The release of Nike’s newest item, a pair of $220 glow-in-the dark sneakers turned chaotic last night at the Florida Mall on south Orange Blossom Trail, when Orange County deputies and Orlando Police had to disburse hundreds of people.
Some people began gathering as early as 8:00 a.m., on Thursday, to purchase the shoe, but just before 10:00 p.m., Footlocker, fearful of the huge crowd which had assembled, canceled the release of the sneakers. And that’s when things turned chaotic.
Deputies in riot gear and mounted police were called in to help disburse the crowd, which had turned disorderly, upon learning that they won’t be able to purchase the shoe.
It took police about an hour to bring the situation under control. The mall parking lot was evacuated for safety reasons.
The Nike sneaker has a glow-in-the-dark sole, dark purple graphics and is made of a high tech ultra-durable foamposite material.
No one was arrested in the confusion on Thursday night.
Nike has released the following statement canceling all shoe sales:
Due to safety concerns, we are canceling the All-Star releases this weekend (product list below) at the following Foot Locker House of Hoops stores: Florida Mall, Pembroke Mall, University Mall in Tampa, Southlake Mall and PG Plaza. Our priority is the safety of the community. Thank you for your understanding.
For more information visit: unlocked.footlocker.com.
