No, you’re not hallucinating, nor is this some over-the-top cross-media marketing ploy (although it does serve as decent publicity for the American shoe brand). Epic Games has rolled out a new cosmetic option called Kicks in Fortnite this November. This lets players showcase their style by choosing which sneakers their characters rock. So yes, you can now have Zuko strutting around in Nike sneakers during a battle royale match—and it’s all perfectly legal.
Fortnite’s introduction of Kicks features a limited variety of shoes, divided into two release drops. The first batch includes four different sneaker styles, each tagged with a different price. The classic white leather Nike trainers go for 800 V-bucks, while the snazzy galaxy-patterned high tops are listed at 1,000 V-bucks. If you’re asking me, the Chomp Stompers shark slippers steal the show in terms of charm, and they’re easier on the wallet at 600 V-bucks.
Let’s talk about the cost, though. Kicks come with a hefty price tag by in-game item standards, considering players shell out $8.99 for 1,000 V-bucks. Many have already voiced concerns about the steep pricing. Furthermore, Kicks are only usable with a select roster of Fortnite characters. For instance, you can deck out Satoru Gojo and John Wick with the latest footwear, but not Avatar Aang. Still, with just the right range of characters and shoe options, players can craft some hilariously absurd fashion statements.
