Nike (NYSE: NKE) has been denounced for selling a balaclava that looks "menacing," and which critics say could incite gang violence.
In one image posted widely on social media, a black model wears the balaclava, which covers his head and lower part of his face and extends to his chest. There are also straps worn on the chest that some on social media likened to a holster.
One commentator said in a video on Facebook : "You know these young people on the street adore these manufacturers, they buy everything that they sell. We look at images of young people on the street and they look menacing already, and so Nike decides to bring out a balaclava range which looks absolutely menacing. Maybe I'm getting old, maybe I'm a dinosaur, but this balaclava range looks like it's quite inciteful."
The video has been watched 26,000 times.
The item was part of a collaboration with designer Matthew Williams, whose Alyx Studio label sells upscale bomber jackets for $635 and sweatshirts for $401.
The sold-out Nike x MMW balaclava is listed on the Alyx website at $92, but appears to be unlisted on Nike's website. Other items in the Nike x MMW collection include more traditional sports items such as t-shirts, a sports bra and training pants, shown on the Alyx website, but are not currently on Nike's.
Shares in Nike poked up 17 cents to $82.35, within a 52-week range of $50.35 to $82.42.
