RTFKT Launches Cryptokicks iRL to The Sneaker World
RTFKT reveals a new prototype evolving the sneaker game into a new digital frontier.
Accelerating Nike’s culture of innovation, the Cryptokicks iRL is the first native Web3 sneaker featuring the latest technology which combines decades of Nike sneaker innovation with RTFKT’s vision to merge the digital and physical worlds.
The Cryptokicks iRL is the first smart sneaker released from RTFKT featuring the next evolution of smart sneaker technology and innovation born from RTFKT and Web3.
The Cryptokicks iRL pay homage to the Nike Mag which debuted in 1989 with the release of the Back to the Future 2 film.The Air Mag was designed by sneaker legend Tinker Hatfield, then brought to life by Nike innovation teams in charitable auctions in 2011 and 2016 with auto lacing tech.
The Cryptokicks iRL feature auto-lacing, enhanced lighting, haptic feedback, gesture control, walk detection, App connectivity, AI/ML algorithms and wireless charging via the RTFKT Powerdeck.
Further removing barriers of physical product, Cryptokicks iRL functionality will be unlocked through connection to the RTFKT iRL App. RTFKT has teased iRL Quests (in real life) hinting at an ability to execute unprecedented Move-to-Earn mechanics to engage sneaker holders in quests and events merging physical and digital, and connect with fellow community members / iRL kicks owners.
In addition, the iRL sneakers will come with RTFKT’s WM (World Merging) NFC Chip that allows users to authenticate each physical 1-to-1 against its digital collectible counterpart to verify legitimacy and provenance. The Cryptokicks logo and branding was designed by the legendary designer Paul Nicholson (Number #3), who designed the infamous Aphex Twin logo.
Cryptokicks iRL is also the first sneaker born from Web3 culture, bringing together next generation technology, and a new layer of connected experiences, created by RTFKT.
The sneaker comes in 4 unique colourways - Blackout, Stone, Ice and Space Matter.
The sneakers will be limited to 19,000, and the colourway split will be defined by the collectors’ choices. They will be sold as digital collectibles (NFTs) that redeem the physical counterpart, in a process RTFKT calls a Forging Event.
How to get them:
There are two ways to get the latest Cryptokicks iRL sneaker release from RTFKT.
To have guaranteed access you will need an RTFKT Lace Engine NFT to cop the Cryptokicks iRL colourway of your choice.
Holders of this NFT are allowed to purchase the sneakers between 12th-16th of December, while supply lasts, via RTFKT.com
Alternatively you can enter the public draw via (www.RTFKT.com) from the 7th-9th of December. Any leftover supply from the Lace Engine NFT private sale will be available for purchase to the winners of the public draw (notified by email) which starts December 14th.
For more information, visit the lookbook here.
