‘Swastika’ Boot Manufacturer Blames Chinese Factory for Nazi Footprint
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Conal International Trading is passing the buck after feeling the heat for work boots that leave an imprint that closely resembles a swastika.
The firm blamed a Chinese subcontractor for what it called a production error.
“We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and the public,” it said in a statement.
The boots went viral after a Reddit user posted a photo of the item. The man had purchased the shoes on Amazon and expressed concern about their imprint. Conal announced that it would recall the product. It was unclear whether the boots would also be removed from Amazon’s online store.
Redditers mocked the shoes with puns. “Very comfortable. Nein out of ten,” one user wrote. “Good for marching into Poland,” another mused.
Contact Daniel J. Solomon at [email protected] or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
