A pair of sneakers decorated with a controversial flag is fetching thousands of dollars on auction websites because the patriotic footwear was recalled.
Footwear maker Nike recalled its Air Max 1 Fourth of July trainers after former National Football League player Colin Kaepernick complained the older American flag stitched onto the heel of the shoes was offensive.
“I read today that instead of celebrating the birth of our nation, a shoe company has deemed the flag, which flew during our Independence, too offensive … too offensive to put on a pair of shoes,” GOP Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said https://t.co/DSNdd1FecM
— CNN (@CNN) July 3, 2019
Nike has canceled the release of an Independence Day-inspired sneaker featuring the 13-star flag associated with Betsy Ross after criticism that the shoe celebrated the slavery era https://t.co/9Ay3VHzW7n
— The New York Times (@nytimes) July 2, 2019
The Betsy Ross flag with 13 stars was designed to represent the unity of 13 colonies back in the year 1876 when slavery was widespread in North America.
We must respect the flag and honor those who died defending it. @Nike is wrong. Thank you @dougducey for your leadership. https://t.co/AyUg3BeyQl
— Martha McSally (@SenMcSallyAZ) July 2, 2019
The sudden recall has caused the price of the shoes to skyrocket from its original regular retail price of $120 and resale price of $250 to well over $2,500. This is because the product recall made the shoes become a limited edition with very few pairs up for sale, according to TMZ Sports.
Colin Kaepernick convinces Nike to pull flag-themed shoe. https://t.co/GsMWIhYQRu
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) July 2, 2019
Nike thinks American flag is symbol of oppression? What planet are you on? Nike gladly allows Chinese Communist Party to tell it what products to sell while building its business around sweatshop labor. Nike is anti-American, pure & simple. https://t.co/AgHkCnVi33
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) July 2, 2019
McConnell urges Nike to release “Betsy Ross flag” shoes: “I’ll make the first order” https://t.co/0jZKruLVvp pic.twitter.com/7RStk3q6vK
— The Hill (@thehill) July 3, 2019
TMZ claims it visited the online streetwear auction store StockX and found a size 8 pair of Betsy Ross shoes selling for $2,501, sizes 9 and 10.5 for $2,000 each pair, another size 10.5 for $1,750, and a few size 10s for $1,200 a pair.
At the time TMZ had doubts another StockX seller would fetch $6,974 for a pair of size 10s.
The Epoch Times can confirm a size 9 pair is being auctioned on eBay USA and bids have already reached at least $8,200.
“Nike Air Max 1 Fourth of July shoe with Betsy Ross Flag on the back,” the product description says. “Recalled from Nike and will never be resold again. Condition is new with [the] box. [It will be] shipped with USPS Priority Mail.”
The item is located in Buford, Georgia, and bidding will end on July 9.
The Nike Air Max was originally designed by Christian Tresser who was inspired by Japan’s high-speed bullet trains to make a trainer from leather, foam, and full-length visible air.
The shoes are popular for running due to the favorable shape of the sole and well padded heel, allowing the person wearing them to maintain good posture while moving.
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