Takashi Murakami’s First Nike Collab Comes via an Assist by RTFKT

Takashi Murakami’s first Nike collaboration is coming to both the metaverse and real life.

As part of a three-party effort with RTFKT Studios, Murakami is bringing his artwork to two different pairs of the Air Force 1 Low. Access to both will be limited to NFT owners who will be able to forge their tokens in exchange for pairs to wear IRL. In total, just 4,349 tokens will be available to mint.

Both the AF1 “Murakami Drip” and “Murakami DNA” start with a white platform that sees Murakami’s signature motifs decorate the upper. The “Murakami Drip” is the more widely available of the two variants, with 4,282 units, and sees Murakami’s flowers envelop the upper. A metallic, outlined Swoosh marks the AF1’s lateral side, while the medial gets a matching lightning bolt to represent RTFKT. Blue eyelets match Nike branding on the tongue and a Clone X mark on the heel for Murakami’s ongoing line of NFTs with the digital sneaker brand now by Nike.

The “Murakami DNA” opts for the artist’s eye motifs that carry onto the eyelet panel and mustache, while the eyelets themselves are rendered in pink. Nike branding once again appears in blue on the tongue and now matches the Swoosh and lightning bolt marks. A white “Clone X” is then embroidered directly over the mustache’s artwork, and both pairs feature special lace dubraes. Just 167 units of the “Murakami DNA” will be available, making it significantly more exclusive.

Murakami’s two Air Force 1 NFTs are scheduled to release through OpenSea some time between April 24 and May 8. As of writing, the “Murakami Drip” is priced at .53 ETH (approximately $1,011), while the “Murakami DNA” is 4.98 ETH (approximately $9,538). Download the DROPS by SoleSavy app to stay updated on these drops and more.