Nike Air Ralston Mid Lite in Grey and Black

Nike Sportswear's new desert chukka inspired sneaker combines heel Air, clean design and a natural motion inspired outsole.

words // Nick DePaula

While you were probably hoping these were a career-long tribute sneaker for playground basketball legend Rafer Alston, that would clearly be entirely ridiculous. This new suede-based chukka from Nike Sportswear, quite oppositely, balances some classic style cues from desert boots and the comfort that comes from a natural motion inspired outsole. Add a heel Air unit to the mix, and you've got yourself some nice kick-arounds.

Available this August at select Sportswear accounts in subtle black and grey suede uppers, the Ralston Mid Lite fits nicely into the contemporary and more subdued realm of sneakers.