect. The Rift isn’t just a shoe. it’s a 90s icon that women everywhere have fallen in love with. Together with Nike, we focused on creating a version that feels minimalist, sleek and flattering. – says Kim Kardashian.
A single strap crosses the midfoot, allowing quick entry while maintaining a secure fit. The minimalist midsole draws inspiration from barefoot running concepts that informed the original Rift, reinforcing flexibility and ease of wear. A textured outsole with logo detailing completes the construction and supports grip across indoor and everyday surfaces.
The NikeSKIMS Rift targets versatility across studio sessions, gym use, and daily activity. Its restrained silhouette integrates easily with existing NikeSKIMS apparel, completing coordinated looks designed to transition between settings without structural or visual interruption.
The original Nike Air Rift debuted in 1996 and introduced Nike’s first split-toe design. The concept drew inspiration from Kenya’s Great Rift Valley fault line and incorporated insight from barefoot long-distance runners in Kenya. The toe separation aligned with natural foot anatomy and encouraged a more fluid stride. Over time, the Air Rift gained recognition beyond performance running and reemerged as a lifestyle silhouette, with its first re-release arriving in 2015.
NikeSKIMS continues that lineage through the Rift Mesh, presenting the shoe in three colorways: Black, Velvet Brown, and Archaeo Brown. Each version emphasizes a neutral palette intended to support repeat wear across different outfits and uses.
The NikeSKIMS Rift Mesh will retail for $150 USD. Availability begins January 26 across Nike.com, SKIMS.com, and select U.S. retail locations. NikeSKIMS has confirmed plans to expand footwear and apparel in future seasonal collections, further developing its head-to-toe system of dress.
