While much of the internet is busy revisiting 2016 with throwback posts from a decade ago, Kim Kardashian is looking even further back—reviving a major ’90s fashion staple.
The Kardashians’ star recently debuted the NikeSKIMS Rift, a modern reimagining of Nike’s iconic 1990s Air Rift silhouette, redesigned through the SKIMS lens. Kardashian was spotted at The Commons shopping center wearing an all-black look that let the shoes take center stage. She styled a baggy leather jacket and bandeau top, both from Balenciaga, with high-waisted, loose-fit Nike trousers and oversized black sunglasses. On her feet: the new Nike x SKIMS split-toe Air Rift. See the look here!
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Kim Kardashian Rocks New NikeSKIMS Rift
The updated design offers a sleek, minimalist take on the original 1996 Air Rift, blending Nike’s performance roots with SKIMS’ focus on comfort and everyday wear. The shoe emphasizes natural foot movement and articulation, featuring soft, breathable mesh, neutral colorways, and a ballet-flat-inspired profile designed to transition seamlessly from studio to street. The NikeSKIMS Rift is set to launch on January 26.
Drawing inspiration from both the original Air Rift and Maison Margiela’s iconic Tabi shoe, the design leans into clean lines and understated tones—black, tan, and brown—aligning with SKIMS’ signature elevated-basics aesthetic.
Split-toe footwear and ballet flats have been enjoying a major resurgence, with Margiela’s Tabi shoes and classic ballet flats dominating recent street style. Jennifer Lawrence, a longtime street-style icon, has been repeatedly spotted embracing the ballet flat trend.
Still, reactions online to SKIMS’ split-toe version have been mixed, with fans divided over the bold reinterpretation.
Social Media Reacts To Kim Kardashian's 'Hideous' NikeSKIMS Rift
On Instagram, fans flooded her comment section with unfiltered reactions to the shoes.
“These are hideous,” wrote one user.
A second commented, “Geriatric tap-dancing Ninja Turtle shoes."
“It looks like a Yeezy scrap, something Kanye just sold to her,” a third added.
Over on Reddit, the response was just as blunt. “These look like they have absolutely no support and are made from the cheapest materials possible. They also look like they would give you the worst blisters possible,” one person wrote.
“Looks like a modern-day torture device for feet,” another commenter chimed in.
NikeSKIMS, which officially launched in September 2025, has rolled out a broad lineup of athletic apparel and accessories designed with an emphasis on sculpting and comfort.
The mother of four has called the collaboration a “game-changer,” explaining that it is meant to “redefine women’s activewear without compromise.”
She added that “Skims is very body-oriented... so our next evolution was that we really wanted to do activewear.” She also shared that partnering with Nike had long been a goal, saying, “Nike is number one. I want Skims to partner with number one.”
Highlighting her hands-on approach, the actress described herself as “employee number one,” noting that she acts as the fit model for nearly every piece to test for “armpit fat and back fat and just all the things that might get overlooked.”
