RTFKT Have Officially Unveiled the Nike Cryptokicks iRL

News on this release was first published on December 2, 2022.

Update December 6, 2022: Nike and their Web3 platform RTFKT have officially unveiled the Cryptokicks iRL! This new, innovative sneaker features auto-lacing, lighting, haptic feedback, gesture control and wireless charging. Peep the explainer video down below for more info on the tech.

The Cryptokicks iRL will land in four colourways: the ‘Blackout’, ‘Stone’, ‘Ice’ and ‘Space Matter’. All four will be released via digital NFTs, which can be redeemed for physical product. Holders of the NFT will be able to purchase their pairs between December 12 and 16. There will also be a public draw via the RTFKT website starting December 7 for those who don’t wish to purchase the NFT.

Almost every major sneaker brand has entered the metaverse, but Nike seem to be leading the way. Especially after acquiring RTFKT Studios and incorporating them into the wider Swoosh universe. Ever since the acquisition took place in 2021, RTFKT have crafted a swathe of Swoosh-branded NFTs and assisted Nike in other Web3-related projects. Some of their recents have included the Footballverse and CloneX. Now, RTFKT and Nike have revealed their latest joint venture! Dubbed CRYPTOKICKS, Steven Vasilev and Chris Le, co-founders of RTFKT, revealed their sneakers during a panel discussion.

‘It’s basically RTFKT’s smart watch in a sneaker,’ Vasilev told nft now. ‘In terms of functionality, they have accelerometers, auto-lacing, and lighting. They have anything you can imagine a shoe can have in terms of haptics and vibration. For us, we’re using them as a tool to merge worlds.’