The Nike Air Rift Just Got a Luxury Leather Glow-Up

Nike is giving one of its most unconventional silhouettes a refined refresh. The Air Rift, long celebrated for its split-toe construction and barefoot-inspired ride, is stepping into more elevated territory with a new premium leather treatment arriving in three tonal colorways: Black, Fir Green, and Velvet Brown.

Originally introduced in 1996 as a natural-motion runner, the Air Rift has always lived slightly outside Nike’s mainstream. Its tabi-style toe, lightweight build, and strap-based closure made it a cult favorite well before fashion circles took notice. In recent years, the silhouette has found renewed relevance as footwear trends have shifted toward comfort-forward designs with strong visual identity. This latest update feels like a natural continuation of that evolution.

The new leather Air Rift lineup replaces traditional mesh uppers with smooth, high-gloss leather panels that immediately change the shoe’s character. The material upgrade gives the model a more structured, almost luxury-house feel, while preserving the defining elements that make the Air Rift unmistakable. Tonal stitching, padded interiors, and sculpted midsoles keep the presentation cohesive, allowing the split-toe shape to remain the focal point.

Importantly, the Air Rift’s comfort-first design remains unchanged. The split-toe layout still promotes natural foot movement, while the lightweight cushioning and flexible sole keep it wearable for extended periods. The leather upgrade doesn’t turn the model into a novelty piece; instead, it reframes it as a more versatile option within Nike’s lifestyle catalog.

A release is expected via Nike.com before summer concludes. As the Air Rift continues its quiet evolution, this premium leather trio in Black, Fir Green, and Velvet Brown reinforces the idea that some of Nike’s most forward-thinking designs don’t need reinvention—just refinement.

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