California bans Beckham's former boot

Just days after David Beckham's California debut, the state's Supreme Court has upheld a ban on his former brand of kangaroo-skin boot.

California's highest court barred athletic shoe maker Adidas from selling shoes made from kangaroo leather in that state.

Many versions of Adidas' Predator Football boot are made from kangaroo hide.

David Beckham switched to synthetic Predators after receiving a graphic video from Viva! USA, the plaintiff in this California case.

The court's move upholds a California law that does not allow products made from kangaroos to be sold or imported into the state.

Adidas claimed the state law conflicted with the aims of the US Endangered Species Act, which sought to support Australian efforts to control kangaroos.

The expanding population of the jumping marsupials has become a problem for Australia.

A lawyer for the Humane Society of the United States, which filed a 'friend of the court' brief on behalf of plaintiffs Viva! USA, called the court's decision 'critically important' for species other than just kangaroos - such as grizzly bears, bald eagles and wolves, which are dependent on state protection.

Meanwhile, a bill that would overturn California's ban is working its way through the state legislature.

'Although Adidas makes some shoes using kangaroo leather, a common practice in our industry, Adidas does not make shoes from any endangered or threatened kangaroo species,' said the Adidas spokeswoman Andrea Corso.