Nike, the fashion giant, has unveiled a pre-launch of the new RTFKT Dunk Genesis sneakers, eliminating the need for an expensive non-fungible token (NFT) to make a purchase.
The public presale for these real-world sneakers commenced on Monday, allowing individuals to buy them without the requirement of owning an RTFKT NFT.
The website highlights that the Dunk Genesis is crafted with a focus on creators, gaming, and internet culture. Notably, these sneakers come with removable mods and interchangeable vial attachments, adding a unique and customizable element to the design.
The phase 1 pre-sale live drop concluded on November 20, featuring two drop times for the RTFKT x Nike Dunk Genesis. These sneakers are available in two editions, Void and Ghost, priced at $222 per pair.
For the Void edition, shipping is scheduled to take place before July 31, 2024, while the Ghost edition is set to ship before August 31.
In addition to the sneakers, the launch includes t-shirts featuring the collaboration of both brand logos and a front-facing quote that reads, “Oops, You Stepped Into the Future.”
It’s worth noting that these items are not digital collectibles but rather tangible, made-to-order physical sneakers.
Embedded NFC Tags: What Are They?
The latest release of Nike’s RTFKT Dunk Genesis sneakers is intertwined with NFTs, featuring an embedded near-field communication (NFC) chip within the shoes.
These embedded tags enable the redemption of a digital collectible, although this aspect is described as an optional experience by the company.
The specific blockchain on which Nike and RTFKT will mint the associated NFT collectibles remains unclear. However, it’s worth noting that RTFKT has previously utilized the Ethereum blockchain for minting NFTs.
This launch follows the earlier release of the RTFKT x Nike Air Force 1 sneakers by both companies earlier this year. The acquisition of the previous version required an NFT for redemption, highlighting a growing trend where NFTs are linked to the purchase of real-world sneakers.
