This Sneaker Is the One to Watch Next Season

Pharrell’s footwear statement

Luxury fashion’s evolving lexicon finds one of its most distinctive voices in Pharrell Williams. His latest expression: the LV BUTTERSOFT Sneaker, unveiled as part of Louis Vuitton’s FW25 Men’s Collection. More than a fleeting seasonal release, it stands as a defining object, capturing the friction and softness that characterize Pharrell’s vision, where elegance and cultural resonance fuse within the silhouette of a runner.

ALSO READ: Louis Vuitton’s Resort 2025 Presentation Was Basically Portofino in the Philippines

At first glance, the LV BUTTERSOFT Sneaker seems almost understated. Its name hints at the soft-grained leather that defines its construction. Crafted by Italian artisans and built with an almost couture-level commitment to detail, it’s a shoe that bridges the worlds of athleticism and aristocracy.

The leather is supple, nearly creamy, and carefully structured for what Louis Vuitton calls a “pillow-y effect”, but this is no house slipper. Underneath is a grain de riz rubber sole, lifted from the Maison’s iconic Damier pattern, anchoring the sneaker in Vuitton heritage while subtly nodding to the practicality of performance wear.

Design in 24 voices

The sneaker comes in 24 variations, from moody jewel tones to washed-out pastels, some splashed with the classic Monogram, others more minimal. The LV logo sits unobtrusively on the side, while the tongue carries the Phriendship silhouette; Pharrell’s own face reduced to a line-drawing.

It’s a shoe that holds memory in its seams, not just in its nods to ‘60s sportswear silhouettes and 2000s hip-hop aesthetics, but also in the hand-painted bruni edges, leather enchape patches, and, tucked discreetly into the heel, a hidden embossed lobster (a private joke between Pharrell and his co-designer, Nigo.)

Styling tips

Think of the LV BUTTERSOFT Sneaker as the anchor of your wardrobe. It’s not the loudest piece, but it’s the throughline. Style it with wide-legged wool trousers and a tucked-in tee for effortless elegance, or go with cuffed denim and a vintage varsity jacket for a more referential look. Let the sneaker’s soft silhouette take the lead. Avoid over-styling. Let texture and tone guide the conversation.

The LV BUTTERSOFT Sneaker doesn’t aim for shock value; instead, it reminds us of the satisfaction that comes from thoughtful design. More than an accessory, the sneaker offers a point of view that style, much like memory, travels with you. And on certain days, it leads the way.

Pre-orders begin 16 June 2025 on louisvuitton.com and the LV App, with the official in-store release on 10 July.

Courtesy Louis Vuitton

Special thanks Jean-Gerald Navarro