Adidas Pulls Controversial Shoes

“Got a sneaker game so hot you lock your kicks to your ankles?” reads a tagline posted beneath the picture.

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A few days ago, I saw images of an upcoming shoe release that made me do a double-take.

The new Adidas shoes, the JP Roundhouse Mids designed by Jeremy Scott, were shown in Lakers colors (purple and gold) with an eye-catching and controversial design. There was an immediate backlash to the shackle and chain design, with concerns that the shoe invoked images of slavery.

I understand the sentiments and the visceral reaction to the design. But should the shoes have been summarily dismissed? Or should the market have dictated demand itself?

The designer reportedly looked to cartoons, in particular, something called “My Pet Monster,” for inspiration.

I first looked at the shoe and thought — “Children will not be throwing shoes out of car windows or flipping them off while strolling through the park.” I saw some practicality to it.

See the full story on the shoes, their creation and the cancellation here.