Renault Unveils Second NFT Drop: Exclusive Sneakers Inspired by R5 Turbo

On May 15, a special sale will take place for the R3NLT community, offering custom-designed, limited-edition sneakers along with digital twin NFTs. Two days later, on May 17, the sale will open to the general public.

Renault Unveils Second NFT Drop: Exclusive Sneakers Inspired by R5 Turbo
Renault Unveils Second NFT Drop: Exclusive Sneakers Inspired by R5 Turbo

Renault, the renowned French automaker, is introducing its second collection following the success of its initial genR5 NFT drop, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Renault 5.

The new collection, named RACING SHOE5, will consist of 960 pairs of exclusive sneakers, each linked to a digital twin NFT that serves as a unique 3D artwork registered on the blockchain. Owning this NFT grants access to a special event where purchasers can meet the brand’s designers at Renault’s Research and Development Center. Additionally, buyers will receive a dedicated and customizable merchandise collection. The series includes five custom-designed styles, each drawing inspiration from a different flagship R5 turbo model. The sixth design pays tribute to the R5 Turbo 3E, which was co-created in collaboration with the R3NLT web3 community.

Renault has incorporated distinctive design elements from the iconic R5 Turbo lineup into these collector’s edition sneakers. The sneakers’ rear slope echoes the cars’ chassis, the interior design is inspired by the upholstery, and the laces resemble seatbelts. Renault goes a step further in technological innovation by integrating an NFC chip into the tongue of the shoe. Scanning this chip will retrieve a second NFT—a certificate of authenticity known as the “digital passport.” This passport contains the unique identity card of the shoe, along with information about its composition, materials, and production history.

The sneakers are crafted using eco-responsible materials, including leather certified by the LWG (Leather Working Group). Each pair, accompanied by its corresponding NFTs, will be available for purchase at €265. The drop will grant early access to fans and members of the R3NLT web3 community starting on May 15. Pre-registered individuals will have access on the following day, and the public sale will commence on May 17 through the nft.renault.com website.

 “The RACING SHOE5 collection gives Renault enthusiasts an innovative new way to engage with their favorite auto company,” says the project team. “Renault’s second NFT drop is a unique opportunity for brand fans to get their hands on an exclusive pair of custom-designed sneakers and enjoy an immersive, 3D experience.”

Renault, Digital Twins and NFTs

Digital twins of sneakers are virtual representations or digital versions of physical sneakers. They are created using computer-aided design (CAD) software or 3D scanning technology to capture the exact shape, details, and characteristics of the real sneakers. These digital twins are typically stored as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on a blockchain, which serves as a unique identifier and proof of ownership.

Digital twins of sneakers allow for various possibilities and applications in the virtual world. They can be used for showcasing and marketing purposes, allowing people to view and interact with sneakers in a digital environment. They also enable virtual try-on experiences, where users can visualize how the sneakers would look on their feet before making a purchase. Additionally, digital twins can be used as collectibles, with limited editions and unique designs, providing a sense of exclusivity and rarity to the digital sneaker market.

By combining physical sneakers with their digital twins, brands can offer enhanced experiences to customers, such as exclusive access to events, virtual meetups with designers, or customized merchandise collections. The integration of NFC chips or other technologies in physical sneakers can also enable additional interactions and functionalities when scanned, further bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms.