Nike Calls Out Crossfit for Banning Its Sneakers

The Nike/Reebok battle flares up again.

Nike Metcon 1 Banned
Images via Nike

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Nike Metcon 1 Banned

by Brendan Dunne

Reebok's official partnership with CrossFit means that no other sneaker company out there is allowed to use the term "CrossFit" in connection with its products. Even sneaker websites have been contacted by CrossFit representatives for the transgression of mentioning the workout program in writings about non-Reebok footwear.

It also means that CrossFit is able to keep other sneaker brands from showing up at its biggest events. According to Nike, its Metcon 1 shoe has been banned at the upcoming Reebok CrossFit Games, an event that it's coyly referenced in a product description as the "biggest event in the world of high-intensity training." In response, Nike created this new colorway of the shoe, which channels the myth of the black/red "Banned" Air Jordan 1.

The tagline associated with the pair, "Don't ban our shoe. Beat our shoe." seems aimed directly at Reebok. Nike isn't prone to calling out its competitors, which makes its approach with this Metcon 1 release all the more interesting.

The Nike Metcon 1 "Banned" releases on July 17.

Nike Metcon 1 "Banned"

Release Date:
07/16/15

Color: Black/Varsity Red-White

Style #: 822224-061

Price: $130

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