Ooops! Adidas messed up Boston jacket

Adidas has admitted it made a mistake on the official jacket for the 2011 Boston Marathon, and the company is taking plenty of heat from irate runners.

The logos on the 2011 jackets — which cost $95 — were mistakenly screen-printed instead of embroidered, setting off a firestorm of complaints.

Comments on the Adidas website started pouring in after runners received their jackets: “The Boston Marathon is supposed to be a 1st class event, but this is a bush league, second rate jacket. I’m sending mine back,” one person wrote.

The screen-printed logos are less durable and more prone to fading, according Gus Alexandropoulos, Canadian Running’s gear editor. “The screened ink will eventually wear off with regular use and washing,” he said. “Embroidery creates a tactile three-dimensional logo that conveys a notion of quality — something often associated with the Boston marathon.”

Adidas responded with an official apology and dropped the price to $85, refunding the difference to people who already paid $95 before Feb. 15.

This, however, wasn’t good enough for many runners, who view the Boston Marathon jacket and its embroidered logo as badges of honour. “Is this the same person that consulted the NFL on refunds for the people that didn’t get into the Super Bowl,” one blogger questioned. “Sorry to be the bearer of bad news for those that have worked months and years to wear the knock-off.”