The so-called “Satan shoes” which allegedly contained a drop of human blood are to be recalled following a lawsuit from Nike.
Lil Nas X, a rapper, helped launch the shoes, which were based on the Nike Air Max 97.
Nike had filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against MSCHF Product Studio, the sellers of the footwear.
A pentagram, a symbol of Satanism, adorns the top of the shoes. Pic: MSCHF
As part of the settlement, the shoes will be recalled and buyers will be refunded by MSCHF “to remove them from circulation”.
Only 666 pairs were made, and they sold for $1,018 (£741) a set.
The black and red trainers also had the words “Luke 10:18” printed on them – a reference to a Biblical verse that alludes to Satan’s fall from heaven.
They also had the Nike tick on them.
As well as the Satan shoes, refunds will also be offered by MSCHF to those who bought the Jesus shoes, also based on the Air Max 97, which were launched in 2019.
Limited edition shoes like these become collectors items and can reach values many times more than the original price on the second-hand market.
The shoes feature a reference to a Bible verse. Pic: MSCHF
David Bernstein, chair of the intellectual property litigation group at Debevoise & Plimpton and MSCHF representative, said the artistic messages MSCHF hoped the shoes would convey were “dramatically amplified” by Nike’s lawsuit.
He said: “MSCHF intended to comment on the absurdity of the collaboration culture practiced by some brands, and about the perniciousness of intolerance.
“Having achieved its artistic purpose, MSCHF is pleased to have resolved the lawsuit.”
Lil Nas X was not listed as a defendant in the litigation.
He was supposed to choose a special recipient of a pair of the shoes, but was not able to when a Brooklyn judge stopped sales on 1 April.
Nike has claimed that even those who collect shoes were confused about who was making the Satan shoes.
Lil Nas X in 2019
MSCHF said the shoes were “individually numbered works of art” and did not cause confusion.
Lil Nas X released a devil-themed video for his song Montero (Call Me By Your Name) in March.