Nike Trademark Suit is a ‘Smear Campaign,’ Shoe Surgeon Says

Nike Inc. allegedly hired sneaker artist “The Shoe Surgeon” to customize a pair of shoes for Usher before his 2024 Super Bowl show, because the apparel giant only managed to make one shoe for the musician. Months later, Nike sued the Surgeon for $60 million for purportedly counterfeiting shoes.

Dominic Ciambrone, the Shoe Surgeon, accused Nike Monday of knowingly making false allegations in its July lawsuit. Central to his counter-claims and complaint answer are multiple examples of collaboration with Nike, including a customization class for Nike’s own employees and an order to make hundreds of custom shoes for a Fourth ...