Air Afrique x Nike Air Max RK61 "Beige"

TLDR: The Air Afrique x Nike Air Max RK61 is a newly developed hybrid sneaker that combines classic elements of dress shoes with Air Max technology. It is inspired by the former pan-African airline Air Afrique. The shoe will be released on 9 October 2025 in the colourways ‘Coconut Milk’ and ‘Black’ for €200.

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With the Air Max RK61, Nike is opening a new chapter in collaboration with the Paris-based collective Air Afrique, which is dedicated to the Afro-diasporic heritage. The silhouette is based on a deep cultural idea: ‘Air’ as a symbol of mobility, freedom and cultural connection. The number 61 stands for the year the airline was founded and the abbreviation RK was its original flight code.

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Visually, the shoe blends modern sports technology with traditional design elements reminiscent of African moccasins and the aesthetics of the jet age. The upper consists of three main parts: a moulded mudguard, a sturdy heel cap and a concealed laced midfoot with a zip, strongly reminiscent of the Air Max Sunder. The zip pulls feature the Air Afrique logo, while the jacquard-patterned inner lining is reminiscent of old aeroplane seats. The word ‘Air Afrique’ can be read in Morse code on the outsole.

Technically, the RK61 features an all-new Air Max sole whose shape is reminiscent of elegant dress shoes – with an angular profile, a visible jet-inspired Air unit in green and a textured surface. 

It will be available on Wednesday, 9 October 2025, at Nike SNKRS and selected retailers worldwide. 

The retail price of €200 places it in the upper Nike price segment.