Adidas Starts The Summer Off On The Wrong Foot

The shoemaker unveiled a sneaker with shackles that suggest slavery or prison — setting off a chain reaction of criticism that the sportswear label is racist.

The JS Roundhouse Mids, which Adidas revealed on its Facebook page, were promoted with the line, “Got a sneaker game so hot you lock your kicks to your ankles?” and featured a pair of bright orange, rubber shackles that fit around the wearer’s ankles.

According to The Daily, Adidas received a very negative reaction yesterday, and the company  canceled plans to market the shoe only hours after  huge  the original unveiling — but they still defended the concept.

“The design of the JS Roundhouse Mid is nothing more than the designers outrageous and unique take on fashion and has nothing to do with slavery,” Adidas said in a statement. “We apologize if people are offended by the design and we are withdrawing our plans to make them available in the marketplace.”