Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1474939
48 • July/August 2022 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com When it comes to pickleball, these brands and products are ready to play. SMASH HITS FILA e Volley Zone, $110, is FILA's performance pickleball shoe. It was developed for pickleball players, by pickleball players, and incorporates many features of the Axilus 2 Energized, one of FILA's most popular performance tennis shoes. Like the Axilus, the Volley Zone aims to merge comfort, performance and style in a lightweight product that is perfect for players of all ages and skill levels. e Volley Zone incorporates a unique pivot point system on the outsole for added traction to meet the needs of the quick footwork in pickleball. Additionally, the Volley Zone's mesh upper makes the shoe lighter than a traditional court shoe while still keeping enhanced durability. A special FILA pickleball logo on the tongue of the Volley Zone gives the shoe a unique touch — something that the brand says is important among the pickleball demographic. FILA says it continues to see incredible growth and opportunity in the pickleball market, led by significant growth in footwear sales. e brand reports seeing strong double-digit increases year- over-year since 2020. In addition to product, FILA is the Official Athletic Apparel and Footwear Supplier of the Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships; FILA serves as the Official Athletic Apparel and Footwear Supplier of the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA); and FILA currently sponsors three professional pickleball athletes — Lucy Kovalova, Leigh Waters and her 15-year-old daughter, Anna Leigh Waters. FILA Women's Volley Zone _5PM00597_775_01.jpg SPECIAL REPORT / PICKLEBALL