Crypto for Steps

The popularity of cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects continues to grow steadily each year. There are now even games that reward players with crypto for taking steps or performing some kind of physical activity (known as play-to-earn and move-to-earn). Alongside these, other formats have emerged, such as learn-to-earn, where users receive crypto for their educational achievements.

Learn more in the article “What is сrypto?”

In August 2021, Australian developers introduced to the world a major new project called Stepn, which allows users to earn digital money simply by walking in special crypto sneakers.

All such projects are based on NFT technologies. Users receive rewards in the form of internal currency or tokens—virtual assets that can later be exchanged for real money.

However, users first need to invest. In order to enter the game, one must purchase a character, in-game currency, or assets, such as the aforementioned crypto sneakers.

The Move-to-Earn (M2E) sector is developing at a very fast pace, although it still cannot be considered large compared to the total market volume. Nevertheless, with each passing year, the project attracts more and more new investors, including major cryptocurrency traders.

Investments in M2E are now quite widespread. Many experts believe that if cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies begin to be adopted more widely and quickly, the development of this sector will accelerate significantly. In fact, this is precisely why we decided to dedicate a separate article to this topic and explain what, where, and how everything works in this sphere.

What is Move-to-Earn?

So, Move-to-Earn, or simply M2E, is a model in which ordinary users can earn crypto for physical activity.

One of the most popular applications in this category is the Stepn platform, which has shown impressive growth since the beginning of 2022, even despite its temporary withdrawal from the Chinese market.

In May 2022, the number of Stepn users increased by a notable 192%.

Stepn is a true pioneer among M2E applications. Its main concept lies in the fact that users purchase NFT sneakers, which allow them to earn cryptocurrency for walking or running.

All tokens received in this manner can be exchanged for real money through cryptocurrency exchanges.

The process is actually very simple: you install the Stepn app on your smartphone and purchase NFT sneakers. Your walks and runs will be converted into cryptocurrency, which can later be withdrawn through crypto platforms such as Binance, for example. You can also exchange the received crypto for any currency that is convenient for you.

By the way, the starter sneakers have a wide range of characteristics, and their cost can vary between $500 and $700.

Below, we will talk in more detail about the history of the Stepn project and how it actually works.

Stepn: tokens for running

In August 2021, two Australian entrepreneurs, Jerry Huang and Yawn Rong, came up with an engaging game under the simple name Stepn. The idea was that users would receive tokens for physical activity—running or walking—based on the “crypto for steps” principle.

After launching a trial version of the app by December, the development team quickly attracted major investors: 16 venture capital funds became interested in this innovative product, believed in it, and boldly invested $5 million.

By March 2022, the project had launched its mobile application. Within a few months, it was downloaded by more than two million users. According to the project’s terms, users were required to wear crypto sneakers during their walks or runs.

Today, Stepn is the most popular application that combines elements of gamified finance and fitness apps.

The app’s creators promoted the core goal of their project—to encourage millions of people to lead a healthy lifestyle while simultaneously connecting them to Web3 and motivating them to combat climate change.

On the one hand, the move-to-earn model appears quite interesting and therefore potentially promising. But on the other hand, such applications are full of contradictions, which casts doubt on their long-term prospects. More on that later.

Nevertheless, Stepn does provide some motivation for its users not to remain idle but to stay active. Just imagine—you purchase a pair of crypto sneakers, and after each walk, you can earn several hundred dollars. At the very least, that is extremely tempting.

How to earn crypto for steps

In fact, everything is very simple. To use this system, you need to install an application that combines elements of Game-Fi and Social-Fi.

There are actually not that many such programs on the market where it is truly possible to earn cryptocurrency. The entire game mechanics are built around virtual sneakers, which are presented in NFT format.

The essence of how the system works is as follows:
• You install an application with the Move-to-Earn concept
• You purchase NFT footwear

And voilà! You can already start earning in-game currency while simply walking or running.

After that, you can exchange this currency for cryptocurrency. This is exactly how the system works.

So, the first step is to acquire NFT sneakers in the Stepn application.

There are several types of virtual footwear, each of which is designed for a different level of activity and speed. As an example, here are just a few popular options:

In the application, sneakers can be purchased for the cryptocurrency Solana (SOL), and their price is constantly increasing. Sneakers can be bought or sold directly to other users through the built-in marketplace.

There is also an opportunity to purchase a Shoebox—a box from which a random pair of sneakers will drop. Such a purchase will be slightly cheaper than selecting a specific model.

The application uses the smartphone’s GPS signal to track your movements and verify compliance with the rules. In this way, you will not be able to earn money by car or bicycle – only walking and jogging will be counted by the application.

There are limitations in the Stepn game: it is possible to earn money through walking or running only for a specific amount of time per day, during the period when you have the so-called “energy points.”

If a player has fewer than 3 pairs of sneakers, then he receives 2.00 energy points per day, which gives about two minutes of activity. After this time, earnings stop, and you have to wait a day for energy to be restored.

The application also works only with GPS activated – without it, coins for physical activity are not credited. These measures help to prevent fraud, for example, when users try to hand the phone to other people or cheat the system through sensor manipulations.

Earnings in Stepn depend on the sneaker level, their rarity, and the “upgrade” level, as well as the Shoe Mint function, merging sneakers to increase profit.

Already acquired sneakers can be upgraded with earned tokens, enhancing such parameters as efficiency, luck, comfort, and durability. The higher the level and rarity of the sneakers, the more cryptocurrency you can receive for a jog or walk.

There is even a special calculator on the Stepn website that allows you to calculate potential income. For example, owning a level one Walker sneaker with 1 efficiency and 2.00 energy, you can earn approximately 1.77 GST per day.

The built-in converter allows you to instantly exchange earned tokens for SOL or USDT and withdraw them to your crypto wallet.

It is nice that you can earn in the game not only through physical activity. Some users upgrade NFT sneakers and sell them on marketplaces.

On marketplaces, you can also find services for registration in the game, sale of authorization codes, or training courses on how to earn in Stepn.

Stepn tokens can also be purchased on cryptocurrency exchanges to speculate on price changes, and participation in the game is not required.

Within the game, the earned tokens can be spent on sneaker repair, their improvement, or payment for other services. For this, players can use both the earned tokens and replenish their balance with external funds.

It is worth remembering that the company charges a commission of 0.5% for each transaction on the marketplace, whether it is NFT trading, minting new sneakers, or renting them out.

Unlikely prospects?

Let us be honest, some experts express doubts about the future of projects like Stepn.

The main cause for concern is a certain decline in its popularity, or more precisely, the absence of new user inflows. The consistent audience growth observed at the initial stage is no longer present.

One of the reasons for the drop in interest was the company’s forced exit from the Chinese market. The fact is that cryptocurrencies were at some point banned at the legislative level in China, which means the development of applications promoting the slogan “crypto for steps” is simply impossible there, or at the very least, highly unlikely.

Today, the hype surrounding such projects has faded, which has become especially noticeable during the so-called “crypto winter.” Many who had already invested in crypto sneakers started looking for any way to recover at least part of their invested funds.

However, some people are not rushing to write off this innovative product. Many are hopeful that innovative solutions from the project’s creators and potential partnerships with major market players may still rekindle interest in such projects.

Even so, the number of skeptics is significantly higher. A considerable number of specialists in the crypto sphere are convinced that crypto sneakers are unlikely to gain a foothold in the market, as their model resembles a classic pyramid scheme, which, as is well known, almost always collapses.

Applications that distribute crypto for activity

“Crypto for steps” is available on many applications, most of which are accessible to iPhone and Samsung users. Some of them are even exclusive to Google Play or the App Store.

Below, we will move on to specific examples and provide more details about those applications that pay users for physical activity. The list will be extensive, but surely it is always pleasant to have something to choose from.

Sweatcoin
Main features:
• Compatible with iPhone and Android
• Encourages outdoor activity
• Payments are made in digital currency

Sweatcoin is one of the most popular applications that rewards users for walking. It grants you points for the steps you take both indoors and outdoors.

The application can be synchronised with smartwatches such as Apple Watch or Google Fit to automatically track steps.

However, if you do not have a smartwatch, you can use the built-in pedometer within the application itself. For every 1,000 steps, you earn points, and the maximum daily limit is 10,000 points.

The application is free, but for those who wish to increase their daily earning limit, a premium version is available that doubles the number of points awarded. You can exchange your points for gift cards or discounts at popular stores or choose an item from the available rewards.

myWalgreens

Main features:
• Available for iPhone and Android devices
• Compatible with fitness trackers
• Reward program for an active lifestyle

Previously known as Walgreens Balance Rewards, the myWalgreens Health Goals application is a platform developed by the American company Walgreens, which operates a pharmacy chain in the United States. It is among the applications that reward users for physical activity, such as walking.

The application can be synchronized with fitness trackers, such as Apple Watch, to monitor various health parameters. Additionally, users can earn bonuses for tracking metrics such as blood pressure or weight loss progress.

StepBet

Main features:
• Available for iPhone and Android
• Individual step count goals
• Rewards and engaging challenges

StepBet is an application that offers cash stakes for meeting fitness goals.

The working principle is quite simple: a user joins challenges to reach a specified step count and contributes a portion of their funds. If the goal is achieved, the invested money is returned.

StepBet synchronizes with Apple Health, Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, and Google Fit, making it convenient for users of any fitness device.

Winwalk

Main features:
• Compatible with iPhone and Android
• Flexible interface settings
• No in-app purchases at all

Winwalk is literally “crypto for steps,” an application that offers a simple and user-friendly pedometer, ideal for tracking daily activity. For achieving goals, users receive gift cards.

One of the key advantages of Winwalk is that it does not require a GPS to function. The application tracks only steps and also displays the number of calories burned and the distance covered, without requesting location data.

For every 1,000 steps, users earn points, and upon reaching 10,000 steps in a day, they can receive up to 100 coins.

HealthyWage

Main features:
• Available for iPhone and Android
• Wagering on weight loss
• Cash prizes for successful weight reduction

HealthyWage offers a unique way to stay motivated on the path to a healthy lifestyle. By achieving set weight loss goals, users can receive a cash reward. However, if they fail to reach their targets, they may lose the money they invested.

PK Rewards

Main features:
• Available on Android
• Rewards for effort
• Prizes in the form of sports gear

PK Rewards is an application that rewards the effort of your workout, not just the final result. It evaluates your effort and converts it into points, regardless of whether you are running, cycling, doing yoga, or engaging in another form of physical activity.

Once you install the application, you can track any workout, and the intensity and duration of your sessions will be converted into points.

These points can be exchanged for various rewards from well-known brands such as Lululemon, Amazon, Nike, and others.

Runtopia

Main features:
• Available for iPhone and Android
• Rewards in the form of sports gear and electronics
• Coach support with helpful advice

Despite the name containing the word “run,” the Runtopia application tracks all types of activity, including walking, running, and both indoor and outdoor workouts.

For every movement, Runtopia awards sports coins — a virtual currency that can be exchanged for various prizes. These include gift cards, discounts on sports products, coupons, and even the option to transfer earnings to PayPal.

This means your efforts to improve your health can bring not only physical benefits but also financial gain. Your fitness achievements can become a source of extra income, helping you reach financial goals.

Additionally, the application offers simple tasks such as participating in surveys, watching ads, or inviting friends, for which you can also earn money.

Evidation

Main features:
• Available for iPhone and Android
• Possibility of direct payments via deposit
• Strong focus on data privacy

Evidation turns your everyday healthy actions into points that can be exchanged for rewards.

What sets this application apart from others is the variety of supported activities — rewards are granted not only for walking.

With this application, you can track everything from sleep quality and meditation to various forms of physical exercise.

Evidation was also selected to participate in the United Kingdom’s largest health research programme, organised by the company Our Future Health.

The application supports synchronization with services such as Apple Health, Samsung Health, Fitbit, Garmin, Strava, and others.

LifeCoin

Key Features:
• Compatible with iPhone and Android
• Payouts in the form of digital currency
• Rewards in the form of fitness products from partner companies

LifeCoin is one of the popular walking apps, similar to Sweatcoin. It allows users to earn a currency called LifeCoins based on the number of steps taken, in much the same way as Sweatcoin awards Sweatcoins.

For every 1,000 steps, you earn approximately one LifeCoin. However, there is a daily earnings limit—you can earn up to 5 LifeCoins per day unless you have a premium subscription, which increases this limit.

The LifeCoins you earn can be exchanged for gift cards or redeemed for physical items such as headphones, fitness accessories, or even a brand-new iPhone, depending on your preferences.

DoorDash

Key Features:
• Available for iPhone and Android
• Flexible work schedule
• Ability to start earning within a few days

You are probably already familiar with DoorDash as a food delivery service, whether for pizza or sushi, when you do not feel like cooking.

However, as it turns out, DoorDash is not only a convenient way to eat well, but it is also an excellent way to earn money. If you choose to become a delivery driver, you can get paid for delivering orders.

By working as a courier in your local area, you can decide how you want to deliver—on foot, by bicycle, scooter, or car. If you choose to walk, you will essentially be earning money just by going for a stroll.

DoorDash provides complete scheduling flexibility. You decide when and where to work and can take a break at any time if needed.

Rover

Key Features:
• Available for iPhone and Android
• Ability to earn money by walking dogs
• Convenient scheduling of appointments

This app is designed for dog lovers and those who enjoy being outdoors. It offers an opportunity to earn money by caring for neighbors' pets or walking their dogs.

You simply need to register in the Rover app and wait for requests from pet owners.

You can either look after a pet for a day or walk dogs on a regular basis while supplementing your income.

GigWalk

Key Features:
• Compatible with iPhone and Android
• Fast payments via PayPal
• Ability to complete various tasks while walking

GigWalk is not just an app for earning money while walking. It is a platform for completing short-term tasks where companies and individuals seek helpers for specific assignments.

From checking store displays to minor repair jobs, you can get paid for all these types of services.

The app is available for both iOS and Android and offers a great way to earn. For example, if you need to visit a nearby store, you can combine this with completing a paid task through GigWalk. And if you decide to walk there, your earnings will increase even further.

CareBuzz

Key Features:
• Available on Android and iPhone
• Support charitable causes without spending money
• Guaranteed receipt of "karma points"

CareBuzz is an innovative crowdfunding platform that allows users to contribute to charity simply by sharing their internet connection.

After installing CareBuzz, you begin sharing your internet traffic, which is used by scientists and researchers for various projects.

In return, you will receive rewards in the form of money, which you can direct toward supporting charities or other good causes.

To begin, simply connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data, activate the app, and go for a walk. While you walk, the credits in your account will increase in proportion to the number of steps you take. Once you have accumulated enough, you can donate them to the charity of your choice.

iStep
iStep is an innovative Move-to-Earn (M2E) project that enables users to earn cryptocurrency through physical activity.

Operating on the Binance Smart Chain, iStep combines elements of fitness, social interaction, and game mechanics.

To get started, users need to purchase NFT shoes, which are required to activate workouts.

iStep offers three modes:

Conclusion

In 2023–2024, Move-to-Earn (M2E) apps gained significant popularity, as they offered users a chance to profit from their passion for fitness.

However, many such projects are built on a pyramid scheme (Ponzi structure). That is why it is extremely important to enter these projects only at the early stages of development and to invest only a small portion of your assets.

There is a possibility that in 2024–2025, given favorable conditions in the cryptocurrency market, interest in NFTs could be revived, which would open new opportunities for M2E platforms.

But in conclusion, it must be said that when using apps that promise easy earnings, you should always exercise particular caution.

Be sure to check whether the internal currency or bonuses can be withdrawn in your country, and be vigilant about requests for personal data.

Our list of “crypto-for-steps” apps is based on public sources, and we cannot guarantee the integrity of every developer or app owner, so it is important to always remain alert.

Recommended
Insight into crypto trading
Crypto games
Insight into P2P platforms
Crypto in Telegram
Which crypto is poised for strong gains?
Altcoins in crypto market
Retrodrops in crypto market
How crypto works
Fiat vs. Crypto