Pubdate: Thu, 05 Oct 2000
Source: USA Today (US)
Copyright: 2000 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.
Contact:  1000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington VA 22229
Fax: (703) 247-3108
Website: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nfront.htm
Author: Donna Leinwand, USA Today

CUSTOMS AGENTS FROWN ON FUNKY FOOTWEAR

Shoes Can Hide Secret Stash

Thick-soled shoes at the cutting edge of hip youth fashion this year are 
causing consternation for U.S. Customs because of their most unique 
feature: a secret compartment ideal for stashing contraband.

Sha Sha Shoes are the rage among clubbers, skateboarders, ravers and hot 
rodders who love the garish designs, iridescence and industrial soles.

A top selling point is a tiny compartment beneath the insole that 
manufacturers call the "G-Spot."

In an alert to inspectors nationwide Wednesday, Customs Commissioner Ray 
Kelly warns that Sha Sha Shoes have been used as a hiding place for club 
drugs such as Ecstasy.

He also posted a warning to parents on the Web site, www.customs.gov: "If 
your child owns a pair of these shoes, be aware of the fact that they 
contain such hidden compartments."

Sha Sha Shoe co-founder Billy Ruff describes the unisex shoes as a 
combination of a skateboard or tennis shoe with the trendy look of Dr. 
Martens or Tredair, shoes popular in alternative and club crowds.

The "G-Spot" -- named, Ruff says, because it's "a secret spot that's hard 
to find" -- is intended to store keys or cab fare.

"If you're going to a club and you want to throw your key and $20 in there 
. . . that was our intention from the start," Ruff says. "Sha Sha is an 
honest company and in no way advocates the association with drugs whatsoever."

A standard 2-inch house key fits snugly in the inch-deep pocket.

Ruff, who has sent Customs a catalogue and information about the shoes, 
acknowledges that people might find alternative uses for the compartment.

"It kind of goes without saying," says Ruff, 35, a former professional 
skateboarder with a knack for finance and marketing. He helped found the 
company based in Costa Mesa, Calif., two years ago. The shoes sell for 
about $80 a pair and come in a variety of styles, including lace-ups and 
Mary Janes. The black-and-white tribal flame design is most popular.

"When guys are cruising out those shoes, they are feeling confident. It's a 
huge style scene," says Derek "D$" Jaeger, marketing manager for 
pimpIT.com, a Web site for the "cool and hip," which sells the shoes. "It's 
cruising the kicks, for sure."
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