Most of us probably don’t think too much about what a brand’s name means. We just make purchases based on our personal preferences.
One man recently got a surprise when he learned what he says popular sports shoe and apparel company Nike “REALLY stands for.”
He was so scandalized, Tino (@tinodoesitbetter) posted a TikTok of himself tossing a pair of Nike VaporMax sneakers in the trash.
Tino captioned the TikTok, “That felt terrible but what can I say @Nike you disappointed me.”
He doesn’t say precisely what Nike stands for that inspired him to throw away the shoes. Tino didn’t respond to a direct message sent via TikTok Saturday morning.
Multiple comments on the post suggest that it’s for religious reasons. If so, Tino isn’t the only person of faith turning their back on Nike.
There’s an entire community of Christians who believe it is imperative for people of the religion to boycott the brand.
What’s in a name?
Like many brands, Nike’s name has a meaning that’s relevant to its products.
It’s named after the Greek goddess of victory. This makes sense, given Nike is the world’s largest sportswear company. And the object of any sport is, well, victory.
But why would this offend Christians? Because some believe wearing Nike violates the commandment that forbids worshipping false idols. In their view, to run a race emblazoned with the name of a Greek goddess is to commit the sin of blasphemy.
The number of Christians who think it’s blasphemous to rock a “just do it” t-shirt is small but passionate.
The homepage of a website called “God against Nike” states, “You must not invoke the name of other gods; they MUST NOT be heard on your lips.”
When a Quora user asked whether it’s sinful to wear Nike because of its name, another replied, “Very much so, if you take your beliefs seriously.”
Boycotting Nike in Jesus’ name
Nike has been boycotted by Christians multiple times.
Christians lashed out at the brand in 2018 over an advertisement featuring Colin Kaepernick after he knelt to protest racial inequality.
They got mad at Nike again in 2021 when it released “Satan Shoes” by Lil Nas X.
Tino doesn’t say why he felt compelled to throw away his Nike VaporMaxes. But most people in the comments believe that it’s for religious reasons.
“Many people will run away from the question do you love God,” someone who seemingly holds this belief commented.
Another person argued that it’s not necessary to boycott Nike “if ur firm in your faith.”
Some of the top comments question Tino’s sincerity. Several claim he’s wearing a different pair of Nikes, specifically black Air Forces, in the TikTok.
Many believe that the post was just for show.
“I js know he ran back to get them,” one of the doubters said.
@tinodoesitbetter That felt terrible but @Nike what can I say you disappointed me #nike #vapormax #shoegame ♬ original sound – seige knows
Nike didn’t immediately respond to an email sent late Saturday morning.
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