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Leap To Comfort
One of the most famous sneakers of all time belongs to K-Swiss. These sneakers have consistently proven to be head turners whether they are worn on or off the court. It is intriguing how they came into being. Two Swiss brothers, Art and Ernie Brunner, who immigrated to the United States in 1966, formed K-Swiss. They developed a passion for tennis after relocating to the United States, which gave them the idea to launch their own shoe business. Their business began in Los Angeles, California, importing patent leather shoes from a Kuenzuli shoe maker in Switzerland. They chose the moniker K-Swiss for their enterprise. The K in the brands name represents Kalifornia.
Their Motivation
The two brothers were ardent skiers, and their leather ski boots served as the model for their first pair of shoes. Their tough ski boots had a solution for them, supporting the forceful side-to-side motions in tennis. As a result, they concentrated mostly on building a robust upper and cushioning the soles. The first tennis shoe made entirely of leather was created in 1966. Following its debut at Wimbledon, the K-Swiss Classic was an immediate hit.
The K-Swiss Classic gained instant appeal in the United States among affluent patrons and tennis players. With the exception of the Swiss flag on the heel, these shoes were all-white in design. They had a classic, preppy look because to this fashion. K-Swiss was enjoying its rising fame, and several of its items were readily available all over the west coast.
Their Increasing Popularity
Their popularity in Japan increased during the 1970s, which led them to have their shoes manufactured in South Asia. K-Swiss products are now even more affordable in Asian markets because of decreased prices in South Asia. Athletes wore K-Swiss shoes because of their reputation for dependability and sturdiness. The business remained modest, but by maintaining a consistent presence, they were able to carve out a reliable position in the footwear market. At this period, track and court sports gear was the norm. In contrast, things started to alter in the 1980s.
Their Competitors
There was increased competition in the 1980s. Other businesses joined in with sweatshirts and basketball shoes, including Nike, Asics, Adidas & Reebok. The athletic niche abruptly expanded beyond exercise and sports. They overnight become a style statement. The designs gradually moved from basic to showy, pushing the traditional K-Swiss items down on the hierarchy. Although sales had decreased over the course of the decade, they had maintained their appeal in Japan.
Steven Nichols first became interested in K-Swiss and sought to acquire the company in the middle of the 1980s. He tried to persuade Stride Rite Corp, where he was president at the time, to purchase K-Swiss. When they objected, he quit and made the decision to try to buy them out on his own with the necessary support. After quitting, he raised more than 116 million dollars, acquired K-Swiss, and in 1987 was appointed CEO. The target market was then expanded while yet retaining its “country club” charm. In the 1990s, K-Swiss increased its advertising and set logical inventory limitations. They didn’t want their shoes to be mass-produced, which aided in their growth and resurgence as a brand.
K-Swiss Now
K-Swiss is a well-known shoe brand today, available in shops around the globe, including the United States. K-Swiss offers more products than only shoes. They provide clothing lines that follow the most recent fashions and high-tech materials you would anticipate from your favorite sporting brand. You can get K-Swiss footwear and accessories here at Tennis Express that will complement your style and abilities. Set trends in the courts and keep an eye on our blog for the most recent information!
K-Swiss just released some amazing new tennis shoes! Check out our breakdown of their different models below…
Which K-Swiss Shoe should You Choose?
Are you having trouble deciding between the K-Swiss footwear? It’s challenging to determine which sneaker could be ideal for your game because they all sound and look so similar. We’ve evaluated the most recent models and determined which kinds of players each pair of shoes would be best suited for in order to assist you make the best decision.
One of our most well-liked tennis shoe brands is K-Swiss. We often recommend these shoes to those with broader feet since they fit more comfortably than many other brands.
Below we’ve listed 6 different models and their pros & cons…
The Hypercourt Supreme
These provide great cushioning for the agile player! The Hypercourt Supreme is a lightweight shoe with Surge 7.0 cushioning that is made for competitive players to deliver maximum energy return. This shoe keeps your foot held in with an upper bootie structure, giving you the assurance to reach every ball. This shoe is appropriate for use on all court surfaces thanks to the Drag guard 7.0 technology, which also increases overall durability. These weigh 370g and cost £135.
Pros – Great if you’re looking for a light weight shoe with great levels of cushioning for all day. comfort.
Cons – Not great if you play on clay/sand-based courts and are looking for a Herringbone type sole to suit this surface.
The Defier RS
For many years, the K-Swiss Defier RS has been one of their best-selling tennis shoes. Many of their customers keep buying the same shoe year after year because they know they are getting a high-quality shoe with exceptional longevity. This shoe, one of the few still manufactured in part of leather, enables you to perform at your peak in every situation. These sneakers include an Ortholite insole to reduce sweat and keep your feet dry. It’s available for women as well. These weigh 445g and cost £88.
Pros – Great if you prefer a classic looking shoe offering great performance.
Cons – Not recommended if you’re looking for a lighter weight shoe for quick movements.
The Express Light 2
These are amazing for a quick player looking for a lightweight shoe to match! The Express Light 2 may be your best option if you’re seeking for a lightweight sneaker. This shoe, which weighs 350 grams (the Herringbone variant is even lighter at 321 grams), is a fantastic choice for players of all skill levels searching for a flexible shoe. The TPU shank still provides a neutral fit while increasing stability on lateral motions. When playing on clay or sand-based courts, the Express Light 2 HB (Herringbone sole) will provide you with great traction. There are two women’s variants of this shoe: the Express Light 2 and the Express Light 2 HB.
These weigh 350g and cost £85.
Pros – Great if you’re looking for a light shoe supporting quick movement on court.
Cons – Not suitable if you’d prefer a shoe with high levels of cushioning.
The UltraShot 3
These bad boys are worn by the pros! Designed for the competitive player who demands the best performance possible. The newest Surge 7.0 midsole from K-Swiss, the 360 Plantar Chassis Support to improve heel and mid-foot support during fast lateral movements, and Drag guard 7.0 for greater grip and traction are all features of the UltraShot 3, which is worn by athletes on the ATP and WTA circuits. These weigh 410g and cost £150.
Pros – Great if you want a premium model worn by top players.
Cons – A bit pricey.
The Hypercourt Express 2
These are a great choice for all-round performance! These best-selling shoe from K-Swiss combine comfort and breathability while being lightweight, making it ideal for all playing styles. With low break-in time, the Durawrap Flex design delivers excellent support, and the SurgeLite midsole technology gives all-day comfort. For increased grip on clay and sand-based courts, this shoe is also available in the Hypercourt Express 2 HB Herringbone style.
These weigh 352g and cost £115.
Pros – Great if you’re an all-round player looking for a shoe to match your style.
Cons – Not preferable if, you’re looking a classic styled shoe.
The Court Prestir
These are absolute great value for money! When seeking for a more affordable option, players could consider the K-Swiss Court Prestir. It boasts traditional leather appearance and excellent performance. The K-EVA composition in the sole maximizes the cushioning while also extending the sole’s longevity.
These weigh 410g and cost £90.
Pros – These are great if you’re just getting into tennis and want a comfortable pair of shoes with minimal wear in.
Cons – Not recommended if, you’re happy to spend more to get top performance.