The Nike “Airlift” has a unique design with a split toe like the traditional Japanese “tabi” footwear. Inspired by barefoot running in Kenya, this model boasts a great comfort that combines the best features of both sandals and sneakers. This time, we will focus on the Nike Airlift and introduce its charm!
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What is Nike ” Airlift “?
The Nike Air Rift was introduced by Nike in 1996 as a running shoe with a slit in the toe like a tabi. There was a time when it was temporarily discontinued, but since its revival in 2015, it has been continuously marketed as a popular model. The unique airlift design, recognizable at first glance, was inspired by the barefoot running of Kenyan long-distance runners who were active in international marathon competitions at the time, and the original 1996 model featured a black, red, and green color scheme inspired by the Kenyan national flag. The model has a hybrid design that looks like a fusion of sandals and sneakers, and is characterized by its high breathability and lightweight comfort.
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The product name is a reference to Kenya’s Rift Valley Province, and the form, designed to flex easily, is inspired by the Great Rift Valley, which runs north-south across the African continent.
The most distinctive feature of the Nike “Airlift” is the toe design, which is inspired by the traditional Japanese footwear “Tabi Shoes”.
The most distinctive feature of the Airlift is the design of the toe, which is split in two like a tabi. A slit is cut between the thumb and forefinger to provide a natural, barefoot-like feel. There are no laces, and the fit can be infinitely adjusted with two straps placed on the instep and heel. Originally developed as running shoes, they are lightweight and have comfortable breathability.
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The Nike “Airlift” is a hybrid shoe that combines the best of sandal, sneaker, and tabi socks design!
Also noteworthy is the sandal-like mesh upper, which is suitable for water activities, and the outsole, which is as easy to walk on as a running sneaker. The “Nike Tech Ultramesh” mesh upper eliminates the dampness and discomfort of wearing sneakers in mid-summer, while the sole with an air sole unit that absorbs the impact of walking solves the fatigue common to sandals.
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How to match the Nike “Airlift” with both bare feet and socks
Airlift can be worn barefoot or with a pair of socks, for example, barefoot with outdoor fashion, or with socks with a shirt and chinos for a casual look, allowing you the freedom to match your outfit and where you wear them. You can use them in any way you like.
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Tabbi-shaped socks to match with the Airlift!
If you choose to wear socks with the Airlift, make sure to buy socks with the Tavi design to fit the unique shape of the Airlift. Nike also offers socks to match the Airlift and Aqualift, so if you want to create a unified look on your feet, you will want to get these socks from Nike as well.
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Unexpectedly confused? Men should pay attention to the size of Nike ” Airlift
The Airlift is available in sizes from 22 to 29 cm, but there are no half sizes because of the 1 cm increments. Also, since the base is a women’s model, the width of the foot and the height of the instep are smaller than those of general sneakers for men. In fact, many reviews from purchasers indicate that they are made smaller than the stated size. If you are unsure, it may be a good idea to choose one size up from your usual size.
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Incidentally, there is also a kid’s size available (model name: Little Lift), so families can wear the Airlift together and go out as a pair. The advantage of this model is that it is easy for children to put on and take off since it is made with straps instead of shoelaces.
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Why is the Nike ” Airlift ” so popular?
The popularity of the airlift over the past few years is probably due in part to the current boom in tabi-like shoes. The origin of this boom is Maison Margiela’s Tabi boots. The Tabi boot was introduced by Belgian fashion designer Martin Margiela at the 1989 Spring/Summer Paris Collection, the first collection of his own brand ” Maison Margiela ” (when it was founded). The boots were a reworking of the Japanese tabi (split-toe socks), and their strong originality has captivated many fashionistas to this day. Vetements, founded by Demna Vasaria, a designer who once worked at Margiela, has also introduced tabi-like boots.
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Of course, the airlift has different roots, as the idea for the airlift came from Kenyan long-distance runners, but the popularity of the airlift is probably not unrelated to the fact that resistance to split-toe shoes and the sense of being an oddity has faded.
The Airlift is perfect for the relaxed style that has taken hold in our lives of self-restraint!
In this day and age, people tend to stay at home, unable to go far from home. The Airlift is perfect as a one-mile shoe for a short trip to the store while still wearing the relaxed attire that has become ingrained in our lives. The unique style adds an accent to simple outfits such as a T-shirt and shorts. Of course, they are also very comfortable, making them ideal for long trips.
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