Adidas jumps into NFT sneakers! But I doubt — is it really for sports or just a chase for hype?

Adidas is fully into crypto! It makes me laugh.

The sportswear giant Adidas has decided to jump into the blockchain game! Recently, STEPN announced a long-term partnership with them, releasing some "wonder sneakers" NFT. Well, as if we didn't have enough digital footwear.

The first release is just 1000 pairs of STEPN x adidas Genesis sneakers. They feature the STEPN lightning bolt and those three Adidas stripes that we’ve all seen a million times. And the price? Hold on tight — 10,000 GMT ( around 2500 dollars )! For virtual sneakers! Seriously? In my time, you could buy real shoes for that kind of money and still save for a vacation.

These "masterpieces" will be on the Solana blockchain and sold on some market called MOOAR. Sounds like the sound a cow makes, to be honest.

Shiti Mangani, the director of STEPN, is of course telling tales that the main goal is to unite the Web3 communities. Yes, yes, not to make a bunch of money off the hype, of course. He promises "collaboration in products that reward people for participating in running." I wonder how exactly? Will he give you virtual coins for sweating in real life? Charming.

The sale will start with the lottery on April 17. Who can participate? That's right — those who already have Adidas ALTS NFT and STEPN sneakers. The classic trick — the rich get richer.

Adidas has been trying to push itself into Web3 for two years, as if that will solve all their problems. In 2021, they launched an NFT project, created some kind of Web3 studio, formed a partnership with Tokenproof... In short, they are chasing trends faster than their customers can run in their actual sneakers.

In August, they even released a limited series with BAPE — Triple-White Forum 84 BAPE Low. And yes, this footwear was sold at a digital collectibles auction. The first instance of Adidas trading digital assets at an auction. What an achievement, I applaud standing.

It annoys me that large brands jump into NFTs instead of solving real problems — improving quality, reducing the use of sweatshops, or decreasing environmental pollution — as if it's some kind of panacea.

Are you going to buy virtual sneakers for 2500 dollars? I'd rather buy real sneakers with that money and run for free, without any blockchains.