As ballet sneakers establish strong roots this spring, Nike is getting into the trend with a tabi sandal.
The Nike Air Rift is getting a special edition with ribbon ankle cuffs connecting it to the dance trend. Now coming in all black, the ballet Air Rift previously debuted last fall in pink. Besides the ribbon flourish, the sneaker retains its Neoprene upper with leather detailing.
Nike first released the Air Rift in 1996, and its design was partially based on input from Kenyan long-distance runners. Not only was it the first tabi shoe from Nike, but it was also the beginning of its efforts to facilitate natural motion with its footwear. Both the split toe and the shoe’s name are modeled after Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, and the articulation between the first and second toe encourages a natural stride. Beneath the foot, Air cushioning and a specific traction better continue with the same mission.
Many of the major sneaker players are catering to the ballet sneaker trend this spring. Adidas’ hit Taekwondo was transformed for dance on the Bad Bunny Ballerina collaboration, and Puma has given similar tweaks to its Speedcat and Mostro models. Even Louis Vuitton is participating, as its debuted its Sneakerina silhouette.
Speaking to Footwear News for a story on the trend, Adidas Originals senior footwear designer Claire Sterling said: “I think the dad sneaker has been overdone a little bit. So I think people wanted a fresher look in something a little bit different, and that’s why they started gravitating back towards the ballet flats and mary janes and taking it to where you’re seeing now in the sneaker arena.”
Sterling also teased more to come in the ballet arena from Adidas in 2025 and 2026.
The Nike Air Rift Ballerina doesn’t yet have a firm release date but is expected to release this summer through Nike’s website and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $105.
