Custom shoemaker Chase Shiel turns to blockchain for protection

Chase Shiel has signed up with Singapore tech company VeChain to deploy a blockchain-driven verification tool for its hand-built sneakers.

The Australian shoe company says the platform will be used to protect its custom footwear, which can sell for upwards of $1,000 per pair, from counterfeits. News of the collaboration first emerged on Twitter:

Stay tuned for the Mars Yard Off White AJ1 by Chase Shiel which will be powered by @vechainofficial. 🔥#VeChain #vechainthor #anticonterfeit #thekickzstand #sneakers #VeChainToolChain #CreatingValuableTXs pic.twitter.com/M4CkxiSZYh

— The Kickz Stand (@TheKickzStand) November 28, 2019

Chase Shiel shoes will be made with a near-field communication (NFC) chip embedded within them plus a QR code that can be scanned using a smart phone, verifying the product’s authenticity and giving a rundown of the shoes’ features and provenance.

The company’s Mars Yard & Off-White Air Jordan Additional shoes will be the first lines to use the authentication tech, which will be rolled out to other products in future, says Chase Shiel.