A Top Luxury Brand Goes Toe-to-Toe with One of Nike’s Most Iconic Sneakers

In the midst of the multi-hyphenate’s tenure as Louis Vuitton’s creative director, Pharrell’s new footwear is a bold, brash release.

By Sean Tirman

Published 20 hours ago

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In February of 2023, multi-hyphenate Pharrell Williams became the men’s creative director at iconic fashion label Louis Vuitton. Since then, the brand’s releases have been met with an interesting blend of praise and criticism. One of the biggest critiques? A lack of creativity and originality.

Well, the detractors are not likely to stay quiet about the brand’s latest release, the Louis Vuitton LV Buttersoft. Although filtered through a luxury high-fashion lens, these kicks look suspiciously like Nike’s iconic Cortez sneakers.

Louis Vuitton LV Buttersoft Sneaker — The LV Buttersoft looks a lot like a slightly swollen Nike Cortez.

Run, Forrest, run!

For those unfamiliar with the Nike Cortez name, it’s likely that you still recognize the shoe itself. Perhaps most significantly, it was the sneaker Forrest Gump wore when running across the USA.

It needs to be said that there’s a lot — and I mean a lot — in common between the Nike Cortez and the Louis Vuitton LV Buttersoft. Most notably, the silhouettes are nearly identical, although the Buttersoft is a bit more … swollen.

There’s a lot — and I mean a lot — in common between the Nike Cortez and the Louis Vuitton LV Buttersoft.

But it doesn’t stop there. The stitched toecap, distinctive multilayered outsole, eyestays, heel tab and more are all extremely similar.

Honestly, the only really distinctive parts of the design are the logos on the side — obviously, Louis Vuitton can’t use the Swoosh — and the extra leather reinforcement patch at the top of the toe.

There are also embossed motifs of Pharrell Williams’ profile and a lobster, although these details are a lot more subtle.

Louis Vuitton LV Buttersoft Sneakers top-down — There’s something particularly ’90s about the sneakers’ design, almost like the oversized skate shoes of yesteryear.

Luxed-up kicks

The chief difference between the LV Buttersoft and the Cortez comes down to details you can’t necessarily see with the naked eye. Ultimately, it comes down to materials and construction.

For instance, all eight versions of the LV Buttersoft feature lambskin and calf leather uppers. Similarly, all of the uppers are hand-stitched in Italy for an additional level of fine, high-fashion craftsmanship.

Louis Vuitton LV Buttersoft Sneaker sole — The LV Buttersoft sneakers feature an EVA outsole.

There’s also at least one particular colorway that Louis Vuitton’s sneaker and Nike’s don’t share: the classic monogram print often found on the former brand’s luggage and bags.

Another difference? The price. While Cortez sneakers usually go for $90-$120, the LV Buttersoft sneakers are about ten times that. Yes, really.

Louis Vuitton LV Buttersoft Sneaker on person in jeans in front of LV luggage — Every shoe features a lambskin and calf leather upper with hand-stitched details.

Pricing and availability

The Louis Vuitton LV Buttersoft sneakers are already available on the brand’s site, with prices ranging from $1,150 to $1,400. While that’s no small investment, some sizes and colorways are already selling out.