Melitta Baumeister moulds the Nike Rift into the Rift Rocker

Melitta Baumeister and Nike present the Nike Rift Rocker. The designer takes the split-toe Rift as her base and sets it on a chunky rocker sole inspired by moulded clay. The Nike Rift Rocker arrives in women's sizing and in two colorways: Black/White and Yukon Brown/Light Iron Ore-Black.

Clay is the starting point for the entire collection. Baumeister compares shaping a material over and over with the repetition of athletic training. You can see that in the shoe.

According to Baumeister, the Rift has a unique history and a distinct relationship to the foot. That is exactly what she wanted to exaggerate even further with the Rift Rocker. The design was unveiled in New York during the 'Molded by Dedication' showcase.

A sole like a clay model

The sole of the Nike Rift Rocker grabs your attention straight away. Thick, curved and marked with deep Swoosh impressions on the outside, as if someone pressed into it by hand.

Sections are scooped out at the heel and the medial side, and the outsole carries a tread that refers back to the Waffle sole. Baumeister says the sculpted sole gives the shoe a completely different presence, almost as if it had been moulded into form.

The upper is familiar yet different too. Some of the original Rift's layered construction and straps remain, but where the classic Rift has an open forefoot, this version gets a tongue and laces. Raised, stitched Swooshes sit at the forefoot, her name appears on the end of the main strap and a strap detail returns at the back.

Both colorways use distressed leather. The Black/White keeps things dark and understated. The Yukon Brown version goes for an earthy brown, complemented by Light Iron Ore and black.

Look closer and there is more to find. An eye sits on the heel and insole, a footprint carries the words "Think Outside" and inside the tongue you'll read "You Bring The Body, We Bring The Shape", next to a banana with a Swoosh inside. Hands, eyes and facial contours are recurring motifs across the collection.

Baumeister has worked with Nike before on versions of the Vomero and the Pegasus. The Rift Rocker also comes with apparel: a reversible puffer, a track jacket with a detachable balaclava and a clay Swoosh at the neck, track pants with a clay carabiner and split-toe tabi socks.

According to the announcement, sales start on 5 November via Melitta Baumeister's webshop. On 12 November, SNKRS, Nike Lab Paris, Dover Street Market and selected retailers follow. An EU retail price has not been announced yet. Keep an eye on Nike for the Nike Rift Rocker.

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