Nike accused of degrading non-runners (2 photos)

Pedestrians were offended by a slogan used for the Boston Marathon.





A well-known sportswear company has been accused of disrespecting non-runners. The controversy stemmed from a banner displayed at Nike's flagship store in Boston, home to one of the largest marathons in the world. The sign read, "Runners welcome! Walkers tolerated too."

The slogan sparked a storm of criticism on social media. Users accused the company of prioritizing runners over people who prefer other activities, essentially making everyone else feel inferior.

"Is it brilliant marketing or an artificial barrier to those who prefer other activities?" many users wondered.



The widespread criticism led the company to hastily remove the sign and issue a special statement.

"We want more people to feel welcome in our races—regardless of their pace, experience, or distance." During Boston Race Week, we installed a number of signs to support runners. One of them didn't work. We've removed it and want to use this opportunity to improve and continue supporting all runners," the company said.

Experts note that the reputational scandal will not improve the company's popularity, which has been in crisis for several years. In 2024, the company replaced its CEO due to management problems. The company focused heavily on high-end gear and lost ground in the mid-price segment for the masses. The vacated niche was quickly filled by competitors such as Saucony, Adidas, and New Balance.