Mind the gap - the Nike Air Rift

1996: Nike made its first step towards the realization of running shoes based on the concept of natural motion: Nike Air Rift was the result of that, an hybrid between sneakers and sandals.

 Although initially  the shoes had not been particularly publicized or distributed, Nike Air Rift began to attract a wide audience thanks to its innovative design and its unexpected beauty.

The silhouette indeed was inspired by the barefoot race of the Kenyan runners on the long distances - that's why the shoes made their debut in the color of Kenya's flag, taking the name of the famous Rift Valley. The Nike Air Rift sanctioned a substantial break with the previous long season of experiments in the running world: it presented an interesting separation of fingers never seen before, as well as an ultra stretch fit.

And here's the news that will startle the "vintage-lover"generation: The Nike Air Rift is proposed again, for the summer 2015. Its distinctive style has been implemented with a mesh construction in the upper, so as to ensure maximum ventilation - while the characteristic fingers division, in harmony with the super flexible natural motion sole, ensures maximum traction. The icing on the cake: the closure strap to give optimum stability and a custom fit.

From April 27 you can find on nike.com/sportswear  and at selected retailers the colors of the original Nike Air Rift ... but if what you're looking for is the novelty, new releases will be out from May 15.

Mind the Gap!