Nike Remixes The Air Rift Into A Ballet Shoe

The cult classic silhouette steps into a new lane.

Matt Varga September 26, 2024

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In the latest SNKRS showcase, Nike tacitly tipped off the Air Rift as an emphasized model down the stretch, unveiling two all-leather constructions as it slowly but steadily makes its way back to shelves. The 1996 invention, replete with tabi-toe and open midfoot, is getting another major overhaul. Images of an Air Rift style with ballet-style nylon ribbons just emerged, available now in Japan and likely coming to the US in short order.

Returning to its original synthetic construction, the major change is essentially promised in the title, an addition of removable ribbons intended to tie around the ankle to add some high class appeal to the end-of-century curios. The intent is just as clear, with the Ballet Air Rift able to provide that delicate aesthetic within the bounds of a true sneaker, surely more fit for everyday wear than any ballet style. Finally, “Soft Pink” is the choice in terms of palette, mirroring the traditional look of ballet wear for an extra dose of conceptual weight.

Look for the Nike Air Rift Ballet on shelves in the US in the coming weeks. As mentioned towards the top, Japanese stockists have already begun selling this pair. If you’re out of range for the time being, instead enjoy some official images via the embedded gallery ahead.

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WHERE TO BUY

Womens Nike Air Rift

SKU: HQ3761-640

RETAIL PRICE: $N/A

RELEASE DATE: 2025

After Market

M 4.5 / W 6 M 5 / W 6.5 M 5.5 / W 7 M 6 / W 7.5 M 6.5 / W 8 M 7 / W 8.5 M 7.5 / W 9 M 8 / W 9.5

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US 2025

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Written by

Matt Varga, Junior Editor

Matt Varga is an Editor at SneakerNews. Initially earning a degree in Video Arts and Technology, he got his start in video editing and writing in the music world — primarily on hip-hop and electronic. A long-standing interest in sneakers led him to switching over to footwear. An avid collector, his favorite sneaker of all time comes down to either the Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe” and Air Jordan 5 “Laney,” his first ever pick-ups. When he’s not writing, you can find Matt cooking, traveling, attending concerts and when weather permits, on the handball court.