Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Faces Backlash for Wearing Adidas Sambas
Things have been tough in Britain lately. A cost of living crisis, soaring rents, and economic recession have plagued the nation. However, the latest controversy that has united the country in collective horror and mild revulsion is Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s choice of footwear.
During a Downing Street interview to promote his tax policies, Prime Minister Sunak opted to wear a pair of white Adidas Sambas. The Sambas, known for their cool factor and popularity among celebrities like Harry Styles, Kendall Jenner, and Rihanna, were instantly tainted by their association with Mr. Sunak.
Social media erupted in outrage over the prime minister’s attempt at relatability, with national newspapers also picking up on the story. The Observer declared, “Adidas Sambas were this year’s coolest shoes – until Rishi Sunak got a pair,” while the Telegraph proclaimed, “How Rishi killed off the biggest trainer trend in one fell swoop.”
By Monday, pairs of Sambas were disappearing from the streets of London, with one person noting a “distinct lack of Sambas on the Peckham to Dalston overground.” The uproar reached such a level that Mr. Sunak offered a “fulsome apology to the Samba community” on a London radio station.
Despite his apology, Mr. Sunak defended his choice of footwear, citing his long history of wearing Adidas trainers. The Sambas, once a favorite among the trendy creative industries, have now become a mass-produced sneaker worn by a variety of individuals, including bankers, tech bros, and politicians.
While association with a world leader or first lady typically makes a fashion accessory more popular, Mr. Sunak’s choice of Sambas has had the opposite effect. It seems to be a reflection of the British public’s exasperation with the current Conservative Party government.
Despite the backlash, Mr. Sunak may find solace in the fact that he has finally brought a divided nation together – albeit in their disdain for his choice of footwear. As they say, a win is a win, even if it comes at the expense of Britain’s favorite sneaker.
