RTFKT’s Nike Cryptokicks go from NFT to IRL Sneaker
RTFKT burns. The Web3 design studio (and Nike’s youngest brand) is going as strong as any project in the metaverse, partnering with luxury houses and world-renowned artists as they enhance their collectable NFT universe while raising big bucks. It’s a win-win-win scenario.
And now RTFKT is harnessing the power of Nike to bring its signature Cryptokicks NFTs to life.
As part of a new project called Cryptokicks iRL, Nike is bringing RTFKT’s digitally designed kicks to life in the real world, marking the first-ever major web3-IRL sneaker crossover with three colorways on one sneaker.
RTFKT Lace Engine NFT holders will get access to purchase pairs of Cryptokick’s iRL sneaker for 0.38 ETH (approximately $478 at current exchange rates), limited to only 19,000 total pairs from December 12th to 16th.
From 7.-9. December, NFT holders cannot register for the draw on RTFKT’s Cryptokicks website. They will then be allowed to buy remaining pairs on December 14th for 0.5 ETH (about $630 at current exchange rates), provided the entire stock is not sold out from the initial sale.
Ok, so that’s all the boring bits – what exactly is everyone buying?
The RTFKT Cryptokicks iRL sneaker is the prize here, a unique smart sneaker inspired by the inimitable Nike Air Mag which then set the tone for Nike’s Adapt series of self-lacing sneakers, such as the Adapt BB.
Cryptokick’s iRL sneaker is fittingly offered in four futuristic colorways: “Blackout”, “Ice”, Stone and “Space Matter”, the latter of which is particularly flashy. Each sneaker is accompanied by an NFT that shows the colors spinning in space.
Like the Air Mag and Adapt BB, RTFKT’s Cryptokicks iRL shoe features an auto-lacing upper that tightens to fit the wearer’s foot. Unlike its forebears, the Cryptokicks iRL sneaker boasts customizable lights, wireless charging, a custom RTFKT Cryptokicks iRL app that allows the wearer to connect their shoes to their phone, and a built-in WM NFC chip for NFT linking and authentication purposes.
Phew.
That doesn’t even include the special Cryptokicks iRL branding designed by Paul Nicholson – famous for designing Aphex Twin’s logo and currently working for KENZO – and RTFKT’s iRL Quests program, which will encourage Cryptokicks iRL owners to network with peers and “engage. . . in missions and events that merge physically and digitally.”
The technique is so wild that even Christopher Lloyd, Doc Brown himself, was impressed. That’s it Back to the Future connection for you.
This is the first major transition between RTFKT’s digital designs and Nike’s physical sneakers, and expect immediate sellouts and sky-high resale prices for both Cryptokick’s iRL NFTs and sneakers.
Perhaps this also foreshadows the future availability of Nike’s lace-up shoes, which would be an encouraging development. Currently, Nike Adapt sneakers sell out almost as soon as they drop, so demand far outstrips supply. Of course RTFKT’s release isn’t meant to address that, but hopefully it’s a first step.
