Sneakers

Special Sneakers Aid Immigrants Run To The Border

Special Sneakers Aid Immigrants Run To The Border: Some new designer running sneakers are causing a major controversy in San Diego. The $215.00 "Brinco" shoes are intended to help people attempting to cross the border from Mexico into the U.S. "Brinco" is Spanish for "jump."

The high top sneakers come with a compass, flashlight and a pocket for money or pain relievers. A rough map of the border is printed on the insole. The shoes are red, white and green - the colors of the Mexican flag - and there's a picture of the patron saint of migrants on the back ankle.

The designer is giving away the specialty sneakers to illegal immigrants planning to make a run for the border. Judi Werthein is an Argentine artist who moved - legally -- to the U.S. in 1997. Werthein says she's an artist making a statement about people's feelings about immigration. And although she says she doesn't support illegal immigration, she wants those who make the dash across the border to it more safely.

posted by Eugen @ 1:06 AM