Nike Apologizes for "Black & Tan" Shoes for St. Patricks Day

Nike has officially apologized for introducing their "Black and Tan" St. Patrick's Day-themed shoes, citing that some found it inappropriate and offensive. Whereas most of us know it as a referral to the delicious Guiness/Bass beer concoction, it's also the name of a British paramilitary unit sent to quell Irish rebellion against British rule in the 1920s, a strike that led to many attacks on civilians.

"Black and Tan" or "Tan" is still a pejorative term for the British in Ireland. As the LA Times notes, "it would be akin, in some circles, to naming a sneaker the Taliban or the Nazi." Oops.

This isn't the first time a Nike promotion has offended consumers. In 2006, Christians protested their use of a painted cross on the body of soccer player Wayne Rooney, saying it trivialized the sufferings of Christ. The company's 2010 ad, starring a mournful post-sex scandal Tiger Woods in a black-and-white video, also drew ire for its voiceover.

But you know what? These "controversial" ads often end up getting more exposure through PR than a typical media ad buy, so perhaps it is by design rather than a snafu. It could be Nike just found a creative way to move some ugly brown shoes. ;-)

Happy St. Patrick's Day, all! I hope you are enjoying a green run and a green beer wherever you are.