What's the opposite of product placement?

Rishi Sunak offers ‘fulsome apology’ to Adidas Samba fans

The prime minister has been accused of “ruining” Adidas Sambas after being pictured wearing a pair at Downing Street – but he has a message for devotees of the classic trainer.

This isn’t the first time the prime minister has made headlines because of his shoes.

In 2023, he was mocked for wearing Timbaland boots during a speech about the government’s drive to “stop the boats”, with people pointing out they were disproportionately large…

The year before that, he was criticised for wearing a £490 pair of suede Prada shoes to a building site.

And in 2021, people were quick to point out his £95 sliders as he prepared to deliver the budget.

I’ve no idea what an Adidas Samba is, or Timbaland boots, suede Prada shoes or £95 sliders. I now know they are types or brands of footwear though, so that’s one benefit of keeping tabs on the news of the day.