How to Make Nike's Weirdly Wonderful Tabi Shoes Better? Give 'Em Fuzzy Suede
I didn't think the Nike Air Rift could get any better as a weirdly cool Swoosh sneaker-sandal with split tabi toes. But here we are.
Reborn in 2024, Nike's Air Rift is indeed back and better than ever (even though we thought we'd never get another global Rift moment again). Of course, Nike has rolled out some classic breezy versions for the '90s "it"-girl shoe, but the Air Rift has also looked pretty good in Nike's more luxe outfits.
Nike's Air Rift is already a style star, beloved by the fashion girlies in its standard meshy form since 1996. But in this new era, Nike has upped the shoe's fashion game with full-leather makeovers and even delicious hairy suede.
That's right. Nike's latest iteration of the Air Rift features brushed suede on top of the shoe's traditional mesh underlays. Then, Nike douses the split-toe shoes in these beautifully rich colorways, further accentuating the fuzzy goodness.
Particularly, Nike's suede Air Rift sneakers come in a grey-ish white, Parachute Beige, Red Sepia, and Ironstone, some of which are now available at stores like Net-a-Porter and Mr. Porter. Don't worry; the shoes are expected to land at more retailers in March.
In a time when weird, flat sneakers are having a moment, Nike's Air Rift arrives at a perfect time. It checks the boxes with its almost barefoot design and a cushioned foam sole with Nike Air. And it's undoubtedly a unique Nike shoe.
After hairy suede and buttery leather 'fits, the Air Rift's revival era only looks up from here. Ballet Rifts, anyone?
