The STADIUM x K-Swiss Si-18 International Collection Marks a New Era

The industry is at crossroads.

Each facet within the intersection of sneakers & streetwear is at a tipping point. A reset is upon us. A tectonic shift is in motion.

Though collaborations have been abundant and the dad-shoe wave has yet to recede, STADIUM, the luxury streetwear brand by Stadium Goods, and K-Swiss are ushering a new breath at a time where everything feels and looks the same.

“STADIUM’s mission isn’t to redefine streetwear, rather to define itself in a post-streetwear context,” said Greig Bennett, VP of Brand Creative and Head Designer at Stadium Goods. “Individuality and originality are at the core of what initially defined streetwear.”

That same principle of novelty & newness is what led STADIUM to stray away from the typical streetwear “playbook” and team up with an icon — the K-Swiss Si-18 International.

The American tennis classic is a staple in K-Swiss’ archives but in sneaker culture as a whole. Fittingly, STADIUM tapped K-Swiss on the eve of the Si-18 International’s retro.

 “[The K-Swiss Si-18 International] is one of the greatest tennis shoes of all time,” said Jon Tang, Senior Designer, Collaborations & Top Tier at K-Swiss. “We were planning to bring back this style already and timing worked out perfectly to bring it back and collab with another brand that also understands its history and can tell that story well.”

The genesis of the collaborative partnership arose from a fossil of a finding as a nearly-forgotten archived sample of the Si-18 International was discovered in a warehouse, a decade after most of the original samples were lost.

STADIUM’s mission isn’t to redefine streetwear, rather to define itself in a post-streetwear context.

Greig Bennett, VP of Brand Creative and Head Designer at Stadium Goods

The STADIUM x K-Swiss Si-18 International holds true to its roots with original color blocking and details, down to the signature hangtag. Solidifying the collab is the application of a pastel green & purple palette with the classic white leather base. Stadium Goods’ signature hues and the Si-18’s original design mark a new era — for all parties.

“This collaboration with K-Swiss is a very significant moment for us,” Bennett said. “Not only is it the STADIUM brand’s first footwear collaboration, but it’s an indicator of what is to come.”

As STADIUM enters its sophomore stretch through relationships, collaborations, and elevated products, K-Swiss will go back in time & channel what made the California brand an undeniable force on and off the court.

“[The] Si-18 is going to be the main muse for K-Swiss for the next year or so,” Tang said. “We are taking our time with telling the history of it as well as showing what it means today as well. We are also still a performance tennis brand at the core. That is our north star.”

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The STADIUM x K-Swiss Si-18 International releases for $135 on July 14, 2022, at KSwiss.com, FARFETCH.com, StadiumGoods.com, as well as Stadium Goods’ Chicago and New York stores. A second iteration will be available in the fall.

Keep it locked on Nice Kicks and our Sneaker Release Dates page for more information on upcoming drops.