As part of Nike’s plan to accelerate its innovation mission, the company has introduced a new initiative, which brings to life some of the efforts it made in Web3.
As a tribute to the Nike Mag, designed by sneaker legend Tinker Hatfield and debuted in 1989, Nike is releasing new sneakers inspired by the Cryptokicks NFT sneakers created by its acquired Web3 studio RTFKT.
IRL sneakers combine the digital and real world with dynamic features and technologies, including auto-lacing, enhanced lighting, gesture control, walk detection, and wireless charging via the RTFKT Powerdeck.
As well, the shoes feature RTFKT’s latest WM NFC chip, allowing for NFT authentication and linking, and also connect with RTFKT Cryptokicks iRL App.
Only 19,000 pairs of the sneakers will be available, in four styles – Blackout, Stone, Ice, and Space Matter – and will be sold as digital collectibles (NFT) redeemable for their physical counterparts starting May 2023.
Lace Engine NFT holders will have access to a private mint on the RTFKT website beginning on 12 Dec at 10:30 AM EST, while the draw registration for the public mint will be open from 7 Dec to 9 Dec at 11 AM EST.
The price of each shoe will vary depending on style and private and public mint, ranging from $450 to $1333.
This effort is the next stage in a journey that has seen the Nike-RTFKT duo offer ongoing Web3 activities and establish a community with over 1 million followers on social media.
Despite the efforts made possible by its purchased studio RTFKT, Nike is also taking steps on its own to speed up its innovation strategy and keep up with its historical competitor Adidas; to that end, recently unveiled .SWOOSH, a metaverse studio that will house all its virtual fashion creations.
