Why British PM Rishi Sunak Sparks Controversy with Adidas Sneaker Choice

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stirred up a storm when he donned a pair of $100 Adidas Samba trainers during an interview at Downing Street. Despite the trendy choice, the reaction wasn’t what he anticipated, with social media ablaze with critiques aimed at the 43-year-old Indian-origin leader for his choice of footwear.

While discussing his government’s tax policies, Sunak sported grey, white, and black sneakers from the renowned German sportswear brand, paired with a white shirt, navy chinos, and black shoes. The Adidas Sambas, once hailed as the “coolest shoes” of the year, suddenly found themselves at the center of controversy after Sunak’s appearance.

The backlash was so severe that Sunak felt compelled to extend a “fulsome apology to the Samba community,” expressing his long-standing loyalty to the brand and explaining that he had been wearing the trainers for years. This fashion faux pas couldn’t have come at a worse time for Sunak, as the Conservatives’ popularity is plummeting, hinting at potential defeat in the upcoming elections.

Why is Rishi Sunak receiving online hate?

Adidas Sambas, originating in the 1950s, holds a distinguished status as a “legendary shoe with a rich history,” cherished by notable figures such as popstar Rihanna, British singer Harry Styles, and American model Bella Hadid. However, the brand’s reputation took a hit when British PM Rishi Sunak attempted to embrace a trendy image, leading some footwear enthusiasts to declare it a “death knell” for the beloved sneakers.

While Sunak discussed his government’s tax policies, attention shifted entirely to his choice of footwear. Many social media users expressed frustration, even joking about selling their own pairs online to distance themselves from the association. Journalist Michael Hogan labeled the moment as “another failed attempt to seem relatable,” suggesting that even dedicated sneaker enthusiasts recognize certain settings as unsuitable for a gum sole, such as the formal environment of 10 Downing Street.

Criticism mounted as the shoes appeared conspicuously new and pristine, as if freshly unboxed, intensifying the backlash. British GQ magazine condemned Sunak’s move as “unacceptable,” accusing him of tarnishing the enduring coolness of the sneakers in a transparent and cynical attempt to appear youthful and relatable.

Some social media users sarcastically remarked that Sunak’s choice of footwear made the video more “understandable and relatable,” while others accused him of using the Sambas solely for image enhancement, branding him as a “PR and propaganda fiend.” A user on X succinctly summed up the sentiment as “absolutely unforgivable.”

Sunak stands out as the wealthiest Prime Minister in UK history, a stark contrast to the economic challenges facing the nation as it grapples with a crisis and debates painful spending reductions. Last May, he and his wife, Akshata Murthy, disclosed an astounding net worth of £730 million ($837 million). The bulk of their family’s wealth is attributed to Akshata, the daughter of Infosys founder Narayan Murthy, who has faced allegations of tax evasion.

Rishi Sunak’s apology to Samba fans

Responding to the fervent social media criticism over his choice of Adidas Sambas, the British PM offered a “fulsome apology” while standing by his decision to wear the footwear. “In my defense, I’ve been wearing Adidas trainers, including Sambas, for many, many years. The first pair was a Christmas present from my brother, and I’ve been a devoted fan ever since,” he stated.

Acknowledging that the pair he wore during the interview was newly acquired, Sunak emphasized that it didn’t diminish his longstanding affiliation with the brand. “As always, I find it amusing how much attention is placed on my attire,” he added with a laugh, referencing previous critiques of his expensive Italian designer slippers and the length of his trousers.

The backlash couldn’t have come at a worse time for Rishi Sunak and the Conservative Party, with a recent poll forecasting their potential defeat in the upcoming national election against the Labour Party. Economic stagnation and the unresolved cost-of-living crisis have eroded public confidence in the government. Sunak is further contending with internal discord within the Conservative ranks, with factions advocating for a leadership change ahead of the election.

Struggling to gain momentum following a recent budget focused on tax cuts, Sunak faces rumors of a potential leadership challenge. Some Tory MPs are reportedly eyeing Penny Mordaunt, his former leadership rival and current Leader of the House of Commons, as a replacement. However, Mordaunt herself faces challenges, with polling suggesting she may lose her seat. The YouGov survey predicts a bleak outcome for the Conservatives, projecting only 155 seats in the next election, while Labour is anticipated to secure 403 seats.

Analyzing Public Figures and Their Footwear Choices

Sunak isn’t the first public figure to sport trendy footwear, as evidenced by former US President Barack Obama’s appearance in brand-new Stan Smiths at an Obama Foundation event in Malaysia. Obama’s choice garnered widespread praise on social media, with many hailing it as tasteful and stylish, as reported by CNN. Similarly, US Vice President Kamala Harris received acclaim for donning Converse sneakers during the 2020 campaign trail, seen as a bold departure from traditional political attire.

But why the differing reactions to Sunak? While Obama and Harris embraced casual footwear at specific events, they maintained a conservative dress code during their respective official duties. Obama, known for his formal attire during his presidency, only adopted sneakers post-White House tenure. Likewise, Harris strategically incorporated sneakers into her wardrobe but refrained from doing so while in the Oval Office, upholding a professional image as noted by observers.

In contrast, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Minority Leader Representative Hakeem Jeffries faced a similar backlash to Sunak when photographed in the Oval Office wearing hybrid dress sneakers last year. Notably, Donald Trump became the first former President to seize on the burgeoning trend by launching a sneaker line in Philadelphia.