The Latest Nike x RTFKT Collaboration
You may have noticed Nike’s strong push into the NFT space following its acquisition of crypto startup RTFKT. Now, the latest Nike x RTFKT Dunk Genesis sneakers are available for public presale without the need to own an expensive NFT. These unique sneakers are priced at $222 each and feature a futuristic design, including a “Vial Clip Tongue” and “Modular Heel Shield” that can be detached for customization.
NFT Integration
Despite not requiring an NFT for purchase, the sneakers themselves are tied to NFTs through an embedded near-field communication (NFC) chip. The chip, called the RTFKT World Merging chip, allows owners to obtain a digital collectible, adding a dynamic digital aspect to the physical product.
Shipping and NFT Collectibles
The VOID Edition sneakers are expected to ship by July 31, 2024, while the Ghost Edition shoes will ship by August 31, 2024. Additionally, the associated NFT collectibles will be minted on an undisclosed blockchain platform but could potentially use Nike’s .Swoosh digital kicks platform on Polygon, an Ethereum scaling network.
Past Collaborations and NFT Success
This isn’t the first collaboration between Nike and RTFKT. Previous releases like the RTFKT x Nike Air Force 1 and the CryptoKicks sneakers required an NFT purchase before redeeming the real-world shoes. Additionally, RTFKT has seen success with its Clone X NFT profile picture collection, generating over $852 million in trades to date.
Hot Take: Nike and RTFKT Push Fashion into NFT Adoption
Nike’s latest public presale for the RTFKT Dunk Genesis sneakers marks a significant shift in the fashion industry’s embrace of NFT technology. By making these unique sneakers available to a wider audience without the need for expensive NFTs, both Nike and RTFKT are pioneering a new way for fashion enthusiasts to engage with digital and physical collectibles.