K-Swiss, making a big push to get back into the running category, signed on as the official run course sponsor for the recently completed Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven world-class athletes represented K-Swiss U.S.A. and Australia. The brand hosted daily athlete clinics, sponsored events and threw a post-race celebration.

K-Swiss also introduced an early-issue, commemorative printed K-Ona performance shoe for men and women, making fewer than 500 pairs available. The limited-edition distribution served as a sneak preview for the retail launch slated for Spring 2009. Athletes wearing the K-Ona at the event included Chris Lieto, Matt Lieto, Luke McKenzie, Paul Amey, Leanda Cave, Katya Meyers and Kim Loeffler.

K-Swiss sports marketing director, Erik Vervloet, said, “The K-Ona is the culmination of design input from today’s top competitors; they have been tested and proven by all our athletes.”

The commemorative K-Ona will retail in both men’s and women’s styles for $120 in the Ironman Blue and White, and $110 for U.S.A. and Australian flag styles. With the slowdown in its classic styles, K-Swiss began diversifying into performance tennis, running and boating styles for 2008. The major focus in running has been on triathlons.