In a sign that non-fungible tokens (%NFTs) might be staging a comeback, someone has paid $130,000 U.S. for a pair of virtual %Nike ($NKE) NFT sneakers called %Cryptokicks.
The sneaker is part of the Nike Dunk Genesis Cryptokicks collection of 20,000 NFTs launched by Nike and RTFKT (pronounced “artifact”), a virtual sneaker designer Nike bought in late 2022.
The Nike NFT is rare, coming with a colorful design by famous artist %TakashiMurakami. Of the 20,000 virtual sneakers in the collectible set, there are only 98 with the design that sold for $130,000 U.S., making it a collector’s item.
Other Nike NFT sneakers in the collection have been selling for between $5,000 U.S. and $9,000 U.S.
Nike is one of many companies betting on the future of the metaverse. In addition to buying RTFKT last December, the company has created %Nikeland in %Roblox ($RBLX), an online metaverse site frequented by millions of people each day.
Another big sneaker company, Adidas, released a metaverse collection of 30,000 NFTs, partnering with the %BoredApeYachtClub.
Nike has not announced plans to provide the holders of the NFTs with real-life versions of the sneakers, though owners can wear their virtual shoes in the metaverse.
Nike’s stock has declined 10% in the past year to trade at $119.50 U.S. per share.
