Nike Denies Involvement With Lil Nas X’s ‘Satan Shoes’ With Human Blood Drop

After the release of his single, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” Lil Nas X announced that he has collaborated with streetwear company MSCHF on a pair of “Satan Shoes.” The controversial shoes, modified Nike Air Max 97s, are decorated with a pentagram pendant and references Luke 10:18, a Bible verse about Satan’s fall from heaven. On sale Monday, only 666 pairs will be up for grabs at a price of $1,018.

The sneakers also contain a drop of human blood in the sole. The blood was drawn from members of the MSCHF team.

News of the shoes gained outrage over the Palm Sunday and Passover holiday weekend. Critics slammed both Nike and Lil Nas X but the sneaker company quickly distanced themselves from the shoes.

“We do not have a relationship with Lil Was X or MSCHF,” Nike said in a statement. “Nike did not design or release these shows and we do not endorse them.”

The release of the Satan Shows coincides with the release of Lil Nas X’s latest single and music video, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” In the video, the rapper appears to have been seduced in the Garden of Eden, fell into Hell via pole dancing and gave the devil a lap dance. The video has received over 29 million views since its Friday release.

On Sunday, the rapper, who’s real name is Montero Lamar Hill, posted a short YouTube video titled “Lil Nas X Apologized for Satan Shoe.” While holding the sneaker, he began speaking before the video cut to a clip from the music video of him giving the devil a lap dance.

He also tweeted in defense of the shoes. “Y’all gotta admit… the shoes hard! U cannot sit here and lie,” he wrote.