Adidas jogs controversy for introducing shoes with shackles

Adidas is being criticized for designing a pair of trainers accessorized with what appear to be "shackles" apparently meant to be worn around the shoe-wearer's ankles. The bright orange plastic "shackles," despite the color and make, are being compared by some to the shackles worn by black slaves in the 19th Century.

Adidas introduced the new footwear on Facebook and almost instantaneously sparked heated online discussions with a sizable number of Facebook users calling the product "offensive" and "ignorant."

Many are calling the Adidas move a "copycat" of the likewise controversial sneakers introduced by Nike called "The Black and Tan."

The outrage on the footwear mostly stem from the alleged obliviousness of companies to historical connotations.

Adidas has already decided to cancel the further production and sale of the controversial shoes after the outcry.