Andrew Rizzo Nike is partnering with Air Afrique, a Paris-based collective inspired by the now-defunct Pan-African airline of the same name, on an all-new formal hybrid sneaker called the Air Max RK61.
Dressy sneakers are a hot topic today, but Nike’s exploration of the formalwear space runs deep. From 1988 to 2012, Nike owned Cole Haan, collaborating on loafers, dress shoes, and hybrid silhouettes equipped with Air Max cushioning. Even earlier, in the 1980s, Nike introduced models like the Vagabond and Bedouin to experiment with elevated style. Fast forward to 2025 and we have designs like the Air Max Phenomena loafer and the Jordan Mule Loafer — but the Air Max RK61 might be the Beaverton brand’s strongest dress-inspired sneaker in recent memory.
“The notion of Air is deeply connected to our history: Air Afrique, the airline itself, took to the skies to transcend cultures and newly independent African people,” says Ahmadou-Bamba Thiam, a member of the Air Afrique collective and editor of its magazine. “We also speak of Air as a symbolic, metaphorical elevation through culture and humanity. This concept was really our starting point for the product design and was central to creating the elegant silhouette of the Air Max RK61.”
The sneaker blends cues from the resurgent Air Max Sunder with traditional African moccasin design for a unique hybrid look. Three main pieces of leather make up the upper: a mudguard, heel panel, and a shrouded section featuring a zipper over traditional laces. Air Afrique’s signature jacquard pattern appears on the lining and insoles, while zipper pulls are detailed with the original airline logo. Underfoot is a brand-new Air Max sole designed to resemble a dress shoe bottom, complete with sharp edges, welting, and a brushed finish. Green Air units in the heel nod to jet engines, while Morse code spelling “Air Afrique” runs across the outsole. The RK61 name itself draws from the airline’s original flight code (RK) and its founding year (1961).
“This project is meant to bring out the rich history of Air Afrique, highlighting what the airline represented as an achievement for the continent and the people of those West African nations, domestic and abroad,” says Jupiter Desphy, the silhouette’s lead designer. “The opportunity to travel should be available to everyone, and the ability to meet new people, see distant relatives and gain exposure to different cultures forms our worldview in a meaningful way. As a team, we wanted to show respect to an era of movement many people may not be familiar with, in the form of a shoe that articulates these ideas and emotions.”
The Air Afrique x Nike Air Max RK61 releases globally in black and white leather colorways on October 9th via Nike SNKRS and select retailers, priced at $210 USD.
WHERE TO BUY
Mens Air Afrique x Nike Air Max RK61
US 10/09/2025 Thursday
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| Retailer | Release type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nike SNKRS US | Sold Out | Sold Out |
WHERE TO BUY
Mens Air Afrique x Nike Air Max RK61
US 10/09/2025 Thursday
Powered By:
| Retailer | Release type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nike SNKRS US | Sold Out | Sold Out |
