Nike, at the forefront of NFT adoption in the fashion world following its acquisition of crypto startup RTFKT in 2021, has consistently unveiled token-gated sneaker drops. However, to snag the latest Nike x RTFKT Dunk Genesis sneakers, you no longer need to own an expensive NFT.
In a departure from the norm, Nike initiated a public presale for the Dunk Genesis sneakers on Monday, making the shoes accessible to anyone without the prerequisite of owning an RTFKT NFT. Priced at $222 each, the Nike x RTFKT Dunk Ghost Edition and Dunk VOID Edition come with an accompanying collab t-shirt featuring both brand logos and the catchy phrase, "Oops, You Stepped Into the Future."
Both sneaker styles exude a futuristic aesthetic in line with RTFKT's signature kicks and digital sneaker vibe. Notably, they feature unique attributes such as the "Vial Clip Tongue" and "Modular Heel Shield" mods, detachable for customized looks. Nike goes a step further by providing 3D files for owners to create their own mods.
Despite the accessible purchase route, these sneakers are intricately tied to NFTs themselves. Embedded with an NFC chip named the RTFKT World Merging chip, owners can opt to "obtain a digital collectible and connect the physical product shipped with the digital collectible obtained."
Shipping dates for the VOID Edition and Ghost Edition sneakers are set for July 31, 2024, and August 31, 2024, respectively. An exclusive pre-order window for existing NFT holders preceded the public sale.
The association between Nike and RTFKT in the NFT realm extends beyond this recent release. Previously, they launched the RTFKT x Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, requiring an NFT purchase for real-world redemption. NBA star LeBron James was notably seen wearing the RTFKT x Nike Air Force 1 shoes earlier this year.
RTFKT, renowned for the Clone X NFT collection, has generated an impressive $852 million in trades to date, with secondary market prices starting above 1.4 ETH (approximately $2,850). The collaborative journey of Nike and RTFKT in the NFT space continues to redefine the intersection of fashion, technology, and digital collectibles.