Talk about a misstep.
Sports shoe retailer Cuce Shoes is receiving backlash online for naming its poorly chosen shoe style names -- most notably the "groupie wedge," a velvet wedge that bears the logos of various MLB and NFL teams.
Holy crap, what the hell is this? "Groupie Wedge?!" pic.twitter.com/VxUjbzN18y— Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) November 16, 2015
A reporter for NBC Sports pointed out the questionably named shoe on the Atlanta Braves’ merchandise website, and it was then traced it back to Cuce, which is owned by sisters Kathleen and Kristina Cuce. The company also sells shoes branded "the admirer," "the cheerleader" and "the junkie." You get the idea.
Several others began reaching out to Cuce, wondering if the site's owners were aware of the common connotation of "groupie" -- a female who enjoys having sex with famous men. The company's website states its mission is to make "female fans feel and look their best while rooting for their favorite team," and that their collections "represent a fun and flirty twist to team apparel and are created to be unique enough to flatter any woman's wardrobe."
In emails to reporters below, Kathleen Cuce defended the use of "groupie," saying it was meant as a synonym of the word "fan."
It's "not our fault that words are taken out of context," she added. Cuce has not yet responded to Mashable's request for comment.
Re: “Groupie” pic.twitter.com/JiTdBpGZN1— Lindsey Adler (@Lahlahlindsey) November 16, 2015
pic.twitter.com/xrxN7ZNnDb— Jen Mac Ramos (@jenmacramos) November 16, 2015
The reply: pic.twitter.com/uUPLaE8BZ1— Jen Mac Ramos (@jenmacramos) November 16, 2015
Final verdict: not their fault we misinterpreted their meaning!!! pic.twitter.com/zzEodwiRTY— Jen Mac Ramos (@jenmacramos) November 16, 2015
The shoe is available with various teams' logos embroidered on the toe and the side of the 4" heel, from the Red Sox to the Yankees, for $70.97.