Kim Kardashian Praised By Skechers After Announcement She Won't Continue As Sneaker Spokesperson

After rumors surfaced that Skechers had "dropped" Kim Kardashian for a dog in their Super Bowl ad this year, the sneaker company rushed to the reality star's defense, claiming her contract simply "came to an end" in 2011.

It's been suspected the popular shoe brand was anxious to replace Kim K because they feared she might bring negative PR, in light of her recent divorce drama. But Leonard Armato, president of Skechers Fitness, said in a statement:

"Kim Kardashian has had a tremendously positive effect on the Skechers brand. Not only did Kim's Skechers Super Bowl ad generate over 1.6 Billion positive media impressions for Skechers, but she played a big part in Skechers moving up last year from 388 to 99 among companies with the highest brand trust. 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. To say that she was "dropped" or "replaced" is misleading and untrue."

After Kardashian's sexy Super Bowl ad aired for the Shape-Up line, the company's Facebook page quickly jumped from 100,000 to 400,000 followers, an increase the company largely attributes to Kim.

Skecher's president also claims they are considering working with Miss K again, revealing, "We continue to discuss ways that we may work together in the future."

This year's Super Bowl ad will feature a French bulldog, and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, to promote Skecher's new line of GOrun shoes.