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Mita Sneakers' Shigeyuki Kunii Talks Innovation in the Nike "Air Rift" That Shattered Industry Norms
In 1995, Nike introduced the "AIR RIFT," a sneaker inspired by barefoot runners in Kenya, featuring a distinctive split-toe design reminiscent of traditional Japanese tabi socks.
Born in the same year as the monumental AIR MAX 95, what is it about this unorthodox model that leads industry veterans to say it "shattered conventional wisdom"?
We spoke with Shigeyuki Kunii, Director of Mita Sneakers, to explore the true innovation packed into the Air Rift.
1995: A Bumper Year That Spawned Legendary Classics
The year 1995 holds a special brilliance in Nike's history. It saw the birth of the AIR MAX 95, a shoe that sparked a cultural phenomenon with its radical design and full-length visible Air unit, marking a landmark moment in sneaker history.However, few at the time may have realized that another game-changing piece of footwear was quietly making its debut that very same year: the Air Rift.
When asked, "Which footwear defied industry conventions and rules?" Shigeyuki Kunii of Mita Sneakers—a recognized figurehead in the industry—instantly named the Air Rift. Kunii belongs to the generation that experienced the explosive fervor of '90s sneaker culture firsthand.
"Having experienced that craze firsthand in real time, '1995' stands out as a key milestone for me. When it comes to Nike, the most obvious standout is the AIR MAX 95, followed by the AIR FOOTSCAPE, which minimized pressure on the instep. And then, there was the Air Rift.
I bought the original debut colorway of the Air Rift right when it launched, and I wore it so much I completely ran it into the ground. I often wore it barefoot, just like a sandal."
While most eyes were glued to the futuristic gradients of the AIR MAX 95, Kunii was drawn to the unconventional silhouette of the Air Rift, making him one of the early adopters to experience its unique feel.
Japanese Tabi Meets Kenyan Terrain: Where Inspirations Intersect
Where did the unusual shape of the Air Rift come from? One of its key roots lies in traditional Japanese footwear: the tabi. By separating the big toe from the rest, this design offers a superior ground-gripping feel and stability at high elevations, making it a longstanding favorite among traditional carpenters and scaffolders. Nike took this ancient wisdom and evolved it into modern sports footwear through cutting-edge technology.
However, tabi wasn't the only source of inspiration. A more fundamental spark originated far away on the African continent—in Kenya. The name "Air Rift" itself derives from Kenya's Great Rift Valley. What makes it even more fascinating is the backstory behind its concept and colorway.
"It was originally inspired by Kenyan long-distance runners who spent endless hours training barefoot in the Great Rift Valley. The original colorway—combining black, red, and green—was directly modeled after the Kenyan flag.
"To be honest, the origins of the name and the backstory behind the colorway aren't talked about much. I think very few people know that the Kenyan color scheme is actually a nod to Kenyan runners."
As Kunii points out, the Air Rift wasn't just a simple copy of traditional Japanese tabi split-toe socks. Imbued in this single pair is deep respect for Kenyan runners—who race across the earth barefoot with phenomenal athleticism—as well as an inquiring spirit seeking to unlock the secret behind their strength.
The true originality of the Air Rift lay right at the intersection of these two cultures: Japanese tradition and the red clay of Africa.
The Air Rift and the Quest for "Innate Human Power"
What made the Air Rift so groundbreaking went beyond its design—it was the philosophy flowing beneath it. While conventional high-performance sneakers took a "doping-like" approach, enhancing an athlete's abilities by adding features like cushioning and stability, the Air Rift engaged runners from a completely opposite perspective.
That concept was to "awaken the foot's innate muscles, sense of balance, and flexibility." Kunii says this philosophy is the Air Rift's single greatest legacy.
"Supporting the foot during a run is important, but back then, I think there was also a concept focused on strengthening your own feet. It was what we'd call the 'barefoot' approach today, a lineage that eventually led to models like NIKE FREE.
Sneakers usually add features to compensate for what the feet alone can't handle. But there's a philosophy that the human body simply isn't using its full capacity, and by training it, you can unlock its true specs. I believe the core concept of the Air Rift lies right there."
Instead of relying on shoe support, it restores the foot's natural function and unlocks dormant potential. Much like the famous stories of boys kicking balls barefoot who grew up to become world-class soccer stars, or runners who trained barefoot winning international championships, there was a core philosophy of believing in inherent human capability.
In an era of sneaker development driven by adding more and more features, this subtractive mindset aimed at drawing out human ability was truly revolutionary.
"The colorway of the AIR FORCE '温故知新' that I helped design was actually sampled from the Air Rift. I didn't borrow those colors just because I liked them, though.
That model incorporated 'Dri-FIT' technology in the lining with the functional goal of maximizing breathability. When thinking about that, the most breathable, comfortable shoe in my memory was the Air Rift. That's how the functional concept and the design source clicked together for me."
This personal experience demonstrates that the Air Rift was far more than just a product; it was something deeply etched into the wearer's memory.
The philosophy championed by the Air Rift—to "unlock innate human potential"—is taking on fresh meaning today. Footwear that respects the natural movement of the foot, such as Maison Margiela's immensely popular Tabi boots and Vibram FiveFingers, is once again drawing major spotlight.
In an age where technological enhancement has reached unprecedented heights, this trend may reflect a growing desire to return to the human body itself.
Rather than "adding" features to a sneaker, forging the future by "drawing out" human potential—the story of the Air Rift told by Kunii reveals that this pair is not merely a masterpiece of the past, but a living innovation that continues to question the future of footwear today.
PROFILE
Shigeyuki Kunii
mita sneakers Director
Director at mita sneakers, a shop in Ueno, Tokyo's traditional downtown district, that broadcasts unique sneaker styles to the world. He has demonstrated his talent by directing numerous brand collaborations and exclusive models. Currently, he also serves as external director for Herringbone Footwear, a shop opened in Toranomon Hills. Involved in projects ranging from global endeavors to domestic inline direction, he is one of the most influential figures in the sneaker industry.
Photo by Hiroyuki “Lily” Suzuki (StudioLog)
Text by Yasuyuki Ushijima (NO-TECH)
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