A woman played herself off as just another gymgoer, and then allegedly tried to walk out wearing someone else’s Jordans.
Ty’quan Jackson spied a woman lacing up his Jordan Retros out of the corner of his eye while he was exercising at a gym in New York City.
The shocked shoe aficionado, who is an amateur lightweight boxer, has spent countless hours working out, but seeing a stranger brazenly slip on his sneakers was a first.
In videos posted on Instagram on August 6 and 7, Jackson caught up to the woman and asked for his shoes back. She immediately kicked off his shoes and slipped into her own Birkenstocks, as if nothing had happened.
He said in Instagram comments that he did not report the incident to the police after she left or alert the gym. He explained in the caption: “Gotta save them crash outs for when they really needed.”
The truth is, people who commit property crimes, such as petty larceny, rarely get caught.
Gym Thefts
Jackson’s experience isn’t unusual: fewer than one in five larceny-theft cases nationwide are cleared by arrest, according to 2024 FBI data. Gyms create a perfect opportunity for theft, with pricey footwear, electronics, and wallets often left unattended or stashed in lockers that are easy to break into.
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What’s more, security cameras are typically not allowed in locker rooms for privacy reasons.
New York Police are still searching for a man who allegedly stole thousands in cash from Planet Fitness lockers in Brooklyn between December 2025 and April 2026.
High-end fitness clubs are targeted, too—and not just for petty theft. Last year, thieves snatched credit cards from lockers on the Upper West Side and Park Avenue and charged up $83,000.
‘Hands Would’ve Been Thrown’
It’s no surprise that Jackson’s videos are striking a chord, with more than 13 million views combined. While many gym thieves target lockers, it’s the woman’s brazen move that’s fueling the feedback.
“Naaaa for her to lace them up right behind you is crazzzzy,” read a top comment.
“Tied them thangs tight as hell too..!!!” chimed in another.
Many commenters were shocked by Jackson’s restraint when he asked for his shoes back. As one put it: “The absolute, unmitigated GALL!! Yeah, I haven’t ascended to this level yet. Hands would’ve been thrown.”