The 25 Most Controversial Things That Ever Happened In Sneakers

Everybody loves them some outrage.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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It shouldn't come as any surprise that there have been numerous controversies involving sneakers over the years—look at anything hard enough and there's bound to be something someone finds offensive. But it hasn't just been that kind of controversy, as exemplified by the Jeremy Scott x adidas Originals "shackle shoe" fiasco. There have been awkward names and even more awkward signings, not to mention generally risky moves that seemed unlikely to succeed. Even prices have come under fire. Check out The 25 Most Controversial Things That Ever Happened In Sneakers, and feel free to add your own below.

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25. Marcin Gortat is asked to cover his tattoo.

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24. Roger Federer offends the English.

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23. Rick Ross dropped from Reebok because of a lyric.

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22. No apples required.

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21. Converse makes an odd choice.

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20. Don't Hyperize your ankles.

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19. The Air Jordan 1 runs afoul of the NBA.

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18. Kobe abandons his own signature adidas.

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17. Patrick Ewing ventures out on his own.

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16. Toning does not happen by shoes alone.

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15. Puma attemps to honor the United Arab Emirates.

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14. Not everyone likes Black and Tan.

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13. And1 portrays their take on the American Dream.

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12. Shaq makes his Nike visit a memorable one.

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11. LeBron's sneakers predict the future.

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10. Nike stakes their future on an NBA rookie.

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9. Objections to the Rising Sun.

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8. Nike tries their hand at skateboarding.

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7. Heineken does not approve of a Nike SB tribute.

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6. The new LeBrons are gonna be how much?!?

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5. Big Boi performs at a sneaker event...in fakes.

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4. Barry McGee introduces Ray Fong.

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3. Jeremy Scott's "Shackle Shoes."

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2. The Air Bakin does not speak Arabic.

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1. Umbro picks the worst sneaker name ever.

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