Extra Butter and K-Swiss have collaborated to release an extremely limited-edition tennis sneaker just in time for the US Open and New York Fashion Week. The collaboration features the K-Swiss’ staple tennis retro Classic LX model with fabrication and design elements reimagined through the Extra Butter creative lens while honoring Queens and the borough’s long history with the sport of tennis. The Extra Butter x K-Swiss Classic LX will be available for presale on Friday, September 10th.
Extra Butter’s premium take on the Classic LX silhouette highlights an asymmetrical material blocking between premium full grain leather and hairy suede- a concept directly referring to tennis players scuff the medial sides of their sneakers during lateral movement across the court. Each heel features embossed EB branding and a custom Forest Hills graphics, remembering where the US Open started before its present residence at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Other design choices include a vintage antique white outsole, embossed EB branding, and intricate jacquard ribboning. K-Swiss fans will also notice a difference in feel upon wear with the upgraded memory foam tennis felt insole.
The packaging also shows substantial upgrades with a white on white UV spot graphic box and antique brass grommets, satin fabric to replace tissue paper, and a duo-blocked fabric dust bag to match the materialization of the shoe’s upper.
“This collab is part of a string of partnerships that continue to celebrate our roots in Queens and the opening of our most recent retail location in Long Island City,” says Bernie Gross, creative director of Extra Butter.
“Fans know K-Swiss for their clean and minimal colorways and we wanted to honor what is signature to the brand's DNA while still exploring ways to create new ways for our consumers to rock the brand. Sometimes, less is more and it’s the nuanced details that really make this product special. There’s always a focus on tennis in Queens around this time of year and we hope this release can complement the hype.”
This Extra Butter x K-Swiss Classic LX collaborative release will coincide with a celebratory launch event at the boutique’s Long Island City location featuring a mural created by mixed media artist Artek, custom tennis balls, table tennis, a cocktail bar, private label Extra Butter t-shirts, and music by DJ MODE.
Photo editorial by Erick Hercules
