Breaking Down the Controversy Over Fortnite’s Kicks Pricing

Fortnite fans have been eagerly anticipating the new Kicks cosmetics, but the launch hasn’t gone as smoothly as hoped. Many players are voicing concerns about the high price tag. Known for its diverse range of cosmetic items, Fortnite’s latest addition—Kicks—caters to sneaker enthusiasts by offering in-game versions of both popular brands like Nike and unique originals. These provide players another fun way to customize their characters.

However, the excitement has been dampened by the cost of these new items. Released on November 21, the Kicks collection was meant to enhance players’ ability to express themselves through their avatars. Yet the pricing has become a sticking point, with some shoes costing nearly as much as entire character skins. This comes on the heels of another price-related controversy: the new Battle Pass for Chapter 6 priced 50 V-Bucks higher than before.

Some of the new Kicks range in price from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. This array includes both original Fortnite designs and high-profile crossovers such as Air Jordans, the latter being on the higher cost end. Despite the variety, many players are disheartened because, as Reddit user EveryandEggy mentions, “You can barely see feet in the game.” This visibility issue makes the hefty price challenging to justify, especially when you compare it to Back Bling or Pickaxes, which are more prominently displayed. Calls for a price reduction are common, but it’s not the only gripe the community has with Kicks.

Adding to player frustration is the fact that not every character skin can currently wear Kicks. Epic Games has acknowledged this on its official website, reassuring fans that they are working to expand compatibility on an ongoing basis. Unfortunately, there’s no timeline on when these updates will roll out, which means some players might have to wait a while to see their favorite skins don the new footwear.

Moreover, Kicks aren’t supported in every Fortnite mode, nor do they offer any gameplay advantage. They can’t be used in LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, or with certain crossover outfits. Before making a purchase, players can select a “Kicks Usability” button to see which of their skins can actually wear them.

Despite these setbacks, Kicks won’t affect your ability to enjoy the game itself. They remain purely cosmetic, and while their pricing is raising eyebrows, they don’t impact gameplay. As Fortnite continues through Chapter 6, it will be interesting to see whether Kicks gain the same popularity as other cosmetic options in the game.