Pharrell Debuts New Louis Vuitton Sneaker in 47 Colors, Fans Say It Looks Like a Nike Cortez
The footwear from Pharrelll Williams’ tenure as Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director thus far has largely been homages to icons; monogram-plastered Timberlands, luxe soccer sneakers and material updates to Virgil Abloh’s LV Trainer have been highlights. On Friday, Williams teased an upcoming addition to the Louis Vuitton line: a retro-inspired, round-toed sneaker that closely resembles Nike’s classic Cortez model.
Williams shared the new shoe, which he’s dubbed ButterSoft, on his @skateboard Instagram account, which has been used for behind-the-scenes looks at his process with the French fashion house. In the first image, the Virginia Beach-born designer is seen sitting on a Louis Vuitton trunk in front of 46 different styles of the ButterSoft sneaker, with yet another colorway on foot.
The sneakers are presented in an array of shades that recalls Williams’ Adidas Superstar “Supercolor” collection, which featured 50 different colors. Social media users are also drawing comparisons between the new Louis Vuitton design and Williams’ Billionaire Boys Club Ice Cream Board Flip sneakers from the 2000s, which were issued in visually similar rainbow spreads.
But the most prevalent reaction on social media has been likening the ButterSoft to the Nike Cortez. Structurally, both shoes feature comparable silhouettes, wide toe overlays and simplified midsoles. The proportions on Williams’ ButterSoft sneaker appear more bulbous than that of the Cortez, but it’s difficult to deny the similarities.
Comparisons aside, it appears that the Louis Vuitton ButterSoft will be available in a number of looks. The shoes feature leather uppers, some of which are printed with Louis Vuitton’s monogram pattern while others use an intersecting “LV” logo on the lateral side. A commonality between many of the colorways is a touch of brown at the toe and heel tab, although it’s not featured on all 47 colors.
Release details for the Louis Vuitton ButterSoft have not yet been announced.