These Boots Were Made For Walking: Satan Shoes Nuked By Nike
MSCHF Product Studio Inc. has been ordered by a federal judge to halt the sale of its black-and-red devil-themed modified Nike sneakers called the Satan Shoes.
A judge ruled in favor of Nike, Inc. late this week in its trademark infringement lawsuit against the Brooklyn-based design studio.
U.S. District Judge Eric Komitee submitted his ruling three days after Nike sued the studio for releasing the "satanic" shoes - which were made in collaboration with American rap artist Lil Nas X.
The Satan Shoe is a modified Nike Air Max 97 adorned with references to Satan, a pentagram and a drop of human blood. MSCHF released 666 pairs at $1,018 each. The shoes went on sale Monday and were sold out hours later.
The shoe was a promotion for the music video of Lil Nas X's single "Montero (Call Me By Your Name." Lil Nas X was not named as a defendant in Nike's lawsuit filed Tuesday.
"MSCHF strongly believes in the freedom of expression. We look forward to working with Nike and the court to resolve this case in the most expeditious manner," the studio said in a statement.
MSCHF's lawyers said the products the company developed were "works of art" and similar to its "Jesus Shoes," which were released in 2019. The studio's lawyers said the temporary restraining order was "unnecessary" as all 666 pairs had been sold and the company was not planning to make or sell additional pairs.
Nike argued the studio infringed its trademark and "diluted" its brand. The company said people were led to believe it was involved in the design and sale of the Satan shoes.
Before the shoes were on sale Nike said it was not involved with them. Nike said its statement did little to prevent people from believing it was involved.
"In fact, there is already evidence of significant confusion and dilution occurring in the marketplace - including calls to boycott Nike in response to the launch of MSCHF's Satan Shoes based on the mistaken belief Nike has authorized or approved this product," it said.