Nike launches its first Ethereum-based NFT sneaker

On April 23, Nike, the world's most valuable sports brand, and the crypto fashion brand RTFKT launched their first NFT sneakers for Ethereum.

The full name of this Ethereum NFT-based sneaker: RTFKT x Nike Dunk Genesis CryptoKicks, is a digital wearable item. Apparently, designed for use in the metaverse world. Once launched, the series of NFT sneakers will be OpenSea is listed for resale with a floor price of 2.5ETH. As of press time, the floor price on the OpenSea platform has risen to 3ETH, or about $8,839.

2019yearIn December, Nike obtained a patent for CryptoKicks, a blockchain Driven systems,where digital assets can be paired with physical products. 2021 On December 14th, the sneaker giant acquired the encrypted fashion brand RTFKT Studios to explore sneaker NFT.

Today, RTFKT showcased them through a teaser video on social media, the series of NFT sneakers powered by DRM OS and Skin Vial Tech, showing how to use the collectible "Skin Vial Tech" Vials" changes the look of NFT sneakers. It has customizable and upgradeable features to achieve different styles. Express Nike's vision for the development of sneakers in 2052. RTFKT says this is "the future of sneakers."

This pair of sneakers has a prominent Nike blue tick logo and a very technical underlay, which vaguely exudes a mutant atmosphere in the video.

CryptoKicks can be opened via RTFKT’s MNLTH Ethereum NFTs, which were airdropped for free in February to holders of CloneX and other early RTFKT NFTs.

What is MNLTH NFT? To put it bluntly, it is a mysterious virtual item box, and the person who owns the box will receive airdrops from time to time. After the news of Nike NFT sneakers was released, the MNLTH box immediately became very popular. Many people were very interested in this sneaker, and the price also rose from about 7.5 ETH to 10 ETH.

In addition to the RTFKT logo, the most striking thing about the box is that it is also decorated with the Nike logo, which can be said to be Nike's first NFT project.

MNLTH box holders can now open the box through the designated website, After opening, there will be three things, which are: ①RTFKT x Nike Genesis NFTSneakers:CryptoKicks;②RTFKT-shaped Potion Bottle: EVO X;③Another mysterious metal box, MONOLITH.

The extra potion bottle EVO X obtained is used to combine it with this pair of "basic" NFT sneakers. According to the official video, after the fit, the original plain appearance will be changed to become a sneaker. Bring more color and shape.

In addition, the potion bottle is also very valuable. The floor price is 1.5ETH before the deadline, and the latest mysterious box MONOLITH is quoted at about 4.85ETH.

Musk's CYBERSNEAKER was designed by RTFKT

RTFKT was officially established in January 2021. From the moment RTFKT was born, they have been looking up to Nike, and the goal they set for themselves at that time was to create "Nike in the Metaverse". After being officially acquired by Nike, RTFKT co-creator Benoit Pagotto said proudly on social media: "RTFKT is now part of Nike."

This virtual world sports brand is popular with the public Well, let’s start with Musk. Two years ago, a photo of Musk wearing a pair of CyberTruck-style sneakers at the Met Gala went viral.

Inspired by the Cybertruck, Tesla's electric pickup truck, these shoes have a rugged, brutalist-inspired aesthetic. After the event, Musk asked his followers on Instagram and Reddit if they liked "CyberSneaker"?

But in fact, This pair of sneakers named "CyberSneaker" is not real, but was synthesized on Musk's feet by the RTFKT team through Photoshop processing.

The original image is the one below:

The sneakers are PS! Musk's fans are not surprised. Because Tesla once launched a Cybertruck bulletproof T-shirt, the front of the T-shirt's broken glass graphic was inspired by the side window that was unfortunately smashed during the unveiling event.

This T-shirt item can be purchased for $45, Musk dares to make fun of the "failure" of the Cybertruck glass being broken in front of millions, so the launch of "CyberSneaker" sneakers, netizens They think it is normal.

As soon as the news came out, "CyberSneaker" appeared on the front page of Reddit and was reported by many media, with more than 50 million views.

RTFKT put this pair of virtual sneakers on the NFT trading platform SuperRare, auctioned at 30ETH. While some questioned whether they were true, most didn't even think to ask the question and thought it was less important. They're all asking how to get a pair.

As a result, the bidding reached 65ETH at one point, and finally "CyberSneaker" was sold for $15,000.

It can be said that the auction of Cybersneaker has brought RTFKT into the public eye, which is really a virtual fashion world that is hard to tell from the truth.

RTFKT: If everything is not true, then everything is allowed.

This is RTFKT's elusive brand motto.

RTFKT's profile says that it was the first brand to be born on the Internet, first to create virtual, while taking it from 1 to 1 IRL's "ultra-production" version of the sneaker design. The creation of this world brings to life. Currently with over 500,000 followers and millions of views on Tik Tok and Instagram, they also build a fan base eager to have their own designs, both virtual and physical.

RTFKT believes that the future of ownership will be primarily based on unique virtual items, while the physical utility of items and their distribution will be the hobby of a small group of people and celebrities. By auctioning the CyberSneaker on SuperRare, they're continuing the "metaverse moment."

In early RTFKT social media content, the Gucci Monogram-covered lnfinity Gauntlet can hang Jordan shoes; Kanye West and DJ Khaled wear oversized spoof sneakers, and PlayStation 5 sneakers Debut. Despite the utter illogicality of these shoes, RTFKT's posts quickly gained a growing following who were fascinated by these virtual products and eager to own them.

Someone once commented on RTFKT and said that if you ever wanted to own a pair of Jordan shoes when you were young, then when your child was born, he would want a pair of RTFKT.

Their success is a testament to the power of virtual brands, which is expanding due to the growing share of people's digital lives. The growth of these virtual brands has accelerated as people are forced to spend more time online due to the Covid-19 quarantine. “In a sense, this pandemic has made us a blessing in disguise,” says RTFKT’s co-creator Benoit Pagotto. “Now, the fashion industry is starting to take a huge interest in virtual spaces.”

RTFKT, acquired by Nike, has become one of the most well-known brands in the NFT field, cooperating with different partners and getting high prices online. A piece of NFT collected with artist Takashi Murakami sold for more than $1 million in February this year.

Many other well-known brands are also just beginning to explore this area. For example, Gucci and Adidas have released their own NFTs that serve as digital collectibles but also feature membership programs, and these top brands have found that tokens are a great way to reward fans, allowing owners to enjoy different perks.

source: Nike launches its first Ethereum-based NFT sneaker