The company Decathlon has decided to take its first step in the world of blockchain through non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Indeed, it has just launched a new pair of sneakers “Kipsta Barrio” on which the holders will be able to find an NFT offering exclusive advantages.
Decathlon and Tezos (XTZ) collaborate for NFTs
French company Decathlon is teaming up with blockchain company Tezos (XTZ) for its new “Kipsta Barrio” sneaker collection, sneakers for street soccer designed in collaboration with champions of the sport, including the “S3 Crew” collective.
Decathlon thus marks its first step in the world of blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) thanks to these pairs of shoes produced in 2008 copies, on which the holders will be able to find a unique NFT to be scratched via a “Golden Ticket”.
The collaboration between the 2 entities was made possible thanks to Nomadic Labs, a research and development center specialized in the deployment of Tezos, which helps companies to use it for their professional needs.
The new sneakers were created in honor of Séan Garnier, two-time freestyle soccer world champion, three-time French champion and official Red Bull athlete. Indeed, the pair was launched in tribute to his 2008 Red Bull Street Style World Championship title.
“Inspired by the Street Players, the BARRIO’s are a condensation of the Street Football heritage. Filled with details influenced by the greats, they serve the beautiful game and the urban lifestyle experience.”
Buyers will be able to purchase pairs developed by the sport’s greatest athletes while purchasing an exclusive NFT that gives access to multiple “personalized and exclusive experiences with the world champion.”
Tezos, a privileged partner for athletes
According to Decathlon, the choice of Tezos was not made by chance. Indeed, the French company has decided to partner with it “in line with the company’s commitment to biodiversity and climate ambition”.
Indeed, the Tezos blockchain works through the consensus of proof-of-stake (PoS, or Proof-of-Stake), a method much less energy-consuming than the traditional proof-of-work (PoW) on which the Bitcoin (BTC) operates.
The latter is often criticized for its impact on the environment in terms of carbon footprint and energy consumption.
The Tezos blockchain, on the other hand, offers an average energy footprint equivalent to the annual consumption of 17 people.
In the past, many sports teams have partnered with the Tezos blockchain, such as Manchester United or McLaren, but also in the esport world, as evidenced by its partnership with the Ubisoft studio or its recent collaboration with the Misfits Gaming Group team.
In any case, for Decathlon, this first step in the world of blockchain is a first step towards other futures, as Valentin Auvinet, NFT leader for the company was able to explain:
“We hope that this collaboration with Séan Garnier will call for many others and we look forward to the public adopting this new pair.”
