Who knew a pair of sneakers could be so controversial? Adidas has canceled its plans for a new sneaker after critics called the shoes, which features a shackle-like ankle cuff, "racist." Wait, what?!
The JS Roundhouse Mid, a high-top sneaker with an orange plastic cuff, was originally made as part of a collaboration with fashion designer Jeremy Scott. But when Adidas released a picture of a show on its Facebook site, some of the public reacted less than favorably, claiming the shoe resembled a symbol of slavery and perpetuated racism.
Adidas responded by releasing this statement:
The sneaker "is nothing more than the designer Jeremy Scott's outrageous and unique take on fashion and has nothing to do with slavery. 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."
OK, am I the only one who thinks people are being waaay overdramatic about this? I mean, it's a shoe! Besides, this is hardly the first time similar things have been featured on clothing. What about all those pants with chains on the sides or dresses with cuffs around the neck?
As far as I'm concerned, the only crime it's committing is being hideously ugly, not to mention insanely overpriced. If it had been released, the shoe would have retailed for a whopping $350!! Who in their right mind would pay that kind of money for sneakers like that?
And these aren't the only shoes that have raised some eyebrows for their, umm, unique designs. Check below for some more of the company's interesting Jeremy Scott designs:
What do you think of the shoes? Tell us in the comments below!
Shackle Sneaker
The JS Roundhouse Mid is what initially started all of the controversy for its cuffed ankled feature.
High Tongue Sneaker
The JS Instinct Hi, also designed by Jeremy Scott, will be released in August. What's with the GIANT tongues?!
Green Hiking Sneaker
Another beauty by Jeremy Scott! The JS Hiking Boots, described as "punk-meets-alligator-space-invader" on the company's Facebook page (uhh, what?!), will also be available in August. Neon, shiny animal print? So many things wrong with this shoe!
Cowboy Boot Sneaker
Jeremy Scott designed these for Adidas back in March. It's part cowboy-boot, part sneaker.
Butterfly Sneaker
And perhaps the most over-the-top of them all is the JS Wedge. Dropping this August, the shoes are a wedge-boot combination with actual wings on the side. I honestly have no words.
