New York (CNN Business) Nike is canceling a sneaker that featured the "Betsy Ross" version of the American flag from the late 18th century.

"Nike made the decision to halt distribution of the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July based on concerns that it could unintentionally offend and detract from the nation's patriotic holiday," Nike said in a statement to CNN Business. "Nike is a company proud of its American heritage."

Nike NKE The Wall Street Journal reported earlier thatdelivered the sneakers to retailers, but asked stores to return them to Nike after the company received a complaint from former NFL star Colin Kaepernick. The Journal indicated Kaepernick said he and others found the shoe offensive because of its ties to America's era of slavery.

Kaepernick could not be reached for comment Monday evening.

The shoe was set to be released Monday for $140, according to Sneakernews.com . The website included photos of a shoe that featured a version of the American flag with 13 stars organized in a circle and 13 stripes. That version of the flag, according to the Smithsonian , was used in the United States from 1777 to 1795.

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