Nike's launch of the $220 basketball shoe Foamposite One Galaxy last Friday resulted in a few riots outside shopping malls in Florida and Maryland.
The release of the $180 Air Jordan XI shoe before Christmas also caused a riot at a mall in Indianapolis, fights in Seattle and a stabbing in Jersey City.
More than 100 deputies in riot gear quelled a crowd in Orlando, where the release of the $220 Foamposite Galaxy coincides with this weekend's NBA All-Star Game. In at a mall in Hyattsville, Md., one person was arrested for disorderly conduct.
In Greenwood, IN, police said they canceled a Nike release after 400-600 people showed up Thursday night at a mall and were “panicking to get to the front of the line.”
Malls in Florida, New York and Maryland reported bringing in police to manage fans clamoring for the purple and blue shoes, which have starlike flecks of white.
Nike issued a statement Friday, saying, “As with the launch of all Nike products, consumer safety and security is of paramount importance. We encourage anyone wishing to purchase our product to do so in a respectful and safe manner.”
