I admit, I’ve always treated sneakers like shoes. Until I saw the release of the Air Jordan 13 Retro “Grey Toe” in 2013. It wasn’t just the release of a new color scheme — it was an event. I didn’t think then that years later this couple would become for me not only an object of desire, but also a window into a completely new reality at the intersection of collecting, investing and cryptotechnology. So, let’s figure out how the world of limited silkboxes turned into a high-tech digital asset.
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Why is Jordan 13 Grey Toe more than sneakers?
The history of cult status To understand the value of Grit today, you need to go back to the past. This is not a mass market. Initially, the Jordan 13 model worn by Michael Jordan in his legendary 1998 triple double was already shrouded in fame. And the rare “Grey Toe” colorway, with its juicy red insert on the sole and shark skin, has become the Grail (holy Grail) for many.
That’s what shaped his iconic status.
Limited edition. Nike (and Jordan Brand) masterfully play on the deficit. Not everyone is allowed to release, and the number of pairs is strictly limited. History and legacy. It’s not just a design; it’s a piece of basketball history layered with nostalgia. Recognizable design. They are not to be confused with any others. Recognition = value. In the secondary market, for example, on StockX or GOAT, prices for new or rare pairs are only increasing. Some sizes go for thousands of dollars. And here we come to the main problem.
Collectible sneakers as an asset: more profitable than stocks?
Honestly, I was shocked when I first looked at the price growth charts for some Jordan models. Individual releases showed returns of hundreds of percent over several years, leaving behind traditional indexes like the S&P 500. Platforms like StockX have become de facto stock exchanges for sneakers. You look at the chart of the pair’s price changes over time, like the Apple or Tesla stock price.
This is the main signal: sneakers have transformed from a wardrobe item into a full-fledged asset class. But there is also a huge problem: the world of resale is dark and full of fakes. Buying an expensive pair is always a lottery. Even when checking on the sites, there is no 100% guarantee that you will not receive a Chinese replica of the highest quality. I myself have often had to spend hours studying seams and shades of color from YouTube videos to verify authenticity. It’s exhausting.
Tokenization of sneakers: how blockchain Kills Fakes and Creates digital Doubles
And that’s where the fun begins. The blockchain technology behind bitcoin and
NFT offers an elegant solution to this pain.
How does it work?
Imagine that:
A brand (for example,
Nike) produces a limited batch of sneakers. Each physical pair is accompanied by a digital certificate of ownership — NFT (Non-Fungible Token). This is a unique digital token in the blockchain that cannot be forged or copied. When you buy sneakers, you get this NFT. It is a digital proof that you own exactly this unique pair. The entire resale history is recorded in the blockchain and is available for viewing. It’s brilliant! The problem of fakes is being solved at the root. You can verify authenticity in seconds by simply looking at an entry in the public registry.
There are already real examples
Projects like RTFKT (which was bought by Nike!) For several years now, they have been creating digital sneakers for the metaverse. And startups like Legitimate are sewing NFC chips into the tongue of sneakers, which link a physical pair to its digital passport on the blockchain. This is not a distant future, it is already happening now, in 2025. Cryptocurrencies on retail platforms: why pay with Bitcoin for Jordans? A logical continuation of the story. If we have digital assets (NFTs), then why not use digital money?
Why Crypto Payments Are Natural for This Market
Globality. I can buy a pair from a collector in Japan without bothering to convert yen into dollars. We just use USDT (a Stablecoin pegged to the dollar exchange rate) or any other crypto asset. Speed and safety. Transfers take place in minutes, not in days, like bank transfers. Anonymity. For many, this is a key plus. Already, a number of niche boutiques and private sellers accept cryptocurrency. I am sure that large platforms like StockX and GOAT are actively eyeing this opportunity.
Future: What will happen to my Jordan 13 Grey Toe in the metaverse?
And now let’s dream. I’m buying a Jordan 13 Grey Toe. There are real sneakers in the box, and the NFT of this pair is in my crypto wallet.
What can I do about it?
Wear IRL (In Real Life). Obviously. Wear it in the metaverse. I can “put on” a digital version of these sneakers on my avatar in my favorite game or virtual world. Your digital image will be as stylized as you are in reality. Sell separately. This is the craziest twist! I can sell physical sneakers to one person, and their digital NFT twin to another. Digital fashion is becoming an independent market. Your sneakers turn into two interconnected assets, each of which lives its own life and can generate income.
| Criteria |
Traditional Market (StockX, GOAT) |
Tokenized Assets (Blockchain) |
| Authenticity |
Verified by experts, but errors and counterfeits are possible. |
Guaranteed by blockchain. Creation and ownership history is transparent and immutable. |
| Investment |
You only own the physical item. |
You own the physical item + a digital asset (NFT) that can be used or sold separately. |
| Liquidity |
High, but depends on the platform and resale process. |
Potentially higher. NFTs can be sold instantly and globally. |
| Transaction Security |
Depends on the intermediary (marketplace). |
Decentralized. Transactions occur via smart contracts without extra middlemen. |
| Example |
Selling sneakers via auction on GOAT. |
Selling sneakers with an NFT through a specialized blockchain platform. |
Bottom line: what does this mean for us, collectors and investors?
For me, the Jordan 13 Grey Toe has become a symbol of this transition. From a simple love of design to understanding sneakers as a technological asset. If you are just starting out: Don’t be intimidated by the words “blockchain” and “NFT”. In fact, these are just tools that make the world of collecting more honest, more transparent and more interesting.
Start small: learn how platforms like StockX work, and then look at projects like Legitimate or new initiatives from Nike. If you are already in the topic: Take a closer look at this market. This is not a HYPE, but a new paradigm. The unification of the market of physical collectibles and digital assets is one of the most striking trends of 2025. And running shoes are just the first step. Then there are paintings, wine, cars.
Personally, I already look at the shelf not just as a collection of sneakers, but as a diversified portfolio of assets. And every time I put on my Grey Toe, I think that they have not only a past, but also a very digital future.
