Nike Sues Over Lil Nas X Satan Shoes

Lil Nas X's limited-edition satanic-themed Air Max 97 shoes — the ones that cost more than a grand, sold out in under a minute and may contain actual human blood — weren't authorized by Nike, according to a suit filed Monday (March 29) in New York federal court.

Nike says MSCHF Product Studio, the company the rapper partnered with to launch 666 pairs of kicks, materially altered its trademarked product without permission and it isn't thrilled that people think the company endorses satanism.

"The material alterations include at least referring to the shoe as the Satan Shoe, adding red ink and human blood to the midsole, adding red embroidered satanic-themed detailing, adding a bronze pentagram to the laces, and adding a new sock liner," states the complaint. "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 that Nike has authorized or approved this product."

Nike is suing MSCHF for trademark infringement and dilution and unfair competition. It's seeking compensatory, statutory and punitive damages, plus disgorgement of profits in an amount to be determined and is asking the court to order that the shoes and all marketing materials be turned over to Nike for destruction.