Nike responds to “stink” story
Nike has responded to complaints raised on the BBC’s Watchdog programme last week, which claimed that some of its football boots give off an unpleasant odour after the first wear.
A statement from the company said that it was taking the matter “very seriously” and that high-quality products and consumer satisfaction are of “the utmost importance”. It admits that a “very small number” of football boots or astroturf shoes are affected by the problem and apologises to customers that have experienced this. Some boots from the Mercurial and Total 90s ranges that have been sold since June 2007 are said to produce what the company describes as a “distinctive bitter, ammonia-like smell”.
Customers experiencing this can return their shoes regardless of whether they have a receipt. Where possible, they should be returned to the original store of purchase but, failing this, they can be returned to any Nike store round the country.
However, the statement adds that: “It's important to recognise that any football shoe is a performance product and may therefore be affected by general footwear smells associated with sport and exercise. We also encourage people to care for their boots properly by cleaning them and ensuring they don't remain damp in sports bags after use.”
Nike UK head of corporate communications, Charlie Brooks, appeared on a second show on November 25 to set the record straight. He told Sportstextiles.com that Nike is still trying to get to the bottom of the problem—which has affected a small number of the boots—and is looking for ways to put it right. Mr Brooks says the company’s footwear teams are currently testing the affected boots to find out where the problem lies.
