Nike x RTFKT’s new ‘phygital’ sneakers are out with a $222 price tag
Nike has unveiled its latest innovation: the Nike x RTFKT Dunk Genesis sneakers. This trailblazing release not only brings futuristic design to your feet but also pairs each pair with a unique NFT, pushing the boundaries of what footwear can represent in the digital age.
Table of Contents
Nike x RTFKT collaboration
The collaboration between Nike and digital art studio RTFKT has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of the RTFKT Dunk Genesis sneakers.
Available in two editions, Dunk Ghost and Dunk VOID, each priced at $222, they embody a futuristic aesthetic that is synonymous with RTFKT’s signature style. The sneakers are accompanied by a special edition t-shirt featuring both brand logos and the catchphrase “Oops, You Stepped Into the Future,” encapsulating the essence of this collaboration.
Breaking barriers: Sneakers meet NFTs
What sets the RTFKT Dunk Genesis sneakers apart is their unique integration with NFTs. Unlike previous Nike x RTFKT releases that required owning an NFT to purchase the shoes, these sneakers come with their own NFTs, accessible via an embedded NFC (Near-Field Communication) chip.
The chip, named the RTFKT World Merging chip, allows owners to connect their physical sneakers with a digital collectible, bridging the gap between tangible and digital assets. This feature adds a layer of exclusivity and personalization, as owners can “create your own mods” using provided 3D files.
The future of footwear is set to arrive in phases, with the VOID Edition sneakers scheduled to ship by July 31, 2024, and the Ghost Edition following by August 31, 2024.
Prior to the public sale, Nike and RTFKT offered an exclusive pre-order for their existing NFT holders, underscoring the importance of their digital community. The choice of blockchain for minting the associated NFT collectibles remains under wraps, but RTFKT’s history with Ethereum and Nike’s involvement with Polygon’s Ethereum scaling network hint at possible platforms.
From digital canvas to real-world runways
Nike’s foray into NFT-integrated sneakers isn’t a first-time experiment. The brand has previously released RTFKT x Nike Air Force 1 and CryptoKicks sneakers, requiring NFT purchases for real-world redemption.
These initiatives highlight Nike’s commitment to blending digital innovation with physical products, a trend gaining traction across various industries. The involvement of celebrities like NBA star LeBron James, spotted wearing RTFKT x Nike Air Force 1 shoes, further cements the allure and acceptance of such hybrid products.
RTFKT, the digital art powerhouse behind Clone X, a prominent NFT profile picture collection, brings substantial clout to this partnership. Clone X NFTs have racked up a staggering $852 million in trades, reflecting the high value and demand for digital art in today’s market. With starting prices on the secondary market soaring above 1.4 ETH (around $2,850), the collaboration with Nike taps into a vibrant and lucrative digital art scene.
Stepping into a new era of footwear and digital art
Nike’s RTFKT Dunk Genesis sneakers represent more than just a fusion of fashion and technology; they are a bold statement about the evolving landscape of consumer goods and digital identity. With Nike leading the charge, the future of footwear looks not only stylish but also seamlessly integrated with the ever-expanding digital universe.
