The New Shackled Adidas Sneaker Gets Pulled After Racism Controversy

These ugly sneakers above were actually about to hit stores in August but everything got pulled from the Adidas label once the plastic shackles connected to the sneakers received racism backlash as many thought the shackles symbolized slavery.


Adidas recently promoted the new sneakers on their Facebook page which sparked controversy amongst many bloggers and critics. Even Reverend Jesse Jackson called the sneakers racist and degrading. He said in a statement:


“The attempt to commercialize and make popular more than 200 years of human degradation, where blacks were considered three-fifths human by our Constitution is offensive, appalling and insensitive.”

Pet Monster

Designer Jeremy Scott who is known for his crazy fashion ideas, is the creator behind the sneaker and said the sneaker had nothing to do with slavery but instead he was inspired by Pet Monster, a 1990's cartoon and toy. 


But this didn't help.


Adidas said the controversial sneaker will not be sold and they issued the following statement:


“The design of the JS Roundhouse Mid is nothing more than the designer Jeremy Scott’s outrageous and unique take on fashion and has nothing to do with slavery.We apologize if people are offended by the design and we are withdrawing our plans to make them available in the marketplace.”

Even though the shackled sneakers got pulled, people are still buzzing about them on Adidas Facebook page. Below are some of the latest comments:

A shoe with shackles--Poor creativity, poor leadership, and poor decision-making. A poor choice in all respects and offensive to many groups for obvious reasons. Now I must decide to take my money elsewhere...no, I have already decided to do so.

 I certainly agree with your comments, how can a marketing department be so clueless regarding a product, unless they do not care. I saw this product and right away thoughts about slavery and I am not even black! Wake up consumers and boycott Adidas for their lack of sensitivity!

Even if we say ok we believe the artist who created them, he was inspired by a toy from the late 80s (B.S) You want me to believe no one in the company found this offensive no one thought of slavery or the large amount of African Americans that is incarerated, Adidas is a German company why not put out a pair of sneakers inspired by the Jewish Holocust, Cause there would be heads rolling, I will never buy another product from Adidas again