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By onemall 
To discover Nike sneakers that go beyond the mainstream, consider exploring models exclusive to the country. These include the classic Nike Cortez “Made in Japan,” the tech-focused Nike Air Rift, and special CO.JP releases. The easiest way to get your hands on these is with Onemall.jp, which lets you shop on Japanese secondhand marketplaces like Mercari and Yahoo! Auctions.
TL;DR
Beyond hyped collabs, Japan’s Nike scene hides gems: the original “Made in Japan” Cortez, the split-toe Air Rift, holy-grail CO.JP releases, the techwear-favorite SFB, and mismatched Dunk Lows. As of August 2026, the easiest way to buy them is via a proxy like OneMall on Mercari, Yahoo! Auctions, and SNKRDUNK.
- The earliest 1970s Cortez was made in Japan (日本製) with slimmer, higher-quality builds.
- The Air Rift’s split-toe design is a Harajuku cult favorite (ナイキ エア リフト).
- Early-2000s CO.JP releases (e.g., the “Viotech” Dunk) are collector grails.
- Find these on Mercari[1], Yahoo! Auctions[2], and SNKRDUNK[3] via a proxy service.
Everyone knows about the Travis Scott collaborations and the Off-White releases. However, the world of sneakers is expansive, and some of the most interesting and stylish pairs are the ones that don’t get much attention. The Japanese market has long been a place where Nike has experimented, releasing unique models and colorways that never achieve global popularity.
If you’re looking to stand out and add a truly unique piece to your collection, this guide is for you. Here are five models from that country that deserve your attention.
1. The Original Nike Cortez “Made in Japan”
Why it’s cool: The Cortez is a timeless classic, but the earliest versions from the 1970s were actually manufactured there. These pairs are a piece of the company’s history. They feature a slimmer silhouette, higher quality leather, and a unique vintage charm that modern retros can’t replicate. How to find it: This is a true vintage hunt. You’ll need to scour Yahoo! Japan Auctions and look for listings that specifically mention 日本製 (Made in Japan).
2. The Nike Air Rift
Why it’s cool: This unusual shoe, with its split-toe design inspired by Kenyan barefoot runners, has always been a cult favorite over there, especially in the fashion-forward Harajuku scene. While it has seen occasional international releases, it consistently gets the best and most interesting colorways. It’s the perfect anti-hype sneaker. How to find it: Search for ナイキ エア リフト on Mercari Japan. You’ll find a huge variety of colors you’ve never seen before.
3. Nike CO.JP (Concept Japan) Releases
Why it’s cool: In the early 2000s, Nike’s “CO.JP” line was a legendary series of exclusive releases that are now considered holy grails by collectors. These were often Dunk Lows and Air Force 1s in wild, creative colorways that were years ahead of their time, like the “Viotech” Dunk. How to find it: This requires some research. Look up famous CO.JP releases, and then search for them on SNKRDUNK or Yahoo! Auctions. They are a true collector’s item.
4. The Nike SFB (Special Field Boot)
Why it’s cool: While originally designed as a tactical boot, the Nike SFB has been adopted by Japanese techwear and avant-garde fashion enthusiasts. Brands like Acronym have collaborated on them, and they are often styled in a way that is uniquely Japanese. The region often gets exclusive, city-ready colorways. How to find it: Check Mercari Japan for a wide variety of models and sizes.
5. The Nike Dunk Low “Mismatched”
Why it’s cool: The nation has a long history of “mismatched” or “What The” style sneakers. These are shoes where the left and right shoe have different color panels, creating a bold, asymmetrical look. While this trend has gone global now, it has been doing it for years, and you can find many older, exclusive mismatched pairs. How to find it: This is a Mercari and Yahoo! Auctions hunt. It’s all about browsing and discovering a unique pair that speaks to you.
How to Buy These Hidden Gems:
All of these underrated models are most easily found on the Japanese secondhand market. A proxy service like Onemall.jp is the tool that lets you access this world. You simply find the pair you want, paste the link into the Onemall.jp search bar, and they handle the entire process of buying and shipping it to you.
Forget the hype. Start a collection that is uniquely yours by exploring the deep and fascinating world of exclusive sneakers from that country.
Underrated Nike Japan Models at a Glance
| Model | Why it stands out | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Cortez “Made in Japan” | 1970s original, slimmer silhouette, premium leather | Yahoo! Auctions (日本製) |
| Nike Air Rift | Split-toe, Harajuku cult favorite | Mercari (ナイキ エア リフト) |
| CO.JP releases | Early-2000s exclusives, grail status | SNKRDUNK / Yahoo! Auctions |
| Nike SFB | Adopted by techwear/avant-garde fashion | Mercari |
| Dunk Low “Mismatched” | Bold asymmetrical panels | Mercari / Yahoo! Auctions |
How to Buy These Models: Step by Step
- Identify the model and its Japanese search term (e.g., ナイキ エア リフト).
- Search Mercari, Yahoo! Auctions, or SNKRDUNK for a listing.
- Copy the product page URL.
- Paste it into the OneMall search bar.
- OneMall buys the pair and ships it to you internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 日本製 mean?
It means “Made in Japan.” Search for it to find the original, Japan-made Cortez pairs.
How do I buy these if I’m outside Japan?
Use a proxy service like OneMall — paste the listing URL and they buy and ship it. OneMall’s commission can be as low as ¥200/order, with the first 6 orders free (then ¥100/order) and 90 days of free storage.
Are CO.JP sneakers expensive?
As collector grails their prices vary widely; research the specific release before buying.
Which marketplace is best for vintage pairs?
Yahoo! Japan Auctions is best for older, rarer models.
References
Last updated: 2026-08-05.