Barely a day passes in the Vogue office without at least one member of the digital team writing – or pitching – a story on shoes. Whether we like it or not, “sneakerinas” have dominated our collective consciousness of late, prompting multiple stories like “how to wear ballet sneakers”. And here’s another: the next few paragraphs will focus on the rise of Nike’s ’90s-hailing Air Rift, a sneakerina that was a precursor to similar styles that have recently gone viral.
“Sneakerinas” on the whole are visually intriguing, with the traits of both a ballet flat and trainer (as the name suggests). But Nike’s Air Rift pushes the divisive silhouette further. “The Air Rift tells such a strong story at the toe,” Mellány Sánchez, Nike global styling director, surmises of the unique split-toe detail. “It’s sculptural, it’s sharp, and it adds a wink to your look.”
Borrowing classic design details from Nike’s legacy sneaker range, like sporty stacked soles, mesh accents and the recognisable Swoosh tick, the Air Rift leans more into sneaker territory than it does ballerina – with a hint of sandal thrown in the mix.
Original styles feature a cut-out upper and a velcro strap, but the brand has also released more recent updates rendered in a leather-look fabrication with buckled hardware, a version with ribboned ties that climb your ankles, and the slip-on Rift 2, which was first released in 2002. “This one-for-one bring-back pulls the streamlined, full slip-on model into the current age,” as its product description reads. “Casual and street-ready, the shoe brings you a flexible upper with mesh underlays.”
