Launch the Air Max RK61, a tribute to diasporic heritage.

Nike and Air Afrique, a Paris-based creative collective, have joined forces to launch the Air Max RK61, a dress shoe silhouette that bridges heritage, craft design and innovation.

The silhouette is rooted in the tradition of returning home dressed in one’s finest, merging diasporic heritage with Nike’s iconic Air technology in a design that elevates both comfort and legacy.

Design details nod to aviation history, including an Air Max unit inspired by a jet engine, morse code spelling “Air Afrique” on the outsole, a zipper pull with the airline’s original logo, and a jacquard sock liner reminiscent of aircraft seats.

The silhouette comes to life through a campaign that serves as an ode to Air as both movement and metaphor, with generations of Afro-diasporic icons embodying elevation, including Didier Drogba, Oumou Sangaré, Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith and a former employee of the airline.

The Air Max RK61 will be available globally October 9 across SNKRS and select retail partners.