# Sandal-Shoe Hybrids The NikeLab Free Rift Sandal Has a Split-Toe Design By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-05-06 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nikelab-free References: [hypebeast](http://hypebeast.com/2015/5/nikelab-free-rift-sandal) & [news.nike](http://news.nike.com/news/rift-reimagined-the-nikelab-free-rift-sandal) The NikeLab Free Rift is a sandal with a [split-toe design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobiome-tabi-gen-01-sandal) for added comfort and performance. This design allows the foot to move in a natural and unrestricted fashion. The original footwear fell sort of halfway between shoe and sandal, but the design in the latest version of the NikeLab Free Rift falls closer to the sandal side of the spectrum than its predecessor. Rather than having a textile upper and rubber outsole, the NikeLab Free Rift sports protective TPU cages and plush Phylon midsoles for comfort and support. The use of Nike Free technology makes the package well and truly complete, creating the best and most versatile [sneaker-sandal hybrid](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gt2160-sandal) ever seen. Ultimately, this is a product that marries the best of two worlds, and will be suited to athletes of a wide variety of persuasions. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 88% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sandal-shoe Hybrids:** The NikeLab Free Rift combines the comfort and freedom of movement of a sandal with the support and performance of a shoe. - **Split-toe Design:** The split-toe design of the NikeLab Free Rift allows for natural and unrestricted foot movement, enhancing comfort and performance. - **Sneaker-sandal Hybrids:** The NikeLab Free Rift is a versatile sneaker-sandal hybrid that offers the benefits of both footwear styles. ### Where This Applies - **Sports Footwear:** The sports footwear industry can take inspiration from the NikeLab Free Rift to create innovative sneaker-sandal hybrids for athletes of various sports. - **Athletic Apparel:** Athletic apparel brands can explore the use of split-toe designs in their footwear to provide athletes with enhanced comfort and performance. - **Outdoor Recreation:** The outdoor recreation industry can benefit from developing sandal-shoe hybrids like the NikeLab Free Rift that offer flexibility, comfort, and protection for outdoor activities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ballet-Inspired Split-Toe Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-rift-black-swan.md) - [Split-Toe Footwear Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nikeskims-air-rift-satin-pack.md) - [Metallic-Tinged Split-Toe Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-rift-2.md) - [Buckled Leather Split-Toe Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buckle-strap.md) - [Athletic Tabi-Style Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fire-red-2.md) - [Split-Toe Barefoot Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobiome-tabi-gen-01-sandal.md) - [Sport Collaboration Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rift-mesh.md) - [Summer-Ready Lightweight Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-forward-moc-2-n7.md) - [Lifestyle Foam-Based Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-sandal.md)