Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1505145
Month 2021 JULY/AUGUST 2023 On the cover: Professional pickleball player Catherine Parenteau in the Skechers Viper Court Pro pickleball shoe. Editorial Director Cara Griffin Art Director Francis Klaess Contributors Suzanne Blecher Michael Jacobsen Judy Leand Mike May Bob McGee Emily Walzer Publisher Jeff Nott jnott@formula4media.com 516-305-4711 Advertising Sam Selvaggio sselvaggio@formula4media.com 212-398-5021 Digital Erica DeSimone edesimone@formula4media.com Subscriptions www.store.formula4media.com Footwear Insight Footwear Insight Extra runstyle sportstyle Team Insight Team Insight Extra Textile Insight Textile Insight Extra PO Box 23-1318 Great Neck , NY 11023 www.formula4media.com sportstyle® is published 6 times each year: Jan/Feb; Mar/Apr; May/Jun; Jul/Aug; Sep/Oct; Nov/Dec sportstyle® is a registered trademark of Formula4 Media, LLC. ©2023 All rights reserved. The opinions expressed by authors and contributors are not necessarily those of the editors or publishers. sportstyle is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Articles appearing may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. www.sportstylemag.com DESIGN LOOK OF LUXE ...................................................................................................................................8 Fashion gets functional with premium materials and breakthrough tech. TRENDSETTER ................................................................................................................................. 14 Chatting with Polartec's Aimee LaValley about the intersection of science and creativity. KEEPING IT REAL ............................................................................................................................ 76 Reviving tech-relevant performance in outdoor: Innovative textile technologies find traction. PICKLEBALL BEYOND THE BUZZ ........................................................................................................................ 16 Looking beyond the buzz at pickleball opportunities on the court, at retail and beyond. STYLE & COURT VIBES ................................................................................................................... 24 Pickleball style is fun and bold with tech traits tuned to the specific needs of those playing the game. FOOTWEAR HITTING WINNERS .................................................................................................. 30 Brands are infusing sport-specific innovation into pickleball footwear to meet consumer demands. SKECHERS Q&A .............................................................................................................................. 36 Talking pickleball with Keith Shelton, Skechers' sr. director of product development & merchandising. GET IN THE GAME ........................................................................................................................... 40 Pickleball products designed to help players stay in the game and enhance performance. CONSUMER SURVEY ...................................................................................................................... 58 We surveyed pickleball players to see what they are buying, where they're shopping, and more. FOOTWEAR CUBICLE STYLE ................................................................................................................................ 66 Office style is-a-changing. Here are some great, new, work-ready footwear options. EASY BREEZY ................................................................................................................................... 74 It's sandal time. Kick back with these four standout styles. TEAM SPORTS BASEBALL TRENDS ......................................................................................................................... 82 A quick look at SFIA stats on the sport of baseball reveals some interesting trends. GOT HEART....................................................................................................................................... 84 Oklahoma City has become the centerpiece of fast-pitch softball in America. PLAYING BALL ................................................................................................................................. 85 ESPN softball analyst Michele Smith sees a bright future for the game at all levels. CONTENTS