Nike’s Web3 design studio RTKF announced the launch of the Cryptokicks iRL sneaker, which takes on the real world.
Cryptokicks are digital sneakers that exist on the Ethereum blockchain. Each Cryptokick is a Non-Fungible Token (NFT), which means it is one-of-a-kind and cannot be duplicated.
RTFKT has recently introduced the legacy brand into virtual fashion thanks to a collaboration with Nike. Nike is now bringing these virtual creations into the real world by releasing the first batch of Cryptokicks IRL.
The Cryptokicks iRL is RTFKT’s first smart sneaker, paying homage to Tinker Hatfield’s Air Mag. The shoes have a futuristic basketball shoe design and include auto-lacing technology, gesture control, walk detection, lighting segments, app connectivity, wireless charging, and other features.
The Cryptokicks iRL sneaker is available in four futuristic colourways, including the Ice, Space Matter, Stone and Blackout. Each sneaker comes with an NFT depicting the colourway spinning in space. The RTFKT logo replaces the signature Nike swoosh on the shoe.
Back to the Future 🛹
— RTFKT (@RTFKT) December 4, 2022
But the Future is Now⚡️ pic.twitter.com/UZQeGxuMnU
RTFKT is set to reveal functionality features via the RTFKT iRL app while remaining focused on Web3 proficiency. With only 19,000 units available, the brand intends to sell the sneakers through NFTs, which will provide access to physical versions.
Holders of RTFKT Lace Engine NFT will be able to purchase pairs of the Cryptokicks iRL sneaker for 0.38 ETH (approximately $478 at current exchange rates), with a total of 19,000 pairs available from December 12-16.
Non-NFT holders can enter a draw on RTFKT’s Cryptokicks website from December 7-9. They will then be able to purchase leftover pairs on December 14 for 0.5 ETH (approximately $630 at current exchange rates), assuming the initial sale did not sell out the entire stock.
Although the IRL shoes cannot be changed due to their physical nature, the virtual NFT version of the Cryptokicks, as an ERC-721 token, will allow token holders to upgrade the look with various skins. Community members can express themselves in new and creative ways with the RTFKT skin vials available on Opensea.
