If you've ever wanted to check the authenticity of your sneaker, well, now you can. Thanks to Greats, the sneaker brand born in Brooklyn that's made waves over the years for its e-commerce-first selling approach, fans of exclusive kicks can now scan their coveted items to check how real they are.
The brand partnered up with technology companies Chronicled, Inc., and Identiv Lab to launch its second collaboration with NFL All-Star Marshawn Lynch and his clothing brand, Beast Mode.
The authentication comes with a smart tag that utilizes low-energy Bluetooth and digital certificates that can be scanned with an iPhone or Android to display the limited-edition number and digital profile assigned to each pair. As a bonus, consumers will also be able to interact with content featuring Lynch and produced by Greats on their phones. They'll simply hold the phone over the chip to access images, video and interviews.
“Our technology presents a unique value proposition a customer base, that demands authenticity for collectible sneakers,” said Ryan Orr, Chronicled CEO. “For the first time ever, collectors experience a new way to interact with the sneakers that they love from their mobile device."
The sneaker in question is modeled from one of the brand's more popular styles, the Royale Chukka, and comes in a soft Italian nubuck upper and is lined with Italian black calf leather stitching. The Beast Mode "B" branding will be placed on the tongue with a patent gold leather.
"We had discussed doing a second collaboration with Marshawn before we even dropped the first Greats x Beastmode, but we both wanted to make sure people were even interested in the sneaker," Greats CEO Ryan Babenzien told Mashable.
Greats' first collaboration with Beast Mode sold out under an hour, and its second iteration -- with this patented technology -- drops on Black Friday.