Nike’s attempt to pay homage to the origin of its Greek mythology-inspired name has fallen flat after a greek lettering mix-up that makes the brand look more ignorant than clever.
The not-yet-released shoes are meant to be a celebration of Nike’s namesake, the Greek goddess Nike, and are appropriately named ‘Goddess of Victory’.
According to Footwear News, the sneakers are an updated version of the brand’s best-selling and iconic Air Force 1s.
The sneakers also feature greek letters spelling out Nike in silver thread except, according to the internet and anyone that can read greek lettering, it actually spells out ‘piks’.
Oh I cannot contain it. These make me so mad. I know it doesn't matter, only an idiot would wear shoes that say "piks" in Greek letters and think it said Nike and I shouldn't care what shoes idiots wear but my GOD IT MAKES ME SO MAD. THERE'S 11 MILLION GREEK PEOPLE. ASK ONE. pic.twitter.com/4wgklHJ5HR
— Zoe Gardner (@ZoeJardiniere) June 8, 2021
Breaking: @Nike to celebrate and honor its namesake, the Greek Goddess of Victory Νίκη, by completely obliterating her name and the entire Greek language 😍 pic.twitter.com/9zKCuuzeNd
— 54Thirty Official (@54thirtydesigns) June 8, 2021
“Let’s do the lettering in Greek so it looks sophisticated and high-class”
“okay, but you know the word NIKE looks identical in Greek, right?”
“uhhh… completely misspell our own brand name then” pic.twitter.com/lHHszsd9kD
— badidea 🪐 (@0xabad1dea) June 8, 2021
https://twitter.com/sfloresclassics/status/1402231448610934785
According to Greek Reporter, A petition has now been made by Angie Xidias on change.org for Nike to retract its new ‘Goddess Victory’ sneakers, labelling the mistake “cultural appropriation”.
“Currently, the sneakers spell PIKS and not NIKE – this is cultural appropriation,” Xidias said.
Nike has yet to comment on its mistake.
