In 1996, Nike created a trainer/sandal hybrid called the Nike Air Rift. The design of the Air Rift was inspired by the barefoot running style of Kenyan distance runners and the debut style was made in the colours of the country’s flag to honour the champion athletes.

The name came from Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, the nation’s signature characteristic and the fault line also provided a second source of inspiration for the shoe’s defining characteristic: a decoupled toe that created articulation between the wearers first and second toes.

Now relaunched for SS15 the Air Rift remains true to its original with the defining split-toe, a flexible natural motion outsole and two Velcro closures on the heel and midfoot to secure the foot with a customizable fit.