Taking Cues from adidas and Nike: Pharrell Unveils the LV ButterSoft Sneaker

Pharrell has been hard at work preparing for his fourth runway show as Louis Vuitton Men’s creative director, building anticipation for the brand’s upcoming event in Paris on 21st January. While much of the buzz has centred around Louis Vuitton’s re edition of its iconic Takashi Murakami collection, the fashion house is poised to make even more headlines in the days ahead.

The chunky ButterSoft sneaker debuted on 17th January via the @skateboard Instagram page, a platform dedicated to Pharrell’s LV menswear design team. From the moment it was unveiled, it was unmistakably a Pharrell Louis Vuitton creation.

Not only does it flaunt an oversized LV monogram that might as well be visible from space, but its sheer scale also echoes the exaggerated proportions of Pharrell’s LV Maxi Trainers. This is another bold, statement making sneaker, and judging by its name, it seems designed for comfort as much as style.

Sharp eyed fans have already noted several familiar design references in the ButterSoft sneaker, many of which can be traced back to Pharrell’s earlier work. For instance, its overall shape resembles the Nike Cortez, which, in turn, influenced the BoardFlip sneakers launched by Pharrell’s Ice Cream label in the early 2000s. Even if the connection to Nike is indirect, the design DNA is undeniable.

The sneaker’s oversized, puffed up silhouette also draws comparisons to Pharrell’s recent ultra chunky adidas Superstar, nicknamed the "Double Wide." Though never officially released, the Double Wide took the classic adidas Superstar and supersized it to dramatic proportions.

Digging even deeper, the vibrant, day glow colour palette of the ButterSoft sneaker harks back to Pharrell’s 2015 "SuperColor" Superstar pack. That collaboration featured dozens of tonal, ultra bright versions of the adidas Superstar, making waves as one of the most memorable partnerships of the time. Nearly a decade later, it seems Pharrell is still channelling those high energy aesthetics, bringing them firmly into the present.

For now, details about the ButterSoft sneaker remain scarce, with Pharrell sharing only a sneak peek on his @skateboard Instagram account. However, the shoe is expected to play a starring role in Louis Vuitton’s Autumn/Winter 2025 runway show and is likely to launch in the latter half of the year.

Stay tuned for more updates, including additional colourways and designs, as we await the official debut of this exciting new sneaker.