We asked Smith what else Skechers is doing to court the pickleball consumer.  

Sportstyle: For a beginner who wants to give pickleball a spin, what skills, apparel, footwear and gear is required?

Greg Smith: “Pickleball is super fun, easy to pick up, and you don’t need a lot of gear to play. While you don’t need much to get started, having the right stuff can really level up your game. Skechers offers comfortable and innovative footwear, apparel and accessories that players at all skill levels will appreciate. For example, our pickleball-specific footwear utilizes non-marking Goodyear rubber for enhanced traction and stability. Our athletic apparel combines style with function for players to wear on and off the court.”

What are you offering for more established players?

“Skechers Viper Court Pro is built for elite-level players. Skechers pro pickleball athletes Catherine Parenteau and Tyson McGuffin both compete in the Viper Court Pro and will continue to wear this style through the remainder of the year. Another key style for the more advanced athlete is the Viper Court Elite, which features Skechers Hands Free Slip-Ins technology that is convenient and locks the player’s foot into place, offering additional stability and comfort during play.”

What are the features required in a good pickleball shoe and how does it compare to a tennis shoe?

“Comfort, stability and lightweight support are essential components in a pickleball shoe – all of which are major selling points in Skechers Pickleball footwear. Skechers challenges conventional court shoes that tend to take on bulkier and super protective designs. With our range of pickleball footwear, consumers get to experience lightweight and comfortable shoes that perform well on the pickleball court.”

Tell me about some of the latest insights from your professional athletes.

“Our athletes play an important role in testing product for us. From the start, we’ve worked with Catherine Parenteau and Tyson McGuffin to test several versions of the Viper Court Pro shoe. They provided constant feedback up until we developed the version that is currently available at retail. Their insights and experience as professional athletes have been instrumental in developing future concepts and will continue to be of value to us as we aim to create superior product that combines high performance and comfort on the court.”

What’s next on your agenda for growing and expanding your pickleball offering?

“Skechers will continue to lead, expand and innovate in the pickleball category with products that embody the company’s mantra of ‘Comfort That Performs.’ From looking to grow our presence both domestically and internationally, to always striving to offer the most comfortable and best performing pickleball shoes in the market. We’re dedicated and determined to keep supporting the growth of pickleball around the world.”