Archives: Press Releases

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Jan. 14, 2025 – Selkirk Sport, a leader in pickleball innovation, today announced the launch of its pickleball-specific court shoe line, completing its head-to-toe offering.

After more than three years of rigorous testing with an advisory team of 3,500 professional players, coaches and key ambassadors, Selkirk is introducing the CourtStrike and CourtStrike Pro models, designed to enhance performance, comfort and safety on the court.

“Selkirk has always focused on providing players with the tools to elevate their game,” said Rob Barnes, co-founder and co-CEO of Selkirk Sport. “The CourtStrike line is a natural evolution, allowing us to fully outfit pickleball athletes and enhance their performance on the court.”

The line addresses the specific movements of pickleball, including lateral motion and quick directional changes. The shoes offer premium cushioning designed to offer shock absorption and fatigue reduction, allowing players to stay in the game longer.

Both models feature a wide toe box for comfort, high-abrasion rubber soles for durability and a six-month outsole warranty. The CourtStrike Pro adds advanced features such as 360-degree 3D-printed overlays and a supportive engineered mesh for players with an aggressive style of play.

Designed in collaboration with Selkirk’s shoe consultant Dave Larson — who has worked for companies such as Brooks Running, K-Swiss and Nike — the shoes provide stability and cushioning to meet the physical demands of pickleball.

“Our CourtStrike shoes are engineered for lateral movements and rapid direction changes particular to the sport of pickleball,” Larson said. “We’ve prioritized stability and comfort to enhance performance and keep players healthy for longer play. ”

Product Details

The CourtStrike Pickleball Shoe retails for $100 while the CourtStrike Pro is $120. The shoes are offered in men’s sizes 7-14 and women’s sizes 6-11. Each model is offered in three colors for men and three for women, totaling 12 colorways in all.

Technical features of both models include:

• Wide toe box for comfort and toe splay;
• High-abrasion rubber outsole for traction and durability;
• Dual-density molded footbed and premium midsole foam for enhanced responsiveness and fatigue reduction; and
• Supportive chassis for quick directional changes.

The CourtStrike Pro additionally features 360-degree Thermal Plastic Rubber and 3D-printed overlays for increased lateral stability and supportive engineered mesh uppers for aggressive playstyles. The women’s shoe also offers a female-specific last, or foot form, to allow a more tailored fit.

For more information or to shop the new shoe line, visit Selkirk.com.

About Selkirk Sport

Selkirk Sport, a premium manufacturer of pickleball paddles and accessories, is a family-owned and operated company. Selkirk Sport is based in Hayden, Idaho, in the shadows of its namesake, the Selkirk mountain range. Founded in 2014, Selkirk Sport was born from a passion for sport and the Western outdoor leisure lifestyle that was afforded to the company’s founders, Rob and Mike Barnes, along with their father Jim, who is Selkirk’s production manager. Backed by the philosophy of always pushing the limits, Selkirk Sport is committed to manufacturing products that deliver the highest performance with unmatched quality and service. Selkirk Sport has become one of the industry’s fastest-growing companies, with paddles used by many of the game’s premier players, such as Jack Sock, Catherine Parenteau, Dylan Frazier, James Ignatowich and a host of others premier players and national/regional champions.

Media contacts:

Kyle Whatnall: Kyle@Selkirk.com

Brynn Grissom: Brynn@Selkirk.com

 

 

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (Jan. 14, 2025) – VALLON, the independent and family-owned eyewear brand that blends timeless style with cutting-edge performance, has named Verde Brand Communications as its agency of record, effective January 2025. This partnership will help VALLON expand its brand presence in North America and further connect with the growing global community of outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Founded by two Swedish brothers, VALLON is known for eyewear that combines soulful designs with top-tier functionality. The brand’s product lineup draws inspiration from decades past, fusing classic aesthetics with modern performance. VALLON has quickly become a go-to for athletes, adventurers, and trailblazers, including freestyle ski legend, Wayne Wong, global-leading skipper and environmental campaigner, Boris Herrmann, and world record-breaking mountaineer, Adriana Brownlee. Trusted by professionals facing some of the world’s most challenging environments, VALLON also stands out for its commitment to sustainability—each pair of sunglasses sold supports the clean up of 1kg of plastic waste.

VALLON’s flagship product, the Heron Glacier, has recently been released in three new colorways:

Brown-Yellow, Dark-Grey-Red, and

Off-White-Green. With its vintage round silhouette, leather side shields, and removable centerpiece, the Heron Glacier is equipped with Cat. 4 mirrored lenses for optimal eye protection. Now in its fourth edition, the Heron Glacier continues to be the eyewear of choice for elite high-altitude mountaineers.

“We’re excited to partner with Verde Brand Communications, an agency that shares our values of authenticity, storytelling, and passion for the outdoors,” saidMarcus Franck, Co-Founder at VALLON. “Verde’s proven track record in helping brands thrive aligns perfectly with our vision as we expand our presence in North America and beyond.”

Verde Brand Communications is renowned for its expertise in brand strategy, public relations, and digital engagement, and will work closely with VALLON to develop and execute impactful communications campaigns aimed at boosting brand awareness. With a robust portfolio of outdoor, lifestyle, and sustainability-focused brands, Verde is ideally positioned to support VALLON across a variety of sports and lifestyle categories, strategically supporting their mission to deliver ‘Classic Style, Maximum Performance’ eyewear to outdoor enthusiasts and explorers worldwide.

This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for VALLON, working to elevate the brand’s visibility and global reach in 2025 and beyond.

For more information on VALLON and their full range of outdoor sports eyewear, visit vallon.com and follow them on Instagram at @vallon_official.

About VALLON

Inspired by iconic eyewear of yesteryear and their deep passion for outdoor sports, VALLON was founded by two Swedish brothers with a shared vision to reinvent sports eyewear. Seeking to merge classic design elements with high-performance functionality, they created a new generation of eyewear fit for modern day adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.

VALLON sunglasses and goggles are trusted by professional athletes taking on the world’s toughest challenges. Combining resilience, protection, sustainability, and innovation, we strive to make the most unique, fair-priced, and best looking eyewear for outdoor enthusiasts. Cleaning up plastic with every pair sold. #ClassicStyleMaximumPerformance #theVALLONway

Visit www.vallon.com, or get in touch for more information.

Media Contact:

Verde Brand Communications vallon@verdepr.com

BURLINGTON, N.C. and CARRBORO, N.C. (January 10, 2025) — Fleet Feet, the nation’s leading franchisor of locally owned run specialty stores, will open a new location in Burlington, N.C., on Jan. 10, 2025, at 3816 Rural Retreat Road. This will be the third Fleet Feet store owned by John and Elizabeth Dewey, who have successfully operated locations in Greensboro and High Point for more than 20 years.

Before opening Fleet Feet Greensboro in 2003 and Fleet Feet High Point in 2012, John Dewey worked as a certified athletic trainer and licensed physical therapist, credentials he still holds and applies in his stores.

“Our mission is to help every customer find the right footwear to meet their unique needs, no matter their goal,” says Dewey. “At Fleet Feet, we’re not just about selling shoes—we’re here to support our community’s health and help people move in comfort.”

Fleet Feet Burlington will celebrate their grand opening by offering special gifts with purchase throughout the weekend of Jan. 10–12. The store will also host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. to mark the official opening.

The new store will feature a wide selection of performance footwear, apparel, and accessories from top brands, including Brooks, HOKA, Vuori and lululemon. The Burlington location will also offer the brand’s exclusive fit id® service, which uses 3D foot scanning and dynamic pressure mapping to assess each customer’s foot shape and gait. Combined with expertise from attentive outfitters, this personalized fitting service helps ensure that every customer finds the right footwear to meet their needs.

Additionally, the store will serve as a hub for the local running and fitness community. Conveniently located near some of Burlington’s best running paths and parks, Fleet Feet Burlington is close to local attractions, making it a natural meeting place for fun runs and community events.

“John and Liz have become pillars in their communities,” says John Moloznik, vice president of business development at Fleet Feet. “Their success in Greensboro and High Point—built on consistent growth, customer loyalty, and an inclusive culture—makes them the perfect partners for this expansion. We’re confident that their continued success will be a tremendous asset to the Fleet Feet brand.”

“We look forward to welcoming the community to explore the store, discover our in-depth outfitting experience and join our opening celebrations,” Dewey says. “We’re grateful to the City of Burlington and Alamance County for their support. We can’t wait to start this new chapter.”

For more than 48 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners, and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge, and empowerment. Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.

Images of Fleet Feet Burlington are available here.

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About Fleet Feet

Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 275 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

 

 

 

STAMFORD, Conn. — (January 10, 2024): LOWA Boots, the global footwear brand known for over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, today announced it is expanding its sales and marketing teams in the United States. Midwest Outdoor Sales will now cover key territories across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. In addition, to enhance brand initiatives and streamline operations, Katie McEntire has been appointed marketing content specialist and Madison Wage joins as special events and project manager.

“We continue to see steady growth in the U.S. which is driving the broadening of our talent,” says Peter Sachs, general manager of LOWA. “Our partnership with Midwest Outdoor Sales marks an exciting new chapter for LOWA as we strengthen our regional presence and expand our reach. We extend our deepest gratitude to Bruce Marsh, whose nearly two decades of leadership were instrumental in establishing LOWA’s reputation and growth. We wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement. Alongside this transition, Katie McEntire will bring her expertise in passionate storytelling and brand engagement, while Madison Wage will use her event planning skills to raise the level of activations, trade shows and community functions. Together, they position LOWA for even greater success in the U.S.”

Emily Rach and Jeff Riemann, co-owners of Midwest Outdoor Sales, bring nearly 40 years of combined experience in fostering success for established outdoor brands. Their expertise lies in building strong relationships with a diverse portfolio of retailers, including specialty outdoor stores, big-box outdoor chains, and farm-and-ranch outlets. They have worked with leading brands such as Cascade Designs, Princeton Tec^®, and Yakima^® and partnered with top-tier retailers including Bass Pro Shops and Scheels.

Katie McEntire, who previously worked at SafeWise, will support broader marketing efforts across communications including social media, content creation and blog development. Madison Wage, who comes to LOWA from Spartan Race, is joining LOWA to help the company with tradeshows and events, and strengthen its connections within the outdoor community.

For more information visit www.lowaboots.com.

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About LOWA Boots
With over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, LOWA Boots is a globally respected footwear brand located in Jetzendorf, in Upper Bavaria. Since 1923, LOWA has created premium outdoor boots and shoes featuring beautiful silhouettes, best-in-class quality, and proprietary technology. Its designers adeptly navigate the outdoor performance, trail running,  lifestyle, and tactical categories, always nurturing brand integrity. LOWA is one of the only footwear brands to receive ISO 9001 status for the highest quality construction and process standards. LOWA certified tactical boots are also made to comply with the European Union’s PPE standards. For more information, visit www.lowaboots.com.

Media Contact:

Lindsey Clinkingbeard, CGPR

lindsey.clinkingbeard@offmadisonave.com

602-432-1667

 

 

WILLISTON, Vermont (Jan 9, 2025) — Mammut, a brand synonymous with innovation and safety in mountain gear since its founding in 1862, will be partnering with two new sales agencies in the new year – Trail House Sales & Marketing Group and Redstone. Trail House will be driving brand growth in four western states – Arizona, California, Nevada and Hawaii. Redstone will be representing Mammut in the Pacific Northwest, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Both agencies bring more than 20 years of experience in the outdoor industry to the brand.

“We are incredibly happy to welcome Trail House and Redstone to the Mammut family, and know that their knowledge of the industry, and passion for the outdoors will be a huge benefit to Mammut,” said Matt Kaplan, President, Mammut North America. “

Sean’s journey with Trail House has been marked by a commitment to building relationships and elevating brands in the outdoor space. His reputation for innovation, and customer-focused solutions makes him an invaluable addition to the Mammut family. Redstone, which has worked with Mammut in the past, will be returning to the brand with their passion for the outdoors, professionalism, and broad level of experience.

“Redstone is pleased to partner with Mammut, with its more than 160 years of creating products with an emphasis on innovation and safety!  We look forward to elevating this historic brand in the Pacific Northwest,” said Kendall Dewey, Principal at Redstone.

“We are looking forward to working with Mammut, a heritage brand with a strong reputation in the core outdoor community,” said Sean Kievning, founder of Trail House Sales & Marketing Group. “Mammut’s commitment to innovation and quality gear aligns perfectly with our mission – connecting outdoor enthusiasts with the best gear out there.”

Mammut welcomes Trail House Sales & Marketing Group and Redstone West as it continues to serve outdoor retailers and enthusiasts in the Western U.S. and Pacific Northwest with the quality mountain gear it is known for.

For more information about Mammut, its gear, apparel and brand initiatives, please visit Mammut.com. To contact Trail House Sales & Marketing Group, email Sean Kievning at  sean@mytrailhouse.com. To contact Redstone, email Kendall Dewey at kendall@Redstonewest.com.

About Mammut Sports Group

Established in 1862, Mammut stands as a global leader in providing high-quality products and unique experiences for mountain sports enthusiasts. With over 160 years of heritage, this Swiss-based premium brand is a hallmark of safety and innovation. Mammut’s offerings, known for their functionality, responsible performance and contemporary design, make it one of the most comprehensive suppliers in the outdoor industry. The brand’s extensive range includes hardware, footwear, and apparel, catering to a wide spectrum of activities. As of 2024, Mammut Sports Group AG operates in around 40 countries and employs approximately 800 people, continuing to forge a legacy of excellence and adventure. Learn more on Mammut’s website and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @MammutNA and @MammutNorthAmerica.

Media contact: Becca Katz | Becca@verdepr.com