Nike brought back its popular SNKRS Showcase series on Thursday (June 20, 2024) where it previewed multiple shoes with holiday 2024 and spring 2025 launch dates. The segment previewed the return of some of Nike’s most popular classics, updated with new color and material stories.
The segment was highlighted by the news that Nike plans to relaunch the Air Rift PRM (short for premium), a sneaker designed by long-distance runner Kip Buck that was first launched in 1996. According to Nike’s history site, the Air Rift is a tribute to Kenyan runners: “With input from barefoot long-distance runners in Kenya, the split-toe icon represents Nike’s first venture into the world of natural motion footwear. Furthering the inspiration was the Air Rift name, taking inspiration from Kenya’s Great Rift Valley.”
Functioning as the athletic sister to Maison Margiela‘s popular Tabi silhouette, it’s hard not to imagine Nike is bringing back the Rift in response to the recent popularity of the cloven foot shoe, epitomized by a viral story of the shoe being pilfered on a first date.
Our only gripe is that Nike should have brought back the Rift a lot sooner, even better if the brand had reintroduced it was a compelling collaborative partner like Yoon Ahn or perhaps Martine Rose, whose series of Shox silhouettes has been hugely popular with fashion lovers who appreciate an edgy statement.
Nike hasn’t provided pricing or exact launch dates, but a black leather Air Rift PRM will launch in holiday 2024, to be followed up by a tan suede version of the shoe in spring 2025.
