Plenty of bars and establishments have dress codes that prevent patrons from wearing sneakers, but we can't say that we've heard of a ban on a specific type of shoe. That is, until now.
Herald Sun reports that the Bank Hotel in Newton, Australia has started to turn away people wearing Nike Air Max sneakers, claiming the shoes are often the footwear choice of "drug dealers, gang members and undesirables."
According to the story, a 32-year-old man was turned away after attempting to enter in a pair of Air Max 90s. "I got to the door and I walked up and showed my ID and the guy said, 'Sorry, you can't come in, you are wearing Air Max.' I thought he was joking, I thought it had to be a prank," the man said.
When he got home, he left a message on the Bank Hotel's Facebook page demanding an explanation. The bar quickly issued a response saying that its staff had identified Air Maxes as the sneakers most commonly worn by troublemakers.
"I can honestly guarantee you that almost every single person I've caught selling drugs on the premises or has picked a fight has been wearing those shoes... I know it sounds silly but it really does work," the statement from Bank Hotel read.
As crazy as this sounds, it's not quite as farfetched as one might think. In Australia, the Air Max TN — better known as the Air Max Plus — has developed a similar reputation. Likewise for the Air Max 95 in the UK and Japan.
Next time you head out for a few drinks in a fresh pair, just remember that you're lucky to even be able to wear them.
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