Germany – Adidas Pulls ‘Shackle’ Shoe After Outcry Over Racism

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    (Photo: Adidas’ Facebook page)Germany – Adidas canceled plans for a sneaker with a shackle-like ankle cuff Monday night after some critics said it too closely resembled a symbol of slavery.

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    The JS Roundhouse Mid, a high-top sneaker with an orange plastic cuff, was made in collaboration with fashion designer Jeremy Scott.

    The sneaker “is nothing more than the designer Jeremy Scott’s outrageous and unique take on fashion and has nothing to do with slavery,” Adidas said in a statement. “Since the shoe debuted on our Facebook page ahead of its market release in August, Adidas has received both favorable and critical feedback. We apologize if people are offended by the design and we are withdrawing our plans to make them available in the marketplace.”

    The sneaker was supposed to be a reboot of a classic high-top sneaker with a strap across the middle. A preview was offered months ago and generated little chatter, but the company recently started promoting it on its Facebook page.

    Scott is known as one of fashion’s more outrageous characters. Adidas said he is heralded for a style that is “quirky and lighthearted.”

    The Roundhouse Mid was inspired by a furry toy called My Pet Monster. “My work has always been inspired by cartoons, toys & my childhood,” Scott said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press.

    Previous collaborations between Scott and Adidas include sneakers with Mickey Mouse and panda bear themes.


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    9 Comments
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    Anon Ibid Opcit
    Anon Ibid Opcit
    11 years ago

    A marketing success right up there with the Edsel, selling “Black and Tan” ice cream in Ireland and playing “Marching Through Georgia” at an Atlanta political rally.

    not_suprised
    not_suprised
    11 years ago

    The shackles are a good idea actually. Most fine folks within the target demographic for this particular version of quality sport apparel, would be in eminent danger of attempted robbery of this very same shoe.
    A perp may be dissuaded from the efforts when seeing such a deterrent. Much like having the ubiquitous automobile theft deterrent device “The Club” for hip shoes, yo.

    Reb Yid
    Reb Yid
    11 years ago

    I thought the Blacks like this kind of thing. They love to show how they feel they’re still being oppressed by Whitey.

    Tzi_Bar_David
    Tzi_Bar_David
    11 years ago

    It’s good they tageted market gets used to the feel of them, so Rahway won’t be an entirely new experience for them

    mewhoze
    mewhoze
    11 years ago

    really stupid looking shoe

    Secular
    Secular
    11 years ago

    What about a ball and chain?

    11 years ago

    yitzias mitzrayim 2012!!!