Our Story (2024)

Using functional design concepts from ski boots, the K-Swiss founders focus on supporting the lateral movement of tennis, building the K-Swiss Classic.

The K-Swiss Classic makes its debut at the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

The style and function of the iconic K-Swiss Classic makes it a staple on tennis courts, and in country clubs, around the world.

20 years after the company's founding, K-Swiss debuts its second ever style, The Gstaad. K-Swiss is purchased by Steven Nichols, who sees potential in the 'country club' footwear brand.

The Si-18 Premier debuts as the most technological tennis shoe on the market with the D-R Cinch System for customized lateral lacing support, Formula Si-18 cushioning system, TPU arch shank support, and a durable Aösta rubber for non-marking and long lasting.

K-Swiss goes public, and launches a high top version of the beloved Classic.

K-Swiss is named "Company of the Year" by Footwear News magazine.

K-Swiss opens distribution in the UK and Europe for the first time.

K-Swiss Si-18 Splugen “Perfect Top” debuts as the first high-top version of the Si-18 Premier

K-Swiss was granted the patent to the D-R Cinch lacing system, a multi-ring design which gave the wearer more support during lateral movement.

K-Swiss Si-18 International wins Footwear News “Shoe of the Year”

K-Swiss becomes the official footwear sponsor of the America’s Cup

K-Swiss premieres footwear styles for the walking and hiking market, expanding its reach to different types of athletes.

K-Swiss becomes the official footwear sponsor for the US Open with the Si-18 International selected as the hero shoe.

K-Swiss celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Classic.

Rapper Ice-T appears on The Arsenio Hall Show wearing the North Classic.

The Altezo becomes a huge hit, selling more than 1 million pairs.

Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde won the French Open in Men's Doubles wearing K-Swiss. The Classic got its first makeover with the Classic LX, offering a thicker sole and a more refined silhouette.

K-Swiss ranked #10 on Forbes list of 200 Best Small Companies.

The 'I wear my K-Swiss' ad campaign takes over TV's in the US market, with a memorable tagline and young people wearing the Classic.

The K-Swiss ST329, with it's chunky profile, becomes a hit, driven by the baggy style of fashion of the early 2000's.

K-Swiss global sales pass $500 million.

K-Swiss announces Anna Kournikova, tennis star, as the new spokesperson for the brand.

Designed for the dynamic sport of Parkour, or street running, K-Swiss debuts the Ariake.

K-Swiss makes a push into the technical running category, gaining Best New Shoe and Best Debut honors in Running Network and Runners World magazines.

K-Swiss announces a long-term, official partnership with World Triathlon Corporation, owners of the Ironman brand.

The Blade Light Run is named Best New Shoe by Running Network.

K-Swiss introduces Tubes, a dynamic cushioning concept using tubular structures to cushion the foot.

America's Toughest Trainer, Jillian Michaels, host of The Biggest Loser, stars in a campaign to promote the benefits of Tubes.

Fictional TV character Kenny Powers of HBO comedy Eastbound & Down creates a viral ad campaign for K-Swiss, one of the most talked about campaigns of the year.

K-Swiss partners with American menswear designer Billy Reid to create a collaborative line of premium dress sneakers.

The Bryan Brothers win the Olympic gold medal wearing K-Swiss, while holding all four Majors in mens' tennis doubles.

K-Swiss is sold in 80 countries across 5 continents.

Under new ownership by Eland World of South Korea,

K-Swiss begins a turnaround plan.

K-Swiss Si-18 International returns from the archives for the first time ever.

K-Swiss selects DJ and music producer Diplo to lead 'The Board', a team of 100 young entrepreneurs making real decisions on K-Swiss' business.

K-Swiss collaborates with Atmos on the Si-18 International inspired by Sakura blossoms.

K-Swiss collaborates with AAPE by A Bathing Ape, for a special and limited Made In Japan version of it's Classic 66. K-Swiss celebrates the 50th anniversary of the company, launching the 50 Love campaign.

K-Swiss International Mid reissues for the first time since its 1991 debut.

K-Swiss launches the Generation-K Campaign, positioning young entrepreneurs as the new heroes of youth culture, with the Gen-K Icon as the hero shoe.

Partnering with famed entrepreneur Gary Vee, K-Swiss debuts the world's first signature sneaker for an entrepreneur, the Gary Vee 001.

To celebrate Gary Vee's 5th New York Times best-selling book, Crushing It, K-Swiss creates a special version of the Gary Vee 001 which sells out in minutes.

K-Swiss returns to global growth and profitability, setting the stage for the next chapter in the brand's storied history.

K-Swiss Si-2018 debuts a new style that captures the spirit of the original Si-18 International with a remixed blend of contemporary execution.

Mike Bryan wears the 2014 Si-18 International winning doubles at the US Open

K-Swiss collaborates with entertainment industry partners to produce Harry Potter, My Hero Academia, Breaking Bad, Clueless, and Angry Birds shoes.

Venus Williams becomes a global ambassador for K-Swiss.

K-Swiss collaborates with Pia Baroncini, Creative Director of LPA,
NOH8.

K-Swiss celebrates 55 years with Whalebone at Showfields, Miami.

K-Swiss partners with Walt Grace Digital to release the “Instant Classic”, an NFT in celebration of the 55th anniversary.

K-Swiss collaborates with Lil Jupiterr, YG and Extra Butter.

K-Swiss sponsored athlete, Cameron Norrie, reaches the semi-finals of the Wimbledon Grand Slam tournament.

K-Swiss announces a global, multi-year partnership with McLaren F1 Racing.

The Classic VN style is named the Best Updated Classic for the SELF Sneaker Awards.

K-Swiss Si-18 Premier returns in its original 1989 form after finding an original old sample hidden in the back of the warehouse for decades.

K-Swiss Si-18 Ultrashot debuts with a true to tennis outsole and modern technology upper blending heritage and performance.

K-Swiss Si-18 Ultrashot gets redone with the McLaren Formula 1 Team showcasing elevated technical lifestyle.