Nike ’s Air Rift sneaker, long celebrated for its distinctive split-toe design inspired by traditional Japanese tabi footwear, is stepping boldly into the balletcore trend with its latest release: the Air Rift “Buckle Strap.” This fresh iteration marries the shoe’s athletic heritage with refined, ballet-inspired aesthetics, making it a standout for spring and warm-weather fashion in 2025.
Departing from the usual nylon fastenings, the new Air Rift features three buckled leather straps—two securing the forefoot and one around the heel—crafted in smooth black leather that envelops the foot with a sleek, modern finish. The leather panels boast scalloped, rounded edges, softening the silhouette and enhancing the shoe’s elegant vibe without breaking the monochromatic black theme. Complementing this understated sophistication, a delicate pink and yellow cherry blossom charm dangles as a playful nod to the season, adding a subtle yet charming pop of color.
This design evolution aligns perfectly with the rising popularity of balletcore, a fashion movement that draws heavily on ballet shoe influences and embraces delicate, feminine details. The Air Rift’s tabi-toed split and semi-exposed tooling have made it a natural fit for this trend, and the addition of buckled leather straps elevates the sneaker from sporty to chic, blurring the lines between performance footwear and stylish streetwear.
Priced at approximately $102 USD (799 HKD), the Air Rift “Buckle Strap” is currently available through Nike’s official channels, offering sneaker enthusiasts and fashion-forward consumers alike a unique way to express their style while enjoying comfort and innovation. This release follows other recent Air Rift colourways, such as the “Black Mesh” and “Healing Orange,” but stands apart with its luxurious leather construction and balletcore-inspired details.
