Nike’s RTFKT division will release a series of sneakers with an integrated NFC chip and a link to similar NFT sneakers for the Move-to-Earn game.
The Cryptokicks iRL smart sneakers will be released by Nike’s RTFKT. According to an announcement on Twitter, the “next next-gen innovation” will go on presale in December.
The NFC chip technology, which will be integrated into the physical sneakers, will connect them with a similar NFT pair. The sneakers will sync up through a Bluetooth connection via the RTFKT Cryptokicks iRL App, the official website states.
RTFKT developers will soon create a special app similar to the popular STEPN, in which Cryptokicks iRL owners will be able to pass various quests and earn digital assets on the Move-to-Earn principle.
In total, the company plans to release about 19,000 pairs of sneakers, ranging in price from $450 to $1,333. The physical analog will be available in four variants:
- Ice (white);
- Stone (sandy);
- Blackout (black);
- Space Matter (black with a colored sole).
NFT sneakers will start selling on December 14, while the release of the physical analog is scheduled for May 2023. However, the Cryptokicks iRL smart sneakers will only be available in the United States. According to a tweet, the company cites limited cutting-edge technology in other regions, as well as regulatory rules for this kind of product outside of the U.S.
The community reacted negatively to the geographical restrictions. Some users expressed the opinion that the price of such sneakers should be lower, since they’re produced for only one market. The company responded to the wave of criticism from consumers and assured that the team would work to “innovate for and with all the community.”
Sports brand Nike recently announced the creation of Swoosh, a Web3 platform to promote virtual shoes and other products for the Metaverse. Besides, U.S. government agencies are actively studying the effects of NFTs on intellectual property rights.
