Sales of new Nike sneaker cause frenzy

Sneaker fanatics who lined up outside stores overnight got their first crack Friday at a new outer-space themed Nike basketball shoe, getting so unruly in some cities that police were called to restore order.

In Orlando, Fla., more than 100 deputies in riot gear quelled a crowd awaiting the release of the $220 Foamposite Galaxy. At a mall in Hyattsville, Md., one person was arrested for disorderly conduct. And in Greenwood, Ind., police said they canceled a Nike release after 400-600 people showed up Thursday night at a mall and were “panicking to get to the front of the line.” The shoe’s release coincides with this weekend’s NBA All-Star Game in Orlando.

The shoes, part of a space-themed collection, are a draw for so-called “sneakerheads” who collect signature sports footgear and can resell it online at a marked-up price, sometimes for hundreds more than retail.

Malls in Florida, New York and Maryland reported bringing in police to manage fans clamoring for the purple and blue shoes, which have star-like flecks of white. Some shoppers lucky enough to get their hands on a pair immediately posted them for sale on eBay at skyrocketing prices: $1,000 and up.

Authorities did have some warning the shoe could cause mayhem. Earlier this month, police were called to a mall outside Albany, N.Y., after pushing and shoving broke out during a promotional event for the shoe.

Nike issued a statement Friday, saying, “As with the launch of all Nike products, consumer safety and security is of paramount importance. We encourage anyone wishing to purchase our product to do so in a respectful and safe manner.”