From Blockchain to Footwear #NikeCryptokicks

Preyansh Shah
Marketing in the Age of Digital
3 min readFeb 20, 2023

안녕하세요 (annyeong haseyo — Hello in Korean)

Welcome back. In the previous few blogs, I have written about campaigns and stories from the past. But today, let's discuss something futuristic. No, it is not about space travel or aliens but something similar… “Sneakers”!

No… Not aliens wearing sneakers. Us! Humans wearing sneakers but in the metaverse…

In recent years, the world of sneakers has been transformed by the emergence of new technologies such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies. One of the most significant players in this new market is Nike, which has recently announced the launch of its new product line, Nike Cryptokicks.

In 2021, Nike announced a collaboration with RTFKT (pronounced Artifact, a pioneering company in the digital fashion space), which would see the two companies team up to create a series of limited-edition NFTs and digital sneakers. The collaboration would bring together Nike’s expertise in footwear design and manufacturing with RTFKT’s innovative approach to digital fashion.

Nike X RTFKT

Nike Cryptokicks is a new line of sneakers that are designed to appeal to the growing community of cryptocurrency enthusiasts. The sneakers will be equipped with a unique digital identity, which is stored on a blockchain network. This will allow Nike to offer a range of new features and benefits to its customers, such as enhanced security, improved traceability, and increased transparency.

One of the key features of Nike Cryptokicks is its digital identity, which is stored on a blockchain network. This identity is unique to each pair of sneakers and includes information such as the product’s manufacturing history, authenticity, and ownership. This means that customers will be able to verify the authenticity of their sneakers, as well as track their ownership and history.

Another significant feature of Nike Cryptokicks is its built-in cryptocurrency wallet. This wallet will allow customers to store and manage their cryptocurrency assets directly from their sneakers. This is a significant development, as it will enable customers to carry their cryptocurrency wherever they go, without needing a separate wallet or device.

Nike Cryptokicks will also be equipped with a range of security features, designed to protect both the sneakers and their digital identity. These features will include tamper-proof tags, anti-counterfeiting measures, and encrypted data storage. This will provide customers with a high level of security and peace of mind, knowing that their sneakers and digital assets are protected at all times.

In addition to its technical features, Nike Cryptokicks will also feature unique designs and styles, inspired by the world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. This will make the sneakers a must-have item for both sneakerheads and cryptocurrency enthusiasts alike.

Integrating the sneaker world with the world of crypto is fascinating to not only the sneakerheads and crypto investors but also creates hype for someone like me who is not interested in either. Imagine, it is so interesting that I am actually writing this blog and want more people to talk about it.

I am not sure if I will ever own a pair of sneakers in the metaverse but, I am sure it has a bright future for the marketers like me. I believe that hoardings and digital screens in public spaces revolutionized marketing forever followed by the internet. The next big marketing revolution is being introduced by the Metaverse. And companies like Nike who are the early adopters of such technology are basically going to get free marketing spaces in the metaverse through their virtual storefronts, digital advertising space, etc.

Nike Sneakers in the Metaverse

Overall, Nike Cryptokicks represents an exciting new development in the world of sneakers and cryptocurrency. By integrating blockchain technology and cryptocurrency into its products, Nike is able to offer a range of new features and benefits to its customers, while also tapping into a growing market of cryptocurrency enthusiasts. As the world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Nike and other companies continue to innovate and develop new products and services to meet the changing needs of consumers.

-Ps.

--

--

Preyansh Shah
Marketing in the Age of Digital

Weekly blogs related to Marketing Branding, etc. by an NYU Grad student.