A Paralympian has criticized Nike for using amputee mannequins to promote its products, even though the company does not sell single trainers.
Stef Reid, a single-leg amputee, claimed she could only buy the company’s running shoes in pairs.
She told BBC Newsbeat that companies that promote “an image of diversity and inclusion” should follow it up with action.
Nike thanked her for bringing up the matter and stated that it was “exploring opportunities.”
It added that it intended to learn from its One Shoe Bank scheme, which is currently only available in the United States.
Every year, the scheme provides one free trainer to single-leg amputees.
“I just want a conversation with Nike”
Stef, who competed in Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016, lost part of her right leg in an accident while she was a teenager.
After finding a pair of Nike footwear at one of the brand’s stores, Stef, who has competed for Great Britain, claims she was informed she had to buy both.
Stef claims she was granted “a one-time discount” after explaining her situation and pointing out that the shop was using one-blade, one-shoe mannequins.
She has “no problem paying” for her hobby, but can’t understand why she’s paying for a product when she has to “chuck the other half out”.
“I’m still only going to have one foot, so this isn’t a solution. And it’s bigger than me,” she says.
Stef says she doesn’t want “a one-time solution”, but wants to be heard.
“This isn’t just about me. They said they were going to take it higher up.
“I just want a conversation with Nike.”
Sophie Kamlish, a British Paralympic athlete, also believes that “companies should do more.”
“Nike is using the image of inclusion, which is really cool. You wouldn’t have seen that a few years ago, but they’re not being as helpful when it comes to buying one shoe,” the 27-year-old tells Newsbeat.
Sophie has competed in T44 events and represented Great Britain at London 2012 and Rio 2016.
“It’s irritating and annoying because I’ve got these perfectly good shoes just hanging around my house that I have to throw in the bin, or not use at all,” she says.
