As Pharrell Williams finalizes preparations for his fourth Louis Vuitton Men’s runway, set for January 21 at 6:30 p.m. CEST (12:30 p.m. EST) in Paris, he’s already stirring up buzz with a brand-new silhouette: the ButterSoft sneaker. Shared on his Instagram @skateboard, the shoe channels flashes of Pharrell’s early-aughts footwear influences—some see a nod to his Ice Cream Boardflip, others spot a hint of the Nike Cortez. Over 40 colorways have appeared, each stamped with an unmistakable “LV” at the midfoot.
The Murakami re-editions might be grabbing headlines, but next week will be all about newness. The ButterSoft, though still shrouded in some mystery, is rumored to take the spotlight during the upcoming Fall/Winter 2025 show. Pharrell’s approach has always toyed with streetwear codes, and this sneaker seems no different.
Louis Vuitton has been on a roll lately, revisiting beloved collaborations while opening a sprawling new store in Tokyo and pushing its digital innovations—though the brand is keeping tight-lipped about any grand reveal. Still, the ButterSoft’s arrival could mark a fresh moment in Pharrell’s creative tenure, bridging heritage and that straight-from-the-street edge.
