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." - --- MAP posted-by: Thunder