logo
Step Into Summer's Most Daring Shoe Trend

Step Into Summer's Most Daring Shoe Trend

Elle24-06-2025
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
When Margiela introduced the Tabi boot in 1988, its split-toe design quickly earned cult status. Decades later, in 2025, the once-niche silhouette is nearly as ubiquitous as the Adidas Samba. But in a market now saturated with cloven-toe footwear, one quiet contender has been waiting in the wings: the Nike Air Rift.
As the weather warms, you may have noticed an unusual number of bulbous, cleft-toe sneakers shuffling through the streets. You're not imagining it. The Nike Air Rift is just one of many toe-centric shoes currently enjoying a fashion moment—joining the ranks of Vibram's FiveFingers barefoot runners, Tory Burch's subtle slit silhouettes, and Kiko Kostadinov's split-toe Asics.
What sets the Air Rift apart is its unique fusion of several of today's most sought-after footwear design elements: the streamlined elegance of a ballet flat—think Puma's Speedcat Ballet or Louis Vuitton's Sneakerina—combined with the avant-garde edge of the Tabi and the all-day comfort of a sneaker. And the hype is backed by numbers: according to Poshmark, searches for 'Nike Air Rift' have surged by 95 percent since December 2024.
Despite its newfound trendiness, the Nike Air Rift actually debuted back in 1996. Designed by Nike's Kip Buck—an avid long-distance runner—the silhouette was named after Kenya's Great Rift Valley, a nod to both the region's rich running legacy and its dramatic terrain. According to Lynne Bredfelt, the brand's director of North America communications, the valley's physical landscape directly inspired the shoe's distinctive split-toe design. Sneaker historian Nicholas Smith describes the Air Rift as an outlier in Nike's archive, launched during a period when the brand was embracing a more experimental approach. It blended features from various athletic shoes, embodying the era's push toward versatile 'cross trainers.'
Until Nike re-released a suede version in 2024, the Air Rift was nearly impossible to find outside of resale platforms. Longtime fans like Fadia Kader, a talent executive at Netflix, went to great lengths to track them down—she recalls asking a friend in South Korea to ship her rare colorways. At the peak of her obsession, Kader owned 30 pairs; today, that number is closer to 10. Though technically never discontinued—Nike dropped a Liberty print iteration in 2015 and a mesh version in 2016—the Air Rift is now making a full-fledged comeback, just in time for summer, with a breathable mesh update built for high heat. 'They're not a sneaker, they're not a sandal, and they're not a ballet flat. They're perpetually unsettling,' says Kate Bauer, a content creator and PhD student.
By nearly all accounts, the Air Rift delivers a level of comfort that borders on mythic. 'They're the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. I can do 20,000 steps in them with no socks on and be great,' says trend forecaster and content creator Mandy Lee, often dubbed the 'Queen of Freaky Shoes.' Lee picked up her first pair in 2023. At the time, her posts about the unconventional silhouette drew a fair share of criticism. Now, she says, the response is overwhelmingly positive—a testament to the Air Rift's slow-burn ascent from oddball to icon.
And at $145–$170, the Air Rift offers a far more accessible entry point into the world of split-toe footwear. 'If you're not quite ready to invest $1,000 in a pair of Tabis, it's a good way to enter that world and get the same cool factor without spending a ton of money,' says Melissa Muzyczka, a designer, content creator, and devoted Tabi fan.
Additionally, the Air Rift's patchwork, Frankenstein-like aesthetic makes it surprisingly versatile, effortlessly complementing a wide range of outfits. 'They look very chic but sporty at the same time,' Kader says. 'You can dress them up or dress them down. I wear them with dresses all the time, but then I'll wear them with leggings, shorts, or overalls. They give a little bit of everything.'
Love them or hate them, the Air Rift is impossible to ignore—both online and IRL. If you're planning to invest in just one pair of shoes this summer, these are guaranteed to be the most versatile. 'I'm not a minimalist at all, but I could easily go a month just wearing those and be pretty content,' Lee adds.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

WORKSOUT and Nike Unveil the Air Max 95 in 'Thunder Blue'
WORKSOUT and Nike Unveil the Air Max 95 in 'Thunder Blue'

Hypebeast

time3 hours ago

  • Hypebeast

WORKSOUT and Nike Unveil the Air Max 95 in 'Thunder Blue'

Name:WORKSOUT x Nike Air Max 95 'Thunder Blue'Colorway:Thunder Blue/Summit White-Enigma StoneSKU:HQ0263-400MSRP:$190Release Date:2025Where to Buy:Nike,WORKSOUT South Korean streetwear retailerWORKSOUTcontinues its collaborative relationship withNike, this time reimagining the iconicAir Max 95silhouette in a bold yet understated 'Thunder Blue' colorway. The design draws from WORKSOUT's signature formula — clean, performance-driven details, elevated textures, and modernist restraint — while leaning into the brand's continued exploration of school uniform aesthetics and next-gen minimalism. The shoe features a deep navy gradient upper, enhanced by subtle Summit White and Enigma Stone accents that create tonal contrast across the layered panels. The most notable detail is a marbled texture applied to the upper, adding depth and dimensionality to the traditionally smooth Air Max 95 profile. A large, textured lateral Swoosh anchors the side profile, subtly elevated by tonal contrasts and branding that may nod to WORKSOUT's original storefront signage. The design introduces an updated lacing system, reflective paneling, and glow-in-the-dark detailing along the wave-like overlays — adding both visual intrigue and functional flair in low light. At the heel, the construction subtly opens up to reveal the inner layers, creating a sharp visual break from the marbled upper — a thoughtful detail that adds depth and contrast to the silhouette. Underfoot, visible Air units in the forefoot and heel provide familiar cushioning and bounce, tucked into a muted tan sole. Finishing touches include minimal branding on the tongue and insole, rounding out a clean, well-balanced design. The overall palette is quiet but calculated — aesthetically rooted in utility, but elevated through premium finishes and subtle storytelling.

Nike Wraps the Cortez in "Black Denim"
Nike Wraps the Cortez in "Black Denim"

Hypebeast

time7 hours ago

  • Hypebeast

Nike Wraps the Cortez in "Black Denim"

Name:Nike Cortez 'Black Denim'SKU:IM8052-010Colorway:TBCRetail Price:$100 USDRelease Date:Fall 2025Retailers: Nikeis giving the classicCortezrunning silhouette a 'Black Denim' makeover. Staying true to its name, the model features all-denim uppers in a soft black hue. The panel swoosh is a simple linear embroidery, followed by the black and white tongue tag, insoles and embroidered Nike heel logo in white. The shoe then rests on a black and white midsole, while a Gum outsole offers extra traction. Matching black laces tie them together for a neat finish.

Inside NOCTA Manor: Drake and Nike's Immersive Brand Retreat in London
Inside NOCTA Manor: Drake and Nike's Immersive Brand Retreat in London

Hypebeast

time7 hours ago

  • Hypebeast

Inside NOCTA Manor: Drake and Nike's Immersive Brand Retreat in London

Summary DrakeandNikerecently hosted 'NOCTA Manor,' an immersive, invite-only concept retreat nestled just outside London in the countryside town of Windsor. Built to coincide with Drake's three-night headline run atWireless Festival 2025, the Manor is designed to expand their world ofNOCTAfar beyond apparel and offers a curated look into the evolving universe of their NOCTA brand, bringing together fashion, athletics, music, and hospitality under one highly stylized roof. Set inside a gothic-style estate, the space immediately blurs the lines between luxury living and performance design. From the exterior, the Manor retains its stately, old-world charm. But step inside, and you're met with a fully realized NOCTA ecosystem — thoughtfully divided into three distinct zones: NOCTA Manor, the NOCTA Sports Club, and the Clubhouse. Each space serves a different function, yet all are connected by a unified aesthetic. From branded lounge areas and personalized locker rooms to custom NOCTA boats and a striking yellow and black basketball court set against manicured grounds, every detail is designed to immerse guests in the world of NOCTA. The layout blends high-performance minimalism with a refined, lifestyle-driven sensibility, staying true to the brand's design language while introducing new levels of tactility and intention. Across the multi-day experience, guests were invited to engage with NOCTA in motion. From Nike trainer-led workouts and American football scrimmages to river tours and curated wellness sessions, the experience was as much about movement as it was about rest. An all-star lineup of attendees — including21 Savage,Sexyy Red,Central Cee,Kevin Durant, andDevin Booker— further reinforced the brand's deep cultural roots, bridging the worlds of music, sport, and style into one interconnected atmosphere. Inside, the Manor's interiors were dressed in NOCTA's core palette, with product installations, exclusive apparel previews, and potential first looks at upcoming footwear — including rumored NOCTA x Maverick sneakers. Every detail, from the furniture to the lighting, was intentional, designed to echo the brand's duality: elite performance meets everyday expression. Despite its ultra-exclusive guest list, NOCTA Manor was built for visibility. The retreat's design and programming were meant to be experienced, photographed, and shared. Social posts from attendees quickly transformed the Manor into a viral case study in modern brand immersion. By inviting tastemakers and creatives to live inside the NOCTA world — if only for a weekend — Drake and Nike have redefined what a brand activation can be. More than just a product launch, NOCTA Manor served as a lifestyle installation, one that positioned NOCTA not just as a label, but as a cultural environment. Take a closer look at scenes from the NOCTA retreat below.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store