Kristian Ferrell
Adidas cancelled the release of its 'shackle shoes' in 2012 after facing significant criticism and outrage. The shoes, called the JS Roundhouse Mids, were high-top sneakers featuring plastic chains and cuffs in prison orange. The German company stated that the design was the designer Jeremy Scott's unique take on fashion and had nothing to do with slavery. However, many people, including civil rights activists, criticised the design for commercializing and making light of the painful history of slavery. As a result of the backlash, Adidas withdrew its plans to sell the shoes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Adidas JS Roundhouse Mids |
| Colors | All-white, all-black |
| Design | Aztec-inspired, with an emphasis on the rustic pattern sewn into the tongue |
| Release Date | Expected to be released in August 2012 |
| Cancellation | Withdrawn by Adidas due to criticism and associations with slavery |
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What You'll Learn
- Adidas cancelled the sale of the Adidas Roundhouse basketball shoe after public outcry
- The shoe's design featured plastic chains and cuffs in prison orange
- The shoe was criticised for commercialising human degradation and offensive imagery
- Adidas apologised and withdrew the shoe, acknowledging the designer's unique take on fashion
- Adidas basketball shoes are designed to enhance performance and style on the court
Adidas cancelled the sale of the Adidas Roundhouse basketball shoe after public outcry
Adidas has a long history of creating basketball shoes for men that blend performance and style. However, in 2012, the company faced a significant controversy with one of its upcoming sneaker releases. The shoe in question was the Adidas JS Roundhouse Mid, also known as the "shackle shoe." The shoe was designed by Jeremy Scott and featured plastic chains and cuffs in prison orange wrapped around the ankles.
Adidas initially defended the design as an "outrageous and unique take on fashion" with "nothing to do with slavery." The company even posted on its Facebook page, "Got a sneaker game so hot you lock your kicks to your ankles?" However, this caption and the shoe design sparked outrage and criticism on social media, with many people accusing Adidas of racism and insensitivity towards the painful history of slavery.
Among the critics was Reverend Jesse Jackson, who issued a statement strongly condemning the shoe design. He said, "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. Removing the chains from our ankles and placing them on our shoes is no progress. These slave shoes are odious, and we as a people should be called to resent and resist them."
In response to the public outcry, Adidas issued an apology and canceled the release of the JS Roundhouse Mids. In their statement, they said, "We apologize if people are offended by the design, and we are withdrawing our plans to make them available in the marketplace." This decision showcases Adidas's willingness to listen to public sentiment and take responsibility for the impact of their product designs.
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The shoe's design featured plastic chains and cuffs in prison orange
Adidas sparked controversy with its plans to release the "JS Roundhouse Mids", a sneaker with plastic chains and cuffs in prison orange. The shoe design was advertised with the caption, "Got a sneaker game so hot you lock your kicks to your ankles?". This sparked immediate criticism, with many commenters saying that the design invoked the painful image of slavery.
The shoe was designed by Jeremy Scott, known for his "`quirky" and "lighthearted" style. Adidas initially defended Scott, stating that the design was "nothing more than the designer Jeremy Scott's outrageous and unique take on fashion and has nothing to do with slavery." However, due to the significant backlash, Adidas decided to withdraw its plans to sell the shoe.
The JS Roundhouse Mids were not the first Adidas shoe to cause controversy. Previously, the company released an Aztec-inspired Roundhouse Mid design that featured all-white or all-black uppers with tonal touches and a rustic pattern on the tongue. Despite this earlier, less controversial release, the public response to the JS Roundhouse Mids was overwhelmingly negative.
One of the most high-profile critics of the shoe was Rev. Jesse Jackson, who called the design "offensive, appalling, and insensitive". He highlighted the painful history of slavery and the degradation of Black people in the United States, stating that "removing the chains from our ankles and placing them on our shoes is no progress". Jackson's condemnation, along with the widespread public outcry, likely contributed to Adidas's decision to cancel the shoe's release.
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The shoe was criticised for commercialising human degradation and offensive imagery
Adidas faced widespread criticism and backlash for its planned release of the JS Roundhouse Mids, also known as the "shackle shoes". The shoes, designed by Jeremy Scott, featured plastic chains and cuffs in prison orange that wrapped around the ankles. This design was labelled as racist and reminiscent of slavery, with critics arguing that it commercialised and popularised human degradation, specifically the historical enslavement of Black people.
The shoe's design sparked outrage and indignation, with many people expressing their disappointment and anger on Adidas' Facebook page. The criticism prompted Adidas to issue an apology and cancel the release of the shoe. In their statement, Adidas claimed that the design was an "outrageous and unique take on fashion" and had "nothing to do with slavery". They apologised for any offence caused and withdrew their plans to sell the shoes.
Among the critics was Rev. Jesse Jackson, who issued a statement condemning the shoe's design. He stated that the attempt to commercialise and make popular more than 200 years of human degradation, where Black people were considered three-fifths human, was "offensive, appalling, and insensitive". He argued that removing the chains from ankles and placing them on shoes was not progress and referred to the shoes as "slave shoes", calling on people to resent and resist them.
The controversy surrounding the JS Roundhouse Mids highlights the potential consequences of insensitive and inappropriate design choices. It serves as a reminder that companies must carefully consider the potential implications of their products and be mindful of the historical and cultural sensitivities that may be associated with their designs. It also underscores the power of public opinion and consumer feedback in influencing corporate decisions, as Adidas ultimately chose to withdraw the shoe's release in response to the widespread criticism.
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Adidas apologised and withdrew the shoe, acknowledging the designer's unique take on fashion
Adidas has withdrawn its plans to sell the JS Roundhouse Mids, a sneaker that featured plastic chains and cuffs in prison orange. The shoe, designed by Jeremy Scott, was meant to be "a sneaker... so hot you lock your kicks to your ankles".
The German sports apparel maker faced significant criticism when advertising the shoe on its Facebook page. Many commenters said they felt the shackles invoked the painful image of slavery. One commenter, MsRodwell, said:
> Wow obviously there was no one of color in the room when the marketing/product team ok’d this."
In a statement, Adidas apologised for the design and acknowledged Jeremy Scott's unique take on fashion:
> "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."
Despite defending Scott's "quirky" and "lighthearted" style, Adidas ultimately decided to cancel the shoe's release.
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Adidas basketball shoes are designed to enhance performance and style on the court
Adidas basketball shoes are meticulously designed to enhance performance and style on the court. The brand's basketball sneakers are engineered for elite athletes, delivering unparalleled support, cushioning, and traction for fast-paced games. Adidas's basketball shoes, such as the Harden and Damian Lillard's signature models, offer the same tools used by professionals to refine their on-court skills.
The right basketball sneakers can significantly improve your game. Adidas basketball shoes are designed with excellent multidirectional traction, enabling quick cuts, rapid stops, and effortless changes in direction. The shoes also provide ample cushioning for jumps and landings, with Adidas Boost and Lightstrike being a popular combination. Additionally, the shoes are crafted to be snug yet comfortable, allowing sufficient room for toe movement and aiding in injury prevention.
Adidas basketball shoes offer three levels of ankle support: high tops, mid cuts, and low tops. High tops provide maximum ankle support, while low tops offer increased flexibility. Mid-top shoes strike a balance between support and flexibility. Players can choose the level of ankle support that aligns with their personal preferences and playing position.
The brand also recognizes the importance of style and self-expression on the court. Adidas basketball shoes, such as the D.O.N. Issue #6, feature an anatomically sculpted upper for superior comfort, explosiveness, and agility. The Dame 9 channels Damian Lillard's speed and confidence, while the Adidas Roundhouse Mid showcases an Aztec-inspired design with all-white or all-black uppers and a rustic pattern on the tongue.
Adidas's commitment to performance and style empowers players to push their limits, make a difference in their games, and leave a lasting impression on the basketball scene. The brand's basketball shoes are a testament to their dedication to both functionality and aesthetics, ensuring that players not only perform at their best but also stand out on the court.
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Frequently asked questions
The Adidas Roundhouse Mid shoes, also known as the JS Roundhouse Mids, were sneakers designed by Jeremy Scott, featuring plastic chains and cuffs in prison orange.
The sneaker's design featuring shackles invoked the painful image of slavery and sparked outrage, leading Adidas to cancel its plans to sell the shoes.
The controversy surrounding the Adidas Roundhouse shoes occurred in June 2012, with Adidas withdrawing its plans to sell the shoes shortly after.
Adidas initially defended the shoe's designer, Jeremy Scott, describing his work as "quirky" and "lighthearted". However, they issued an apology and withdrew the shoes from the marketplace due to the offensive design.
Yes, one of the most prominent critics was Rev. Jesse Jackson, who condemned Adidas's attempt to commercialize human degradation and insensitive portrayal of slavery.
