ASICS, the Japanese sportswear manufacturer has announced the launch of its new ASICS X SOLANA UI Collection which features custom-made, limited-run GT-2000 11 running shoes that also give owners a chance to win a limited edition ASICS x STEPN GT-2000 NFT.
ASICS Director of Web3 & Digital Goods Joe Pace said, “We see a place for us to help in Web3 and bring products that inspire people to be physically active. For us, it’s just a different way of telling stories about our products and getting specific communities excited about them.”
And although the GT-2000 running shoes are designed for the Web3 community, Pace stated that anyone in the world can use them “in balance with physical activity.”
The rise of digital fashion
As digital fashion continues its move towards high-end products, Pace said ASICS is staying true to its founder’s vision and sticking to what they are “known for which is making amazing running shoes, and running shoes that you would be excited to wear literally every day.”
Pace added that ASICS teamed up with the Solana blockchain to create a fast and scalable product with low transaction costs for people. “We want to be building our program on a blockchain that we know can scale globally from day one and beyond. Raj [Gokal] and Anatoly [Yakovenko] have built an incredible culture at Solana that’s welcoming, kind, and open. The people who work for them are the same way.”
“People build on Solana, and it is builder-friendly,” Pace said. “So if we can keep that builder community healthy by going for walks and runs, it all comes back full circle. The healthier and more active they are, the better programs and apps they can build on Solana.”
ASICS’s GT-2000 11 shoes running shoes are currently available for pre-order from Nov 4 to Nov 8 and will sell for $200 via Solana Pay using USDC. The shoes will come in two custom Solana-inspired designs: light mode and dark mode.
Customers who purchase the shoes will get an ASICS Badge NFT and can use the digital collectable to unlock access to future ASICS rewards and experiences.
Isa Muhammad is a writer and video game journalist covering many aspects of entertainment media including the film industry. He's steadily writing his way to the sharp end of journalism and enjoys staying informed. If he's not reading, playing video games or catching up on his favourite TV series, then he's probably writing about them.
