The rebirth of a legendary tennis shoe - K-Swiss launches the Si-series on the international sneaker market

Published: 17 August, 2011

MANCHESTER, 8 August 2011 – SS12 sees the launch of 3 new models based on legendary tennis shoe SI-18. Created in 1989, the SI-18 was the first tennis shoe to adopt a silicon cushioning system which was set to become the standard on the international Grand Slam-courts. The California Sports Company also introduces 2 new, exclusive "prequels" inspired by the brand’s archives the Si-16 and the Si-17.

Nick Grocott, UK Marketing Manager at K-Swiss, is enthusiastic: "This shoe makes the connection between tennis and sport style. This cult, almost 25 year old tennis shoe is now introduced as a Sportstyle sneaker, with all groundbreaking features of the original style. Next to this we also launch the SI-18’s ‘prequels, the Si-16 and -17. The first reactions within the market have been promising: typical K-SWISS but with an edgy twist. Witnessing the rebirth of a shoe that has been in the archives for that many years is really exciting; it doesn’t happen every day."

With the SI prequels series K-SWISS emphasizes its rich brand heritage. K-SWISS launched the first all leather tennis shoe in 1966, the Classic. In 1989, the California sports company launched the first ever silicon system, resulting in extraordinary cushioning that changed the market.

The development of the silicon system took many years and prototypes. Eventually, the SI-18 was named after the eighteenth silicon sample, which had proven to be the best cushioning material and the SI-18 remained a bestselling tennis shoe for years.

The Si-16 and Si-17 arise from the K-SWISS archives; these new models will be launched at the beginning of next year and will be for the first time ever available on the international sneaker market. Both styles have undeniable features from their iconic successor SI-18.

The 2012 Si series is not developed for the tennis court but fall under the K-Swiss Sportstyle category. Although they have been updated for the 21

century, they clearly have a retro look and feel thanks to the vintage colors and the perforated leather in the tow box and the antique-white outsoles.

Dean Proudfoot, UK Sales Manager of K-Swiss: "We want to live up to the high expectation level of retailers. The launch of the Si-series will be fully supported with a strong point-of-sale package that reflects the feel of this concept."

The Si series will be in stores in the first quarter of 2012. The competitive suggested retail prices £60 (Si-16), £65 (Si-17) and £70 (Si-18) will create even more enthusiasm amongst consumers.

For images and samples, please contact Gabrielle Stolojan at Threestyle:

Gabrielle@threestyle.co.uk or 07713 070630

About K-SWISS

Founded more than forty years ago in Van Nuys, California, K-SWISS (NASDAQ: KSWS) introduced the first all-leather tennis shoe, the K-SWISS "Classic" in 1966. Since its inception, K-SWISS has rooted itself in California Sport with an aim to be the most inspiring and innovative sports brand in the market. Today the company offers performance and lifestyle footwear and apparel for several categories under its California Sports umbrella including Tennis Heritage, California Fit (Running, Triathlon and Fitness) and California Youth. K-SWISS also designs, develops and markets footwear under the Palladium brand, and owns the FORM Athletics brand. For more information about K-SWISS, visit www.kswiss.com

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