K-Swiss was founded in 1966 when two Swiss brothers, Art and Ernie Brunner, moved to California to create a footwear brand focused on Tennis Shoes. As avid skiers and Tennis Shoes players, the brothers took inspiration from leather ski boots to create a court shoe that supported the aggressive side-to-side movements of Tennis Shoes. The result was the K-Swiss Classic, the first all-leather Tennis Shoes shoe manufactured in Los Angeles, California. Over 50 years later that innovation is still the most recognized and bestselling style in our company and has achieved iconic status in the sneaker industry. The Classic VN is the 4th generation of the original shoe. It maintains the trademark elements featured on the first design: 5 stripes, D-ring lacing system, 3 piece toe construction and herringbone brick outsole tread, yet offers the addition of a heel tab that allows for a hint of color and our modern logos to represent the contemporary and progressive values of today's brand. The Up-spec version of the VN modernizes our classic shoe with better materials, increased comfort, and improved sustainability. The upper features more premium full-grain leather. The shoe's sustainability has improved by way of the addition of recycled PET linings and laces, internal components made using recycled ocean plastics, and more eco-friendly foam materials in the sock liner and internal midsole. Born out of innovation, the Classic has evolved into a statement of timeless simple design, an expression of our passion for quality and craftsmanship, and an enduring symbol of our authentic Tennis Shoes heritage.
