Renault Enters the Virtual World With Collector’s Edition Sneakers

Groupe Renault has frequently been at the forefront of technology, from the company’s  first car, 1898’s Renault Voiturette 1CV, to their work in mathematical curve modeling that impacted the world of computer graphics. Now the French multinational automobile manufacturer is making virtual waves and you can get in on the action! 

“Racing Shoe5” is a line of collector’s edition shoes inspired by the Renault R5 Turbo that are sure to make any sneakerhead take notice. A total of six variations on this shoe will be available with five based on flagship R5 Turbo models, and a sixth style based on R5 Turbo 3E show car. Each shoe takes design points directly from the iconic car, with laces that bring to mind the R5’s seatbelts, and an interior reminiscent of the car’s upholstery. Only a very limited 160 pairs of each variety will be available—a nod to the R5’s 160 horsepower. 

How might you get your hands on a pair of these rare motorsport shoes? The collection is available virtually at Renault’s first 3D Virtual Shop. There you’ll be able to peruse the shoes and purchase an NFT for 265 Euros. Then, your pair of R5s will be produced with a built-in NFC chip that provides the shoe’s certificate of authenticity in NFT form along with details about its manufacturing process and the materials the shoe was made from. 

If you want to score your own pair, better put it in turbo! The Virtual Shop opens to R3NLT community members on May 15, with early access sign ups gaining entry on May 16, and general availability on May 17.