A redesigned version of the Nike Air Max 97s, which feature holy water injected into the soles, sold out within minutes at $3,000 (£2,450) a pop.
The limited edition ‘Jesus shoes’ were launched by Brooklyn-based company MSCHF who made them with 100% frankincense wool and added a crucifix to the laces. In keeping with the theme.
The shoe’s creator explained that there was colouring added to the holy water which in turn enhanced the visibility of it through the clear part of the sole. It has also been reported that the design is in no way affiliated with Nike.
On the side of the trainer is the wording ‘MT.14:25’ which references a passage from the Bible which describes Jesus walking on water.
On the back of one shoe is the vertical lettering ‘MSCHF’ and on the other, the words ‘INRI’ which stems from the Latin phrase ‘Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum’ meaning ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews’.
Head of commerce, Daniel Greenberg said: “We thought of that Arizona Iced Tea and Adidas collab, where they were selling shoes that [advertised] a beverage company that sells iced tea at bodegas. So we wanted to make a statement about how absurd collab culture has gotten.
“We were wondering, what would a collab with Jesus Christ look like?” Probably hit the nail on the head really, didn’t they?
Even the shoe box was in fitting with the theme. Packaged with a religious makeover, the design team added an image of an angel on the box as well as a seal modelled after the Papal Seal.
Greenberg went on to explain that he ‘has a friend in Israel’ and added that the liquid injected into the bubble soles from the Jordan River was blessed by a priest.
The New York Post reported that MSCHF sent around six pairs of the trainers to YouTubers and others such as rapper A$AP Rocky prior to the release which happened at 11am on Tuesday.
Although it is believed that less than two dozen of the Jesus Shoes were made, Gabriel Whaley, founder of the brand, hinted there may be a ‘second coming’ in the future.
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