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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak triggered a furore on social media when he was seen wearing trendy Adidas Samba sneakers during a recent interview at his Downing Street residence. Social media users and critics were upset with Sunak’s choice and asserted that “he had ruined it for everyone”.

During the interview in which Sunak was promoting his government’s tax policies, the 43-year-old leader was seen wearing the grey, white and black sneakers of the well-known German sportswear brand, paired with a white shirt, navy chinos and black socks.

Adidas describes Sambas as a “legendary shoe with a rich history” and has the distinction of being considered on trend, something footwear enthusiasts said had been damaged by Sunak attempting to appear trendy.

After facing online backlash, Sunak issued a “fullsome apology” and said he had been a “long-time devotee” of Adidas for “many years”.

Speaking on LBC Radio, Sunak said, “I issue a fullsome apology to the Samba community. But, in my defence, I would say I have been wearing Adidas trainers including Sambas — and others, in fact — for many, many years.”

He said he got his first pair of Adidas sneakers as a Christmas present from his brother and said he hadn’t looked back since then. “So I’ve been a long-time devotee,” he said.

Sunak said he purchased the pair of Adidas sneakers seen in the video. “That pair (in the video) I did buy, but I’ve had Adidas trainers for a very long time,” he added.

The UK leader, who also faced flak about the short length of his trousers, said he was “intrigued and amused by the amount of focus on what I’m wearing”.

British GQ magazine said that “in a bid to present himself as young and hip, Rishi Sunak took an eternally cool sneaker and ruined it for everyone”.

Footwear historian Elizabeth Semmelhack told The Times that Sunak’s choice could be the “death knell” for Samba sneakers.