CASE STUDY: CRYPOTKICKS IRL

A Collaboration Between Nike And Rtfkt

Bridging the Gap Between Digital and Physical Sneakers

• Background:

- The rise of NFTs has demonstrated the value of digital assets in the art world.

- Footwear brands like adidas and Nike have entered the Web3 space by collaborating with notable creators for virtual goods.

- Some digital sneaker projects have faced criticism for lacking the physical aspect that traditional sneaker collecting entails.

• Objective:

- Nike and RTFKT aim to reconcile the digital and physical worlds by introducing Cryptokicks iRL, the “first native Web3 sneaker.”

Design and Features:

- Cryptokicks iRL draws inspiration from Nike’s self-lacing sneakers, particularly the Adapt BB 2.0.

- The shoe incorporates autolacing, enhanced lighting, haptic feedback, gesture control, walk detection, app connectivity, AI/ML algorithms, and wireless charging.

- The design pays homage to Tinker Hatfield’s Air Mag but adopts a similar silhouette to the Adapt BB 2.0.

• Limited Edition and NFT Integration:

- Cryptokicks iRL will be produced in a limited quantity of 19,000 pairs.

- The colorway split will be determined by collectors themselves.

- The shoes will be sold as NFTs, enabling collectors to redeem them for physical counterparts through a process called “Forging.”

• Results and Impact:

- Cryptokicks iRL represents an innovative approach to merging the digital and physical worlds within the sneaker industry.

- By incorporating advanced technologies and NFT integration, the project aims to appeal to both traditional collectors and enthusiasts interested in digital assets.

- The limited edition and NFT redemption process add exclusivity and value to the shoes.

• Lessons Learned:

- Integrating digital and physical elements can help bridge the gap between traditional hobbies and emerging technologies.

- Collaboration between established brands and Web3 platforms can create unique and compelling experiences for consumers.

- Limited edition releases and NFT integration can enhance the perceived value and desirability of products.

• Future Opportunities:

- The success of Cryptokicks iRL may inspire other footwear brands to explore similar projects, blending physical and digital aspects to cater to evolving consumer preferences.

- Continued experimentation with NFTs and Web3 technologies could lead to new avenues for creative expression and value creation within the sneaker industry.

- Collectors and enthusiasts may increasingly embrace the idea of owning both digital and physical versions of limited edition sneakers, expanding the market for hybrid products like Cryptokicks iRL.

Materails

Nylon:

Nylon filaments, such as Nylon 6 or Nylon 12, are known for their strength, durability, and flexibility. Nylon is resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for printing functional parts of sneakers that experience stress and strain. It offers good layer adhesion and can withstand repeated use.

PROS:

• Strength and Durability

• Flexibility

• Impact Resistance

• Lightweight

• Wide Range of Colors

CONS:

• Moisture Absorption

• Printing Challenges

• Cost

• Post-Processing Requirements

PLA (Polylactic Acid):

PLA is a popular filament widely used in 3D printing due to its ease of use and biodegradability. While PLA is not as flexible as TPU, it can still be used for printing certain components of sneakers that don’t require extreme flexibility, such as the upper parts or decorative elements. PLA is available in a wide range of colors and is relatively affordable.

PROS:

• Ease of Use

• Biodegradability

• Wide Range of Colors and Finishes

• Good Dimensional Accuracy

• Minimal Warping

CONS:

• Limited Flexibility

• Lower Impact Resistance

• Limited Heat Resistance

• Longer-term Degradation

• Lower Strength

After a thorough research and a couple of yutube videos watched by the designer the designer plans on using -

Can you 3d print shoes for free by Seth Fowlerhttps://youtu.be/FdSNYK2r1u8

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)(filaflex/ninjaflex):

TPU is a flexible filament known for its elasticity and durability. It offers excellent impact resistance and is commonly used in shoe soles and other flexible parts of sneakers. TPU filaments provide good layer adhesion and can withstand repeated bending and stretching.

PROS:

• Flexibility and Elasticity: TPU is known for its excellent flexibility and elasticity. It can be used to create flexible parts of shoes, such as the soles or other components that require bending or stretching.

• Impact Resistance: TPU offers good impact resistance, making it suitable for shoes that may experience frequent impacts or heavy use. It can withstand shocks and provide protection against wear and tear.

• Durability: TPU is highly durable and resistant to abrasion, making it suitable for producing long-lasting 3D printed shoes. It can withstand repeated use and maintain its integrity.

• Excellent Layer Adhesion: TPU has good layer adhesion properties, which contributes to the overall strength and stability of 3D printed shoes. It ensures that the layers bond well and reduces the risk of delamination.

• Chemical Resistance: TPU exhibits good resistance to various chemicals, oils, and solvents. This can be advantageous in certain shoe applications where exposure to such substances is expected.

CONS:

• Printing Challenges: TPU can be more challenging to print compared to rigid filaments like PLA or ABS. It requires specific printer settings, such as lower printing speeds and temperatures, to prevent issues like stringing or warping.

• Limited Detail Resolution: Due to its flexibility, TPU may have limitations in achieving intricate details or sharp edges in 3D printed shoe designs. The material’s softness can make fine details less pronounced.

• Limited Color Options: Compared to PLA, TPU filament may have a more limited range of color options available. However, there are still various color choices, albeit not as extensive as with some other filaments.