Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1539146
RETAIL Clash of the Titans ......................................................................................................................................................4 The pending Dick's/Foot Locker merger amps up a rivalry with JD Sports. Big 5 Goes Private ......................................................................................................................................................7 Value-focused chain Big 5 Sporting Goods enters a new chapter. DESIGN Smart Sun Solutions ...................................................................................................................................................8 High-tech fabrics that challenge Mother Nature at her own game. PICKLEBALL On the Upswing ....................................................................................................................................................... 12 America's fastest-growing sport, pickleball remains hot, hot, hot. A New Era of Retail .................................................................................................................................................. 14 Ambassador program fuels local pickleball growth. Skechers Q&A ........................................................................................................................................................... 18 Talking pickleball with Ben Stewart, VP of Product Development and Merchandising, Skechers Performance. Consumer Survey ..................................................................................................................................................... 20 Pickleball players share their insight in our latest Trend Insight survey. FOOTWEAR Making a Statement ................................................................................................................................................ 30 The sneaker category continues to thrive with all-day wearability. Livin' the Life ............................................................................................................................................................. 36 Comfortable, everyday lifestyle boot options. Innovative Times ...................................................................................................................................................... 40 Brands keep tech at the forefront in the insole category. Technically Speaking .............................................................................................................................................. 46 A good run starts with great socks. TEAM SPORTS Diamond Dandies .................................................................................................................................................... 50 Baseball, fast-pitch softball and slow-pitch softball are three All-American sports. Family Planning ........................................................................................................................................................ 54 Multi-generational dealers serve up top-notch service and longstanding relationships. Editorial Director Cara Griffin Art Director Francis Klaess Contributors Suzanne Blecher Michael Jacobsen Judy Leand Bob McGee Emily Walzer Publisher Jeff Nott jnott@formula4media.com 516-305-4711 Advertising Senior Account Manager Troy Leonard 352-207-2347 tleonard@formula4media.com Digital Erica DeSimone edesimone@formula4media.com Subscriptions formula4media.com Footwear Insight runstyle sportstyle Team Insight Textile Insight 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. ©2025 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 SUBSCRIBE HERE! Above: Arcopedico Diamond, launching in Spring '26, honors Arcopedico's Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary). On the Cover: Skechers pickleball pro Catherine Parenteau in the Skechers Viper Court Pro footwear. JULY AUGUST 2025