It was the interview which many claimed ‘ruined’ a classic sneaker.
Adidas Sambas have been appreciated and worn by fashion enthusiasts all over the globe.
But when UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sported them in a video interview posted to Instagram, British media and online sneakerheads claimed his attempt to appear relatable 'backfired'.
After the withering putdowns about the PMs shoe choice made headlines around the world, Sunak apologised for his shoe choice during a radio interview.
"I issue a fulsome apology to the Samba community," he told LBC Radio.
"But, in my defence, I would say I have been wearing Adidas trainers including Sambas — and others, in fact — for many, many years.
"The first pair my brother got for me many, many years ago — my first pair of fun Adidas trainers as a Christmas present. I haven't looked back since. So I've been a longtime devotee."
Sunak said the pair of shoes in the video was a pair he bought himself, but added he has had Adidas sneakers for a "very long time".
The UK prime minister also faced queries about the short length of his pants. In response, he said he is “intrigued and amused by the amount of focus on what I'm wearing".
CNN reported the sudden uproar over Sunak’s shoe choice may not be due to it being hard to imagine the wealthiest Prime Minister in British history sporting $180 shoes. Instead, it suggested it is about where he wore them.
The Adidas Sambas for the UK Prime Minister were labelled a "transparent attempt at signal dressing, if not a potential distraction" from his political explanation he gave during the interview where he wore them.
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