You’re not imagining things, and it’s not some outlandish marketing ploy—though it does make a clever promotional strategy for the American shoe brand. This November, Epic Games introduced a new cosmetic feature in Fortnite called Kicks. It lets gamers customize their characters’ footwear, bringing a dash of personal style to the battlefield. So yes, Zuko can now rock a pair of Nike sneakers while duking it out in the popular battle royale game.
When Fortnite rolled out Kicks, it came with a limited lineup of sneakers set to be released in two phases. The first drop offers four unique pairs at different price points. For 800 V-bucks, you can snag some classic white leather Nike trainers. If you’re feeling a bit flashier, the galaxy-patterned high tops are available for 1,000 V-bucks. Personally, I’m partial to the Chomp Stompers—shark-themed slippers that are both charming and more budget-friendly at just 600 V-bucks.
However, these Kicks come with a hefty price tag in the world of in-game items. Since 1,000 V-bucks will set players back $8.99, there’s been some grumbling about the steep costs. Additionally, not every Fortnite character can flaunt these new shoes. Characters like Satoru Gojo and John Wick can sport the new kicks, but sorry, Avatar Aang fans—no luck there. Despite these limitations, the variety of character and shoe pairings offers plenty of opportunities for players to create some amusing and creative looks.