Nike Revives the Air Rift With Bold Snakeskin Makeover for Holiday 2025
Nike is bringing fresh flair to one of its most unconventional silhouettes. The iconic Air Rift – a shoe inspired by Kenya’s barefoot runners and beloved by Japanese fashion circles of the ’90s – is returning this holiday season in a striking faux snakeskin design.
Originally created by Nike designer Kip Buck, the Air Rift was designed to capture the essence of natural movement. Its signature split-toe construction and rugged outsole were modeled after the Great Rift Valley in Kenya, paying homage to the country’s legendary runners. Though the shoe never fully broke into the performance market, it gained cult status among lifestyle enthusiasts, particularly in Japan, where its avant-garde look made it a streetwear staple.
The model’s quirky charm eventually caught Hollywood’s attention, with Halle Berry collaborating on a special-edition pair in 2004 as part of Nike’s Artist Series. Now, two decades later, the Air Rift is experiencing another fashion renaissance – perfectly timed with the global revival of tabi-inspired and ballet-style footwear.
This new “Snakeskin” edition reimagines the runner with textured leather overlays and a reptilian finish across the toe and side panels. It will be available in two sleek colorways: a soft grey “Photon Dust” and a daring all-red version.
Set to drop in women’s sizes during the Holiday 2025 shopping season, the Nike Air Rift “Snakeskin” will retail for $140.
Fashion-forward and unapologetically bold, this latest release blends sport, heritage, and high-style – a reminder that even decades after its debut, the Air Rift still knows how to turn heads.
