The split-toe obsession has captured everyone, from the avant-garde runways of Paris to the streets of Harajuku. But Kim Kardashian and Nike have decided to shift that perspective with the debut of their first-ever footwear: the NikeSKIMS Rift. After a blockbuster debut series of leggings and sports bras, this new partnership reimagines a 1996 cult classic for a new generation of studio-to-street enthusiasts.
The Nike Rift has always been something of an outlier in the sneaker world. Originally launched in the mid-nineties, the silhouette was inspired by the barefoot long-distance runners of Kenya and named after the country’s Great Rift Valley. Its defining feature, the iconic tabi toe, was designed to articulate with the foot’s natural motion, paving the way for the minimalist footwear movement. Now, NikeSKIMS has stripped the silhouette back even further, leaning into a low-to-the-ground, barefoot midsole and a sleek mesh upper that completes the brand’s head-to-toe system of dress.
For Kim Kardashian, the choice to revive this specific model was a play on femininity and athletic grace. “There’s something so powerful and beautiful about a ballet flat, which is why reimagining the Nike Rift for the first NikeSKIMS sneaker felt perfect,” she explains. “The Rift isn’t just a shoe – it’s a 90s icon that women everywhere have fallen in love with. Together with Nike, we focused on creating a version that feels minimalist, sleek and flattering.” This flattering element is a hallmark of the SKIMS design spirit, moving away from the chunky dad shoe aesthetic in favour of a silhouette that contours to the foot.
Technically, the shoe remains true to its performance roots while embracing a lifestyle finish. The single strap across the midfoot allows for quick entry and a secure fit, while the textured logo outsole provides grip without adding bulk. It is designed to be the final piece of the puzzle for the NikeSKIMS athlete, transitioning effortlessly from a Pilates reformer to a coffee run.
But don’t fret: if the split-toe isn’t your thing, the brand has confirmed that additional footwear styles are already in the pipeline for future seasonal collections, aiming to celebrate “every dimension of athleticism” with premium, confidence-boosting products.
The NikeSKIMS Rift Mesh is set to drop in North America on January 26, available via both brand websites and select retail locations.
photography. courtesy of Nike, SKIMS
words. Gennaro Costanzo






















































































































































































