For Immediate Release
Contact: Cindy Gittelsohn
Michelle Mandara
Jericho Communications
212-645-6900
STRAP ON YOUR SEATBELT AND HOLD ON TIGHT…
LUGZ INTRODUCES THEIR NEWEST URBAN DRIVING SHOE

Lugz Launches their Driving Series with the Release of the
Latest FMF-2, Designed by Funkmaster Flex

New York, NY, (December 1, 2003) – Cruisin’ just got a bit cooler with the launch of the newest urban driving shoe, The FMF-2. As the fourth member to be added to the category, the FMF-2 is a result of the continued partnership between Lugz, the brand that’s built for the city, and celebrity DJ, Funkmaster Flex. Your car won’t be the only thing stylin’ with a little “bling bling” with this new line of unique chrome-plated driving shoes tuned and detailed by the celebrity DJ himself.

This latest launch kicks off the Lugz Driving Series, an expansive line of urban driving boots and shoes. In addition to the FMF-2, the series also includes The Tempest, available in six colors and boasts a low-cut style with an exposed lacing system; The Throttle, also available in six colors; and The D-Luxe, available in white and black leather. All of the Lugz Driving Series shoes, including the FMF-2, are available in stores beginning February 2004.

“We’ve had a tremendous response to the Flex shoes, and the urban driving shoe category as a whole. In fact, we’ve sold more than one million pairs of the Flex-designed and -endorsed shoes since the launch,” commented Larry Schwartz, Executive Vice President of Lugz. “It only made sense to continue advancing the urban shoe category, and the Lugz Driving Series was the next logical step.”

“Driving around in my car gives me a sense of style and flair,” said Funkmaster Flex, hip-hop’s leading DJ. “With the new FMF-2 shoes you can get that same feeling without even being behind the wheel.”

Some of the new design elements of the FMF-2 include: fluid exterior sporting quality leather and “perfed” quarter panels, and a plush interior lining for a comfortable and customized fit. Signature Lugz and FMF chrome alloy hardware amenities compliment the shoe’s sleek styling.

The new G-1 suspension of the shoe is mechanically based on the original FMF-1. The spec-o bottom uses a lighter weight X-tra sticky ZCS compound and features a traction management system (TMS) tread profile. The ZCS specially formulated TPR tread compound combined with the TMS uses wide circumferential and lateral grooves to speed water evacuation and enhance dry road stability.

Each shoe comes with a functional chrome-plated version of Funkmaster Flex’s spinner dub, which is engraved with the Lugz and FMF logos, and is attached to a chrome key ring. The FMF-2 is also packaged in the brand new Lugz Driving Series graphic box. Additionally, decals and a bio hang-tag about Flex are included with each purchase.

The FMF-2 driving shoe retails for $75 and comes in six colors: white/wheat leather/nubuck; white leather; eggshell/paprika leather; clay/white nubuck; red/white nubuck; black/silver leather. The shoe will be available nationwide in all major retailers such as Foot Locker, Champs Sports, Finish Line, Eastbay, Journeys, Jarman, etc.

About Funkmaster Flex
Funkmaster Flex has quickly evolved into a one-man entertainment conglomerate. A multiple gold recording artist, on-air personality/mixer at New York’s premier Hot 97 radio station, club DJ, and founder and CEO of Franchise Marketing as well as his own record label (Franchise Records), Flex shows no sign of slowing down. Flex also created and hosts the “Funkmaster Flex Celebrity Car Show” – an annual automotive exhibition and celebrity drag race featuring such celebrities as Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, Master P, among others. In addition to creating the Funkmaster Flex Celebrity Car Show, he also hosts the “Ride with Funkmaster Flex” program, which airs on Spike TV.

About Lugz
From its auspicious inception in 1993, Lugz has been an innovator in the footwear market from its trend-setting styles and rich endorsement history of hip hop entertainers to the well-known animation character themes famous today. As a fashion-forward brand, the corporate mission is dedicated to offering fashion, quality and style – product that is built for the city – at competitive price points. The Lugz footwear line includes boots, casual and athletic shoes. Over the years, these marketing concepts reinforced the Lugz brand helping it to become a leader in urban footwear with sales in excess of $150 million.

For additional information please visit www.lugz.com.