It doesn’t appear that Adidas will be overtaking Nike as the chosen shoe of hoopers any time soon.

Last week, Adidas announced that its JS Roundhouse Mid would be available as part of their Fall/Winter collection.

The problem? The shoe features shackles, which have caused many to suggest that it is a not-so-subtle reference to slavery.

Adidas vehemently denies that claim:

Adidas is defending its design for sneakers with orange ankle bracelets and chains, despite criticism from bloggers and Facebook users that the shoes resemble shackles worn by African slaves.

 

“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,” an Adidas spokesperson said. “Any suggestion that this is linked to slavery is untruthful.”

 

Jeremy Scott’s past designs for Adidas have featured panda heads and Mickey Mouse.

Read more at The Daily Caller.

There have already been calls for boycotts of the shoe. We can make no arguments about Scott’s or Adidas’ intentions. However, the design does seem to show a lack of racial awareness and sensitivity. That, or Adidas couldn’t care less about its African American demographic. Even more proof that diverse thinking and/or diversity in the work- and marketplace is crucial.

Should Adidas pull the JS Roundhouse Mid?

Is a boycott in order?

Sound off below!