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Lil Nas X’s Satan shoes have been the most controversial shoes available or should we say were available since a judge has ruled that they should be taken off the market.
The limited edition satanic-themed Air Max 97 shoes were designed by Lil Nas X in collaboration with a company called MSCHF who take Nike shoes and turn them into bespoke designs and in this case that meant writing religious scriptures and including human blood.
Many on the internet responded after seeing the design of the shoe expressing their disappointment and some users even went as far as saying they will boycott all Nike products.
In response Lil Nas X issued an apology for the shoe and now Nike has filed a trademark lawsuit against MSCHF and followed up with a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. In its suit, the shoe giant claims that the Satanic association will dilute its famous marks.
In a letter to a judge late last night MSCHF’s lawyers argue that the 666 pairs are “"not typical sneakers, but rather individually-numbered works of art that were sold to collectors for $1,018 each."
They claim that like their previous Jesus shoe, they expect the Satan shoes to be displayed in artistic collections and maybe even museums.
At a hearing this morning, April 1 Nike’s lawyers claim that they have "submitted evidence that even sophisticated sneakerheads were confused," while also adding that many are boycotting Nike because they believe Nike is behind the shoe.
"We have submitted numerous evidence that some consumers are saying they will never buy Nike shoes ever again," said Nike's attorney.
“There’s no bright line but the more famous the mark — and we think Nike’s swoosh is one of most famous mark of all time — the more protection it is afforded,” said Nike attorney Kyle Schneider.
“There’s no statements that Nike is affiliated,” MSCHF’s lawyer told the court.
“There’s no basis for a recall. They are not doing this for money. It’s about the message,” he went on to say.
The judge ultimately ruled that Nike made enough of a case for a temporary restraining order, and a hearing to consider a longer-lasting preliminary injunctive will come next.
For now, the shoes can no longer be sold, although according to the hearing all but one pair have gone out. Nike suspects some may have gone out post the lawsuit.
In the meantime celebrities like Miley Cyrus have gotten involved and chosen to wear the shoe, despite lil Nas X addressing the controversy last Sunday March 28 by posting a video to Youtube titled “Lil Nas X Apologises for Satan Shoes.”
