Have you ever wondered who owns K Swiss, the iconic Swiss shoe company known for its colorful, stylish sneaker designs and other lifestyle products? Chances are, you’ll be surprised to learn that the answer doesn’t hail from Switzerland itself! Read on to find out who owns K Swiss and learn interesting facts about the brand’s history.
K Swiss, short for the Kleinkut Swiss, was founded by siblings Ernest and Arthur Brunner in 1966. At the time, the American tennis market was oversaturated with German-made and very expensive sneakers and the brothers wanted to make a difference. Their shoes combined affordable quality with unrivaled style and quickly caught the attention of the sports world. It wasn’t until 1979 that K Swiss released their first bestselling shoe, The K Swiss Classic, in a rainbow of vibrant colors. With their modern look and comfortable feel, the design quickly gained popularity among professional tennis players and became the symbol of retro tennis fashion.
Today, K Swiss builds on their core heritage of tennis and retro styling with their current range of products. With sneakers for men and women, they also have a selection of shirts, jackets, and accessories like hats, sunglasses and bags. Plus, they have K Swiss Classic tennis shoes for children, too!
As the brand evolved, so did the ownership structure. In 2005, the brand was acquired by E. Land Apparel Ltd., a Hong Kong-based fashion trading company with an expansive portfolio of footwear, apparel, and accessories brands. In 2012, E. Land acquired the brand’s North America division and in 2017 they acquired the global business. As of 2019, E. Land owns the global license to the brand, as well as the rights in North America.
In addition to owning the K Swiss brand, E. Land Apparel has launched K Swiss “playLAB”, an app that allows users to virtually customize their K Swiss shoes before they make the purchase. The app also provides access to exclusive deals, discounts and daily promotions on K Swiss merchandise. It’s a great way to get creative with your style and show your K Swiss pride.
Who owns K Swiss? Hong Kong-based fashion company E. Land Apparel Ltd. owns the global rights to K Swiss, as well as the rights in North America. K Swiss has come a long way since their early days in 1966 and continues to offer stylish and affordable footwear and lifestyle products for the whole family. It’s definitely worth checking out the brand’s modern offerings – and don’t forget to download the K Swiss “playLAB” app for some exclusive deals. After all, a true Swiss connoisseur should never miss a bargain!