NFT
Japanese sportswear producer ASICS introduced right now the launch of the ASICS X SOLANA UI Assortment. The brand new line of kicks options custom-made, limited-run GT-2000 11 trainers that additionally give homeowners an opportunity to win a restricted version ASICS x STEPN GT-2000 NFT.
“We see a spot for us to assist in Web3 and convey merchandise that encourage folks to be bodily lively,” ASICS Director of Web3 & Digital Items Joe Tempo instructed Decrypt in an interview. “For us, it is only a totally different approach of telling tales about our merchandise and getting particular communities enthusiastic about them.”
Tempo says ASICS designed the GT-2000 trainers for the Web3 neighborhood however that additionally it is one thing anybody on the earth may use “in steadiness with bodily exercise.”
In line with ASICS, The GT-2000 11 sneakers can be found for pre-order for a restricted five-day interval from November 4 – 8. The sneakers will promote for $200 utilizing USDC through Solana Pay and can be found in two {custom} designs: “gentle mode” and “darkish mode,” with the Solana-inspired design symbolizing the steadiness between computer systems and telephones with bodily exercise.
When prospects buy their sneakers, they are going to obtain an ASICS Badge NFT. This digital collectible will unlock entry to future ASICS rewards and experiences.

Picture: ASICS
Primarily based in Kobe, Japan, ASICS—brief for Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, Latin for “A Sound Thoughts in a Sound Physique,”—was based in September 1949. ASICS launched its first NFT assortment, Dawn Purple, in July 2021.
Tempo says that whereas digital style tends in the direction of high-end merchandise, ASICS selected to remain true to its founder’s imaginative and prescient and stick with what they’re recognized for: trainers.
“We have purposely chosen to remain true to ourselves with this challenge and do what we’re recognized for,” he stated. “Which is making wonderful trainers, and trainers that you’d be excited to put on actually day by day.”
Tempo says ASICS selected to work with Solana to create a quick, scalable product with low transaction prices for most people.
“We wish to be constructing our program on a blockchain that we all know can scale globally from day one and past,” he stated. “Raj [Gokal] and Anatoly [Yakovenko] have constructed an unimaginable tradition at Solana that is welcoming, type, and open. The individuals who work for them are the identical approach.”
Launched in 2021 by app developer FindSatoshi Lab, STEPN is a smartphone app constructed on Ethereum rival Solana that lets customers earn cash by strolling, jogging, or operating. Customers with NFT sneakers are rewarded for strolling, jogging, or operating with in-game tokens that can be utilized to mint new sneakers.
A non-fungible token, or NFT, is a blockchain token that represents possession of distinctive digital or bodily objects, together with digital art work, online game objects, or membership in unique teams like the worldwide sensation Bored Ape Yacht Membership.
At present the tenth largest blockchain by market capitalization based on CoinGecko, Solana is a well-liked rival to the a lot bigger Ethereum community as a consequence of its excessive velocity and low value. The 2 blockchains are even nearer rivals now that Ethereum has accomplished its long-anticipated merge to a proof-of-stake consensus algorithm earlier this 12 months.
“Individuals construct on Solana, and it’s builder-friendly,” Tempo stated. “So if we will preserve that builder neighborhood wholesome by going for walks and runs, all of it comes again full circle. The more healthy and extra lively they’re, the higher applications and apps they’ll construct on Solana.”