# Buckled Leather Split-Toe Footwear Nike's Air Rift Gets a Leather Buckle Strap Iteration By Amy Duong | Published 2025-04-24 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buckle-strap References: [nike](http://nike.com/women)  [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-rift-black-swan) introduces a new iteration of its iconic [Air Rift](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/updated-air-rift) model with the Buckle Strap version in a [triple black colorway](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dunk-low-sneaker-6) palette to join its roster. The signature split-toe element is retained, but the standout is the buckled leather straps and stealthy finish throughout. The upper is made from a blend of smooth black leather and is complete with an elastic lining for a comfortable fit. It strays away from its usual nylon enclosure and instead, it has three buckled leather straps -- two of these are across the forefoot and one is around the heel. At a closer look, there are scalloped edges on the panels. To round it out, it comes with a pink and yellow cherry blossom charm. Image Credit: Nike ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.5/10 - Popularity: 97% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 40% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Hybrid Footwear Designs:** Introducing leather straps to athletic footwear blends high fashion with sportswear, appealing to style-conscious consumers. - **Stealthy Color Palettes:** The triple black colorway enhances the shoe's versatility and underscores a trend towards minimalist, monochrome fashion pieces. - **Functional Fashion Accessories:** The inclusion of a cherry blossom charm highlights a trend towards adding personalized decorative elements to traditionally utilitarian items. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Athletic Footwear:** Innovations in athletic footwear design increasingly incorporate elements from high fashion to attract a broader consumer base. - **Fashion Accessories:** The blending of accessories like charms into footwear designs signals a crossover opportunity for accessory makers within the sportswear industry. - **Eco-friendly Materials:** As leather is incorporated into sports shoes, there's an opportunity for producers of sustainable and ethical materials to disrupt traditional manufacturing practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Split-Toe Sneaker Returns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/updated-air-rift.md) - [Ballet-Inspired Split-Toe Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-rift-black-swan.md) - [Metallic-Tinged Split-Toe Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-rift-2.md) - [Split-Toe Footwear Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nikeskims-air-rift-satin-pack.md) - [Athletic Tabi-Style Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fire-red-2.md) - [Sport Collaboration Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rift-mesh.md) - [Impact-Absorption Leather Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shox-sneaker.md) - [Symbolic Knot-Inspired Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/friendship-knot.md) - [Belt-Strapped Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strap-wingtip.md)