CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Is it racist, or just an edgy new design? Adidas is taking a lot of heat for a new shoe set to come out this august.
The shoes are called the "JS Roundhouse Mid's". What's controversial about them are the rubber shackles built in to the shoes, which are supposed to wrap around your ankles.
The $350 shoes are the latest model from designer Jeremy Scott, who is known for crazy designs. But some are saying he crossed the line this time.
You won't find the shackle shoes on shelves at Succezz, a popular boutique shoe store in the South Loop neighborhood in Chicago. The store is co-owned by NBA player Bobby Simmons, and his longtime friend Lavelle Sykes.
Sykes says he first saw the shoes at a convention several months ago, and says he knew they'd be controversial. That's why he told Adidas "thanks, but no thanks."
"A chain on your ankle ain't nothing good for nobody," Sykes said "Whether it be the Jews, the Egyptians, whether it be the African-American slaves, whether it be the Filipino slaves, anything with a shackle on your ankle shouldn't be made fun of, or like it's a cool thing to have."
We showed the shoes to customers and workers at the store. Some say they are racist. Others say they're just ugly. But no one seems to like them.
"You're either talking about slavery, or maybe being in jail, but either way it's glorifying something that no one should be proud of," one customer said.
