Nike insists on the SKIMS split-toe Rift. Will it work?
At the end of January 2026, the new NIKESKIMS Rift sneakers began to be commercialized. Their main feature is a split at the toe-end that separates the first toe (big toe) from the second one. This is not a new concept, as during the 1990s the brand had already launched running shoes with the same characteristic. This iconic split-toe design has very ancient origins in Japan, where cotton socks known as Tabi, with separated toes, began to be produced to be worn with traditional strapped sandals. The designer who introduced this concept to the international fashion market in 1988 was the Belgian Martin Margiela, of Maison Margiela.
NIKE now relaunches a new collection inspired by the structure of ballerina flats or Mary Jane shoes, featuring a transverse strap, uppers made with mesh fabrics and synthetic materials, combined with a very thin and minimalist sole that respects the Rift foot strike.
According to NIKE technicians, footwear with a split between the toes favors a more natural movement of the foot and enhances propulsion while walking.
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