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Nike: `free shoes' e-mail is a hoax

Web posted March 28, 1998

Associated Press

BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Want a free pair of shoes? ``You can't,'' says Nike.

The sneaker giant said Friday an e-mail circulating in cyberspace promising a free pair of Nike shoes in exchange for old ones is a hoax.

Since the e-mail began making the rounds last month, Nike has been flooded with hundreds of pairs of worn-out shoes.

``We do not condone these e-mail hoaxes, and are dismayed that well-intentioned people are being duped into wasting their time,'' said Nike spokesman Scott Reams.

The Internet chain letter -- with the headline ``FREE NIKE SHOES!!!'' -- says the company makes fields and playgrounds for underprivileged youngsters from old athletic shoes.

Reams said Nike does have a recycling program in which old shoes are ground up and used to build tracks and playgrounds, but that the company has never offered new shoes in return.