Kim Kardashian wasn't replaced in Skechers Super Bowl ad, says CEO

Skechers CEO Leonard Armato has denied reports that Kim Kardashian was "replaced" as the face of the brand.

It was reported on Tuesday (January 10) that Skechers had originally scheduled Kardashian to appear in its Super Bowl advert, but had instead decided to use a French bulldog in her place.

"Kim got us more attention than we ever dreamed. [But] we have to establish Skechers as more than a lifestyle company," Amato said at the time.

However, he has since insisted that the company still maintains a "great relationship" with Kardashian and that the change was a scheduled one.

"While Kim's contract with Skechers simply came to an end at the end of last year, we continue to have a great relationship with her as we do with all the other talent who have worked with the brand over the years," Amato said in a statement on Wednesday (January 11).

"To say that she was 'dropped' or 'replaced' is misleading and untrue. Skechers has enjoyed and continues to enjoy the relationship with Kim, and in fact we continue to discuss ways that we may work together in the future."

Kardashian announced her association with Skechers in February 2011, later describing the collaboration as "a huge honour".