Skechers is continuing to focus on its performance footwear division for future growth opportunities.

On the company’s third quarter earnings call on Thursday, Skechers chief operating officer David Weinberg told analysts that the company see a “significant opportunity” to build on its existing performance business, which includes technical running, golf and pickleball footwear with the addition of new categories that will attract a broader audience.

“We are in the early stages of team sports with a growing roster of Olympians and elite athletes competing in our basketball, soccer, court and cleated footwear globally,” Weinberg said. “Regardless of the sport and skill level, elite or recreational, athletes can trust that with Skechers, they will experience and enjoy comfort that performs.”

The company’s COO added that raising awareness and creating purchase intent for its lifestyle and performance technologies has been an “integral part” of Skechers’ growth.

“We achieved this through both feature-focused marketing campaigns and by leveraging our strong team of ambassadors and athletes,” he noted. “Earlier this quarter, Snoop Dogg and Philadelphia 76ers basketball star Joel Embiid both achieved golden moments at the Paris Games wearing Skechers. Joel and Team USA earned a gold medal and basketball while Snoop championed at around the world in his Skechers by Snoop Dogg Go shoes.”

Pressed further by analysts on Thursday call about the category growth, Weinberg said that the move into technical athletics is positive for the brand. “We do a lot of our own sales online, direct-to-consumer, so there’s plenty of outlets for it,” the executive said. “This is just the very, very early stages. And I think we still have a ways to go before we become a major player in that field, but we are certainly taking some steps, and it’s certainly working for us, and we’re getting some positive feedback around the world in some places, certainly more than others.”

This comes as the Manhattan Beach, Calif.-based footwear company reported Q3 sales of $2.35 billion, a 15.9 percent increase from $2 billion in the same period last year. Net earnings were $193.2 million and diluted earnings per share were $1.26, compared with prior-year net earnings of $145.4 million and diluted earnings per share of 93 cents.

These earnings came at the top of Skechers’ expectations. The company stated last quarter that it expected to see sales between $2.3 billion and $2.35 billion, with diluted earnings per share between $1.10 and $1.15 in Q3.

Looking ahead, Skechers expects to achieve sales between $2.17 billion and $2.22 billion and diluted earnings per share of between 70 cents and 75 cents in the fourth quarter.

For the full fiscal year 2024, the company raised its guidance, predicting sales to be between $8.93 billion and $8.98 billion, with diluted earnings per share between $4.20 and $4.25. This is up from its previous guidance of $8.88 billion and $8.98 billion in sales and diluted earnings per share of $4.08 to $4.18.

The 16th annual Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk took place on Oct. 20 in Manhattan Beach, CA, raising more than $3.4 million to support children with special needs, improve public schools and contribute to national scholarships. This “sweet 16th” milestone event, presented by Nickelodeon, garnered nearly 22,000 registered participants.

A myriad of celebrities were in attendance at the charity walk, including Sugar Ray Leonard, Brooke Burke and cast members from the Netflix dating series “Love on the Spectrum.” In addition to focusing on youth, the event included an adopt-a-pet center sponsored by Petco Love and The Love Joy Foundation, which was located at the Skechers Apparel location on Manhattan Beach Blvd.

Donations garnered from the walk go toward the Friendship Foundation and education foundations for public schools; and the forthcoming $55 million, 3.25-acre Friendship Campus for students with special needs. Additionally, the walk helps improve schools, decrease class sizes, update labs, libraries and facilities as well as protect the jobs of teachers.

On top of that, the Skechers Foundation’s national scholarship program allocates a share of Friendship Walk proceeds to students with financial needs who excel in academics, athletics and leadership; more than $1.1 million in scholarships have been donated thus far.

In an interview with FN, Skechers president Michael Greenberg explained what makes this year’s walk different than last year, elaborating on the Friendship Campus and the vision behind it: “We’re building a Friendship campus at 64,000 square feet in Redondo Beach; it’s a state of the art school. So, one of the reasons behind this dream was to help children after high school, children with special needs don’t really have any resources following high school, and this school is going to offer life skills and so many basic needs on how to live on your own, teach you how to live on your own, teach you the fundamentals, help you shop, help you bank. And it’s just going to be a place filled with love.”

With the Friendship Walk first established in 2009, Greenberg reflected on the participants who benefitted from the event as children and have since grown up. He named one person in particular: “Jacob is here, every year. He’s never missed a year. He was a student when we started the walk. He’s in his 30s today, and he actually works for the Friendship Foundation. And you know, God bless, he’s looking forward to this school and what it’s going to offer him as well. He’s just a champ. And you know, when I’ve been to his birthday parties, I we hang out, and I see the importance of what we’re doing in the community, what the community’s doing for the children. So, it’s all good stuff.”

Shares for Skechers USA Inc. jumped nearly 10 percent in after-hours trading on Thursday following the company’s record third-quarter earnings.

The Manhattan Beach, Calif.-based footwear company reported Q3 sales of $2.35 billion, a 15.9 percent increase from $2 billion in the same period last year. Net earnings were $193.2 million and diluted earnings per share were $1.26, compared with prior-year net earnings of $145.4 million and diluted earnings per share of 93 cents.

These earnings came at the top of Skechers’ expectations. The company stated last quarter that it expected to see sales between $2.3 billion and $2.35 billion, with diluted earnings per share between $1.10 and $1.15 in Q3.

In the third quarter, international sales were up 16.4 percent and domestic net sales grew 15.3 percent. By channel, direct-to-consumer sales rose 9.6 percent to $81.3 million, and wholesale sales spiked 20.6 percent to $241.4 million. As of Sept. 30, Skechers said it had 592 domestic stores, 1,151 international stores and 3,589 distributor, licensee or franchise stores. Total store count at the end of Q3 was 5,332.

Skechers chief operating officer David Weinberg said in a statement that strong consumer demand for the brand across all distribution channels resulted in this new quarterly sales record.

“With the growing awareness and broad acceptance of our comfort technology products by our partners and consumers, we believe each of these regions represent continued growth opportunities for Skechers,” Weinberg said. “We continue to invest in our operational capabilities and improve the customer experience, while meeting the increased global demand for our products and positioning Skechers for profitable growth now and in the future.”

Robert Greenberg, chief executive officer of Skechers, added that the company’s significant growth in the third quarter can be attributed to “offering the right product at the right price and ensuring availability at locations where consumers want to shop.”

“Raising awareness of our technologies, such as Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins, has been integral to our global growth,” Greenberg noted. “We achieve this through both technology-focused marketing campaigns and by leveraging our strong team of ambassadors and athletes.”

The CEO added that the company is in the early stages of team sports with the global rollout of Skechers court, football (soccer), basketball and cleated styles, supported by a growing roster of Olympians and elite athletes competing in Skechers footwear.

“We believe there are significant opportunities to build on our technical performance business,” Greenberg said. “While continued investment in product and marketing drove record quarterly sales, it is our commitment to deliver what consumers want that inspires us as we strive to bring innovation to people from all walks of life.”

Looking ahead, Skechers expects to achieve sales between $2.17 billion and $2.22 billion and diluted earnings per share of between 70 cents and 75 cents in the fourth quarter.

For the full fiscal year 2024, the company raised its guidance, predicting sales to be between $8.93 billion and $8.98 billion, with diluted earnings per share between $4.20 and $4.25. This is up from its previous guidance of $8.88 billion and $8.98 billion in sales and diluted earnings per share of $4.08 to $4.18.

Howie Mandel, the latest ambassador for Skechers, is spreading his love for the footwear brand with his “America’s Got Talent” family.

The comedian’s origin story as a representative for Skechers began with him claiming he was an ambassador — before he ever was — in hopes of securing a discount. Now that he really holds the title, he’s living up to his duties to spotlight the brand.

On the red carpet for the Season 19 finale, Mandel gifted fellow judge Heidi Klum with a pair of Skechers Hand Free Slip-ins made in collaboration with Snoop Dogg, who also works with the company. This moment of generosity arose after Klum paid a compliment to Mandel’s footwear that same week.

Indeed, Mandel had posted a video to social media in which he speaks highly of Skechers and promises to get a pair for Klum.

“You know what I love about them — that there’s not so many logos on them. I love that,” Klum says in the video.

A man of his word, Mandel presented the supermodel with a fully packaged gift on the carpet, with the shoes unboxed on the spot for Klum to slip into. She swapped her heeled sandals for the sneakers, which were white with green accents; they served as a neutral complement to her shimmering pink sequined gown.

Mandel and Klum aren’t the only judges sporting Skechers. Their colleague Sofia Vergara was recently out and about in a white pair of Skechers Uno sneakers, which she paired with an animal print dress. Moreover, in another video posted by Mandel and Skechers, she wears a black pair of shoes from the brand.

“I bought them, you didn’t give them to me,” Vergara emphasizes.

In addition to Mandel, Snoop Dogg is another high profile ambassador for the brand. He stood out at the Paris Olympics in a range of custom sneakers inspired by the games. More recently, he attended the premiere of “1992” wearing a $90 pair of white and blue Snoop One sneakers designed in collaboration with Skechers.

Skechers Slip-ins: Snoop One Low Dogg Canvas Shoes

$90 Buy Now at skechers

A Closer Look at the Skechers x Snoop Dogg Paris Olympics Themed Collection [PHOTOS]

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Getting a sneaker endorsement deal is something that many will only dream of, but there’s still an opportunity to live out the fantasy virtually on the recently released NBA 2K25 video game. 

The game offers various ways to wear dozens of sneakers from today’s top brands. Whether players want to choose from a selection of shoes from their favorite company to be worn by their customized MyCareer, change an NBA/WNBA player’s sneakers or customize a pre-existing design, the options are aplenty.

To obtain a signature sneaker endorsement in the game’s MyCareer mode, players must complete the “First Endorsement” quest. The brands available in this mode are Converse, Jordan Brand, New Balance, Nike, Puma and Under Armour. Each option offers different incentives for one-year deals, with a bonus of being able to wear any of the brand’s on-court shoes for free.

In total, 16 athletic footwear brands are featured in the game — more than any previous ‘NBA 2K’ title.

Players can choose between sneakers from Nike, Jordan Brand, Adidas, Under Armour, Puma, New Balance, Converse, Reebok, Anta, Li-Ning, And 1, Peak, Rigorer, Qiaodan, 361 Degrees, and a new addition to the game, Skechers. Numerous popular models spanning both performance basketball and lifestyle are included. 

Nike highlights include signature sneaker lines from LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Ja Morant, Sabrina Ionescu and more. Retro basketball models such as the Air Foamposite One, Air Foamposite Pro, Air Max 2 CB 94, and Air More Uptempo are included, as are other throwback shoes like the SB Dunk High and Air Max 1.

Jordan Brand’s options are highlighted by nearly the entire Air Jordan range from 1 through 38 as well as modern performance models worn by Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić and Zion Williamson. Special styles like the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low collaboration are also included in the game.

Many of Adidas’ current top names are represented including Anthony Edwards’ AE 1 and AE 1 Low as well as signature sneakers worn by Donovan Mitchel and Damian Lillard. Some of the brand’s retro basketball shoes such as the Crazy 1 (formerly known as the Kobe 1), Crazy 8, Forum and Superstar are also options.

Under Armour selections include the full Curry Brand line and others.

For New Balance, the brand’s current basketball sneakers like the Two Wxy 5 and Fresh Foam BB V2 are included, but there’s also a number of on-trend lifestyle shoes such as the 990v6, 1906R, 550, 327 and 574.

Puma’s offerings include the full LaMelo Ball MB line as well as Breanna Stewart and Scoot Henderson’s signature shoes.  

Converse is represented by classics including the Chuck Taylor All-Star and Weapon as well as the All Star BB Prototype worn by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Reebok’s in-game sneakers are all retro models headlined by signature lines from the brand’s president and vice president of basketball, Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson. 

Anta’s in-game presence is led by Kyrie Irving’s Kai 1 and also includes Klay Thompson’s signature line.

Li-Ning’s shoes include the signature sneakers of Jimmy Butler and C.J. McCollum as well as Dwyane Wade’s Way of Wade line.

Only one Rigorer shoe is included in the game: Austin Reaves’ signature AR1. 

WNBA All-Star Weekend Orange Carpet 2024: All the Shoes

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Skechers is coming after more footwear companies for allegedly infringing on its design patents.

In a lawsuit filed Sept. 4 in the Southern District of New York, Skechers accused Rockport, as well as its parent company Authentic Brands Group and its licensee Marc Fisher, of allegedly making and selling shoes that infringe on Skechers’ patented slip-in technology.

“Defendants [Rockport, Marc Fisher and Authentic] did so without even contacting Skechers to request a license to Skechers’ intellectual property protecting the innovations used in those shoes,” Skechers wrote in the complaint. “Rockport shoes infringe Skechers’ utility patent claims protecting innovations associated with its slip-in footwear technology. By this action, Skechers seeks to stop defendants’ patent infringement and obtain appropriate compensation for that infringement.”

In the lawsuit, Skechers called out Rockport’s Tristen Step Activated Slip On shoes as well as the Tristen Step Activated Lace-Up shoes as the main footwear models that allegedly infringed on its patents. Skechers specifically pointed to the heel cups and upper construction as what was being infringed.

As for why Marc Fisher was named in the suit, the company holds the license to Rockport’s products since it was acquired by Authentic in 2023. In the suit, Skechers said that Marc Fisher “is responsible for the design, production, marketing, e-commerce, and wholesale of the products accused of infringement in this litigation.”

FN has reached out to Authentic Brands Group for comment. Marc Fisher and Skechers declined to comment.

Skechers previously accused several shoe companies, including Laforst Shoes Inc. and Dockers by Gerli of copying its popular slip-in shoe designs.

In April, the company filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court in California that alleged that American Exchange Apparel Group (AEG) infringed on Skechers’ patents related to its “Scalloped Opening” shoe designs, a popular design element on Skechers’ flats. And in June, Skechers sued Steve Madden for allegedly copying one of its identifying design marks.

In July, Skechers sued L.L. Bean for allegedly selling a shoe (the Freeport Shoe) with two of Skechers’ protected heel cup designs.

Skechers is celebrating English soccer player Harry Kane’s 36th Bundesliga goal with a gold version of its SKX_01 boot. The new limited-edition colorway is inspired by Kane earning his first European Golden Shoe, a seasonal award honoring the top goal scorer in league matches across the highest divisions in Europe.

Creating only 36 gold boots — each one separately numbered to represent Kane’s goals for FC Bayern Munich — Skechers sold out of the commemorative shoe in a matter of days after its Aug. 28 launch. Kane received his own pair in a custom gold case.

Kane is set to wear the special shoe in a game against Finland today, Sept. 10, which will mark his 100th cap (referring to the number of times he’s represented his country in international games). Kane is only the tenth English player to reach this milestone, and the Football Association planned a pre-match ceremony, including a golden cap presentation for the striker.

Skechers ventured into the realm of professional soccer boots relatively recently, having signed a lifetime global deal with Kane last year. The SKX_01 hit the market about a year ago in September.

The brand describes the design of the shoe and what makes it stand out: “At the core of the boot lies an internal chassis crafted from lightweight yet robust materials that not only enhances support and stability, but also makes the boot incredibly lightweight and provides unparalleled strength and responsiveness.”

The description continues, “A dynamic stud pattern also offers enhanced traction for multi-directional movements. A staple in Skechers performance footwear, the SKX_01 also features Skechers Hyperburst Pro, which is a highly responsive, ultra-lightweight, long-lasting, and resilient TPU cushioning that mold to the shape of your foot providing a custom fit.”

The shoe is offered in a low-top and high-top iteration, with the latter offering additional ankle support. Offered in two colorways, the low-top retails for $90 while the high-top is priced at $225.

Additional soccer stars who have signed with Skechers include Mohammed Kudus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Anthony Elanga and Ruud Gullit, who was recently announced as a new ambassador.

See more photos of the gold SKX_01 below.

Skechers has bolstered its ambassador roster with a soccer icon.

The brand announced Monday that it has signed Ruud Gullit — widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time — as an ambassador. Gullit, the captain of the Netherlands National Team that won the UEFA European Championship in 1988, is the brand’s first ambassador in Benelux.

In a statement, Skechers said Gullit will be featured in its multiplatform marketing efforts for its footwear and apparel, including Hands Free Slip-ins, which will be his first campaign.

“I’ve always had a love for stylish shoes. My time playing football in Italy only enhanced that, and the look and feel of Skechers continues to impress me,” Gullit said in a statement. “I’ve thoroughly studied their shoes and visited several stores before engaging with the brand. The versatility of their range immediately appealed to me — especially the comfort, convenience and style of Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins. There’s something for everyone, as I like to say. Whether I’m doing analysis on television, working out, playing golf or attending a more formal event, Skechers offers appropriate shoes for every occasion.”

Gullit is the latest soccer legend to work with Skechers, which includes former players in its lifestyle advertising across Europe. Other legendary athletes in its European marketing efforts include Jamie Redknapp, Frank Lebœuf and Fabio Cannavaro.

Aside from the retired legends, Skechers has several current soccer stars on its roster wearing the brand’s boots on the pitch, including Harry Kane, Mohammed Kudus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Anthony Elanga.

Beyond soccer, the Skechers athlete ambassador roster includes stars across all sports, such as WNBA rookie Rickea Jackson, NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid and baseball players Aaron Nola, Brendan Donovan and Chris Taylor.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

Joel Embiid and Skechers have joined in on the Olympics tradition of celebrating a gold medal in basketball with sneakers to match.

Skechers linked up with Embiid Wednesday to gift him a personalized gold version of the Skx Float, the model he’s favored since joining the brand in April. The black and gold sneaker features a healthy amount of sheen and is inscribed with his “The Process” nickname through a handwritten graphic above the toe. Embiid’s full name also appears on the heel, and the sneakers were presented to him in a gold box.

Embiid is Skechers’ biggest star in basketball, and his deal with the brand comes as part of a broader push into performance footwear that’s included Harry Kane as the headliner for its soccer offerings. Rumors of Embiid signing with Skechers persisted through the whole of last season until an official announcement was made shortly before the postseason began.

The Skx Float is one of two sneakers Skechers launched last fall for its introduction to performance basketball. The low-top makes use of lightweight and responsive super critical Hyper Burst foam in the dual-density midsole, as well as a Hyper Burst Pro sockliner. Goodyear rubber is used for the outsole, and the upper is rendered in a perforated mesh with TPU placements holding the foot in place.

Julius Randle and Terance Mann, who preceded Embiid in joining Skechers, have both worn the Skx Float regularly as well.

In his prior deal with Under Armour, which lasted for five years before expiring in October 2023, Embiid received just a single signature sneaker that released in 2020. It’s not yet clear if he’ll get another to call his own for Skechers.

During the Olympics, Embiid averaged 11.2 points, good for sixth most on the team, as well as 3.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists in just 16.8 minutes of action per game. His best performance came in the tense semifinal against Serbia and regular NBA MVP rival Nikola Jokic, as Embiid contributed 19 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Comedian and “America’s Got Talent” judge Howie Mandel has joined Skechers as its newest brand ambassador.

In a new campaign unveiling the partnership, Mandel recounts an amusing story on how Skechers “caught him red-handed” trying to score a discount on a pair of the shoe brand’s Hands Free Slip-Ins by claiming he was a ambassador — when he wasn’t.

Caught on camera, the comedian’s story resulted in the brand’s version of a golden buzzer: an official invitation to join team Skechers and appear in a marketing campaign inspired by the original pair he grabbed in his serendipitous visit.

“What can I say — they caught me red-handed because I was thinking with my feet,” Mandel said in a statement on Tuesday. “This is penance for trying to get away with that discount — but honestly, their comfort is worth it. I’ve been a devoted fan of the brand for years, so the thought of shooting Skechers ads in Skechers Hands Free Slip-Ins — and having a new footwear wardrobe — is the kind of payback I’m thrilled to have.”

“America’s got Skechers—and now Skechers has Howie Mandel! The way we found him buying our new Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins was so funny, we’re making it his inaugural Skechers campaign,” added Skechers chief executive officer Robert Greenberg, who was sent a photo of Mandel at the Skechers store.

Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers, added that Mandel possesses a magnetic personality that has endeared him to millions. “We’re glad that his life has changed for the better since discovering our Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins, and that he wants to share our message of comfort with the world,” he said.

A comedian, television personality, actor, and producer, Mandel’s wide-ranging career includes the voice of Gizmo in “Gremlins” and “Gremlins 2: The New Batch,” the role of ER resident Dr. Wayne Fiscus on the NBC medical drama “St. Elsewhere,” and creator and star of the Fox children’s cartoon “Bobby’s World.” The longtime host of the game show “Deal or No Deal,” he has been a judge on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” since 2010, and Citytv’s “Canada’s Got Talent” since 2022.

Mandel joins a star-studded roster of global Skechers ambassadors—from music icon Snoop Dogg, lifestyle legend Martha Stewart, and TV and fitness personalities Amanda Kloots and Brooke Burke to former professional athletes such as Tony Romo, Howie Long and Sugar Ray Leonard.

Plus, the brand’s roster of elite pros around the world currently competing in Skechers footwear includes NBA basketball players Joel Embiid, Julius Randle and Terance Mann; golfers Matt Fitzpatrick and Brooke Henderson; soccer players Harry Kane, Mohammed Kudus and Oleksandr Zinchenko; baseball players Clayton Kershaw, Aaron Nola, Chris Taylor and Brendan Donovan; and pickleball pros Tyson McGuffin and Catherine Parenteau.