by Pei Pei Chu | Oct 23, 2026 | Press Release
Sugar Ray Leonard, Brooke Burke and Nate Simon join baseball icons Chris Taylor, Kyle Karros and Jared Karros to rally thousands for children with special needs and education
David Weinberg, Brooke Burke, Sugar Ray Leonard, actor Nate Simon, and Robin Curren celebrate the 2026 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk.
LOS ANGELES, CA – October 23, 2025 – In its 18th year, the Skechers Foundation, Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk and presenting sponsor Nickelodeon raised a record-breaking $3.3 million for children with special needs and education. Supported by boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, celebrity TV host Brooke Burke, actor Nate Simon and baseball icons Chris Taylor, Kyle Karros and Jared Karros, thousands gathered on Sunday for the heartwarming annual tradition of the pier-to-pier walk in Southern California’s South Bay.
“Our best-ever Sunday wasn’t just an incredible success—it’s the latest in a beautiful story that’s always been all about our kids,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers and co-founder of the Walk, which has raised $35 million to date for children with special needs, public schools, and national college scholarships. “When you look at the numbers—our annual 3.4-mile journey, 18 years running, the tens of thousands who take part in this every year—we have collectively walked more than a million miles, or 40 times around the planet for our youth. As incredible as that is, the impact of seeing our next generation realize the best version of themselves through our support is even more moving. From the tens of thousands of students who have benefited from improved schools and national college scholarships, to the children with special needs and young adults who will soon gather at our world-class Friendship Campus, every step we take shows them that the sky’s the limit.”
“A huge shout-out to our Presenting Sponsor Nickelodeon, all of our generous celebrity supporters who have come together for this important cause, and the many dedicated companies, volunteers and more than 24,000 registrants who are putting our kids first and making every day of their lives better.”
The annual Walk benefits the Friendship Campus (The Greenberg Family/Skechers Center)—a $70 million, nearly 62,000-square-foot destination that offers neurodivergent young adults a safe, supportive place that can help them build their independence and find their purpose. Funded by the Skechers Foundation, Friendship Foundation and generous partners, the campus opens its doors on January 21, 2027, with a creative arts studio, culinary institute and recreation center, as well as life skills programming, early education and mentoring that will foster their personal growth while preparing them for meaningful professional opportunities.
The Campus also will serve as the new headquarters for the Friendship Foundation, expanding its reach, programming and impact. Originally serving 30 participants at one school through its original buddy program, the Friendship Foundation now engages with more than 5,000 students, participants and volunteers across Los Angeles County—partnering with nearly 100 schools, facilitating over 50 monthly programs and providing a six-week summer camp for children with special needs.
The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk also has had a remarkable impact on education. Through public school education foundations, the event has contributed millions to reduce class sizes; update labs, libraries and facilities; and protect teachers’ jobs. A portion of its proceeds regularly support the Skechers Foundation’s national college scholarship program, which has donated more than $3.5 million in scholarships to students with financial need and proven excellence in academics, athletics and leadership.
The Walk featured an array of performers and characters interacting with the crowd—from musical band Full Circle Boys and the Clippers Spirit dance team to Care Bears and beloved Nickelodeon characters SpongeBob + Sandy, Paw Patrol Pups Marshall + Everest, and Tommy + Angelica from Rugrats. Shelter animals were also adopted on site through pet adoptions in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society.
The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk thanks Presenting Sponsor Nickelodeon and the generous companies and partners committed to changing our children’s lives—including Rare Beauty, Ted Schwartz Family Foundation, Steel Sports, Mattel, United Legwear & Apparel Co., StandStrong, Big 5 Sporting Goods, TJX Companies, Chevron, Bank of America, Fossil Group, Ross Stores, Barco, Dakine, Vertra, Legends, Honda, Burlington Stores, Amazon, KPMG, Kinecta, Moose Toys, Waiakea, L.A. Dodgers, L.A. Clippers, L.A. Chargers, Providence Little Company of Mary, Angels Baseball, Continental Development, Serta, F&M Bank, Herbalife, WSS, Topgolf, Beach Cities Health District, Olipop, Cushman & Wakefield, BMO, and many more.
Get to know the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk and its growing movement for our children at skechersfriendshipwalk.com, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Skechers Foundation
Established in 2010 to help children in need, the Skechers Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities to ensure the health, success and well-being of youth worldwide. We invest in a global network of charitable organizations dedicated to embracing individuals with diverse abilities, improving education, empowering disadvantaged families and providing humanitarian, disaster and economic relief. By supporting millions through our products and services, we aspire to make a valiant effort in creating stronger, self-sufficient individuals for future generations.
About Nickelodeon:
Nickelodeon, now in its 47th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon is part of Skydance TV, a flagship division of Skydance Corporation (NYSE: SKYD).
About Skechers U.S.A., Inc.
Skechers, Where Comfort is a Technology™, is based in Southern California and designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. Skechers collections are available in approximately 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through skechers.com and more than 5,300 Skechers retail stores. A Fortune 500® company, Skechers manages its international business through a network of wholly owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Clay
SKECHERS U.S.A., Inc.
[email protected]
(310) 937-1326
by Pei Pei Chu | Oct 13, 2026 | Press Release
Presenting Sponsor Nickelodeon, Howie Mandel, Brooke Burke, Sugar Ray Leonard and more unite with Skechers Foundation for California’s largest walk of its kind, benefiting children with special needs, schools and scholarships—creating opportunities for the next generation.
Howie Mandel, Brooke Burke, Yossi Mintz and Friendship Foundation kids, Clayton Kershaw and family, Michael Greenberg, Robin Curren, and Amanda Summer Villapando at the 2025 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. Photo credit: Getty Images for Skechers
LOS ANGELES, CA – October 13, 2026 – The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk returns for its 18th year on Sunday, October 18, for a day filled with kindness, love, and inclusion with Presenting Sponsor Nickelodeon, Howie Mandel, Brooke Burke, Sugar Ray Leonard, and more to raise $3 million for children with special needs, public schools and national college scholarships. This year’s Walk comes at a milestone moment as the Friendship Campus in Redondo Beach, California prepares to open in January 2027, creating a future where every individual can belong, learn and thrive.
“Thanks to the Walk, we have had 18 years of positive change in our community—from seeing the Friendship Foundation flourish to improving our public schools and helping students pursue their college dreams. Now, the Friendship Campus is taking that impact to an entirely new level,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers and co-founder of the Walk, which has raised more than $32 million to date for children. “We’re creating a first-of-its-kind center where neurodivergent young adults who once had few options after high school can continue their journey, build independence and find their purpose. The Friendship Campus will create a culture of hope, opportunity and belonging—a safe, supportive place where they can be encouraged, inspired and realize their potential.”
“Through our Friendship Campus and annual Walk, we are writing the book on what empathy, generosity and compassion can look like when put into action—and how a community coming together can create meaningful change that resonates across generations. Our hope is that what we’re building here can serve as a blueprint for communities everywhere to help all of our youth thrive.”
Planned for completion next month with a grand opening set for January 21, 2027, the Friendship Campus (The Greenberg Family/Skechers Center) is a $70 million, nearly 62,000-square-foot destination dedicated to supporting young adults with special needs. Funded by the Skechers Foundation, Friendship Foundation and generous partners, the campus features a creative arts studio, culinary institute and recreation center, as well as life skills programming, early education and mentoring. Through hands-on learning, workplace practices and skill development, the campus will foster personal growth while preparing for meaningful professional opportunities.
Over 19 years, the Friendship Foundation has grown from serving just 30 participants at one school through its Buddy Program to reaching more than 5,000 students, participants and volunteers across Los Angeles County—partnering with nearly 100 schools, facilitating over 50 monthly programs, and providing a six-week summer camp. The Foundation’s new headquarters at the Friendship Campus will significantly expand the organization’s reach, programming and impact.
The Walk also has made a transformative impact on public education, providing critical funding to education foundations to help reduce class sizes; update labs, libraries and facilities; and protect teachers’ jobs. Since 2017, the Skechers Foundation’s national college scholarship program has also contributed a portion of the event’s proceeds to students with financial need and proven excellence in academics, athletics and leadership; to date, the program has donated more than $3.5 million in scholarships.
The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk will feature a performance by Full Circle Boys and appearances by Clippers Spirit, as well as the Care Bears and beloved Nickelodeon characters, SpongeBob + Sandy, Paw Patrol Pups Marshall + Everest, and Tommy + Angelica from Rugrats, who will mingle with the crowd throughout the event. This year’s festivities will also include a pet adoption fair in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society.
In addition to Howie Mandel, Brooke Burke and Sugar Ray Leonard, the Walk has been supported by celebrities, entertainers and athletes over the years including Martha Stewart, Mr. T, Amanda Kloots, Howie Long, Meb Keflezighi, Jimmy Kimmel, Denise Austin and Camila Alves-McConaughey—as well as dozens of Young Hollywood stars from Nickelodeon, Disney, Netflix, Apple TV+ and Hulu, including Logan Shroyer, Lily Brooks O’Briant and more.
The 2026 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk thanks Presenting Sponsor Nickelodeon, Rare Beauty, Ted Schwartz Family Foundation, Steel Sports, Mattel, United Legwear & Apparel Co., StandStrong,
Big 5 Sporting Goods, TJX Companies, Chevron, Bank of America, Fossil Group, Ross Stores, Barco, Dakine, Vertra, Legends, Honda, Amazon, KPMG, Kinecta, Moose Toys, Waiakea, L.A. Dodgers, L.A. Clippers, L.A. Chargers, Providence Little Company of Mary, Angels Baseball, Continental Development, Serta, F&M Bank, Herbalife, WSS, Topgolf, Beach Cities Health District, Olipop, Cushman & Wakefield, and BMO, and the many companies and community partners whose support helps make the annual event possible.
Sponsors, walkers and virtual participants can sign up in person at the event or online at skechersfriendshipwalk.com. Follow the Walk on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
About Skechers Foundation
Established in 2010 to help children in need, the Skechers Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities to ensure the health, success and well-being of youth worldwide. We invest in a global network of charitable organizations dedicated to embracing individuals with diverse abilities, improving education, empowering disadvantaged families and providing humanitarian, disaster and economic relief. By supporting millions through our products and services, we aspire to make a valiant effort in creating stronger, self-sufficient individuals for future generations.
About Paramount+
Paramount+ is the global flagship streaming home of premium original series and entertainment from some of the most enduring brands in television to subscribers around the world. Drawing on decades of beloved IP, Paramount+ also features a diverse offering of live sports, feature films, news and series from across the Paramount portfolio including CBS hits like Marshals and Tracker, all BET Original Series, the Avatar animated universe from Nickelodeon and more. It is a key pillar of the Direct-to-Consumer division at Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY), whose portfolio spans Paramount Pictures, Pluto TV, and Skydance Animation, Games and Sports divisions. For more information, visit www.paramount.com.
About Skechers U.S.A., Inc.
Skechers, Where Comfort is a Technology™, is based in Southern California and designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. Skechers collections are available in approximately 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through skechers.com and more than 5,300 Skechers retail stores. A Fortune 500® company, Skechers manages its international business through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Clay
SKECHERS U.S.A., Inc.
[email protected]
(310) 937-1326
by Sarah Lesh | Oct 1, 2026 | Press Release
Groundbreaking Design Gives Elite Runners the Performance to Break Barriers and Records in Any Race
Introducing the Skechers AERO Elite, the brand’s first super shoe designed for racing.
LOS ANGELES—October 1, 2026—Skechers is redefining what it means to run fast with the Skechers AERO Elite. The latest addition to the innovative Skechers AERO Series makes its global racing debut today—marking a landmark moment as the performance brand’s first super shoe. Engineered to perform from 5Ks to marathons, the design minimizes weight and maximizes responsiveness, all while delivering Skechers’ signature comfort. The AERO Elite is built to win with the performance runners at any level need to go further, faster, and achieve that next personal record.
“The Skechers AERO Elite is the culmination of years of elite-level running innovation—our most technically advanced running shoe to date and a direct statement of intent as we look ahead to the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles,” said Catherine Zou, senior director of Product Development at Skechers. “It brings together the most innovative technologies we have to offer, combining the comfort and innovation runners trust with the performance needed to compete at the highest level. We established the Skechers AERO Series to offer options for runners of every level and experience, and the AERO Elite is the pinnacle of that promise. This truly is Comfort That Performs.”
The Skechers AERO Elite is equipped with advanced technologies and materials to maximize performance on every run:
- Exceptionally Lightweight: The shoe weighs in at 5.9 oz/167 g (men’s size 9) and 5.0 oz/142 g (women’s size 7), with a 40 mm – 36 mm stack height and 4 mm offset.
- Hyper Burst Pro™: This ultralight supercritical foam in the sockliner and midsole delivers a supportive yet highly responsive ride, for long-lasting comfort on any run.
- Quantum Plate™: Full-length carbon-infused plate within the midsole drives the foot forward for increased energy return. Inspired by the Voronoi design principle, which mirrors efficient geometric patterns found in nature, the curved spoon-shaped plate is engineered to reinforce structural support and propulsive movement with minimal material.
- Hyper Arc® Technology: Proprietary transition geometry promotes natural stride efficiency, helping runners maintain peak performance from start to finish.
- Precision Fit & Traction: A breathable woven jacquard upper with Performance FitKnit® tongue and sawtooth laces deliver secure lockdown, while the Lite Grip™ TPU outsole provides reliable traction and durability on every surface without added weight.
- Built for Every Condition: Reflective material around the laces enhances visibility and safety for night and low-light running.
Adding to the excitement surrounding the AERO Elite launch, Skechers welcomed Shelby Houlihan, one of America’s most accomplished middle- and long-distance runners, to its performance roster. A 14-time US National Champion and the American record holder in the 1500m, Houlihan has been training in Skechers AERO Series footwear as she prepares for the 2027 racing season—marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both the athlete and brand.
The Skechers AERO Series is built for the full running rotation, from daily miles to faster workouts. AERO Burst® delivers soft, protective cushioning for everyday runs and longer efforts, while AERO Spark™ is made for reliable daily training. Both are available with Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins® technology, giving runners an easy step-in fit with secure heel lockdown and support. For speed days, AERO Razor brings a lighter, more responsive ride for tempo runs, workouts, and runners looking to push the pace.
Beyond running, Skechers continues to grow its performance lineup across basketball, soccer, golf, pickleball/padel, and cricket for both elite and everyday athletes.
The Skechers AERO Series, including the new Skechers AERO Elite, is available at Skechers retail stores, skechers.com, as well as specialty athletic shops in North America, Europe and key markets globally. Runners can get behind-the-scenes access to Skechers Running product launches and learn more about Skechers Run Clubs and more events globally by following @skechers_running on Instagram or joining the Skechers Performance community on Strava.
About SKECHERS U.S.A., Inc.
Skechers, Where Comfort is a Technology™, is based in Southern California and designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. Skechers collections are available in approximately 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through skechers.com and approximately 5,300 Skechers retail stores. A Fortune 500® company, Skechers manages its international business through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Clay
SKECHERS U.S.A., Inc.
[email protected]
by Sarah Lesh | Sep 29, 2026 | Press Release
Matt Fitzpatrick, competing in Skechers Blade GF golf shoes and Performance apparel, wins the FedEx Open de France at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Icon Sports
LOS ANGELES – September 29, 2026 – Elite golfer and Skechers athlete Matt Fitzpatrick achieved victory by three strokes at the FedEx Open de France Sunday, September 27 at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. This past weekend’s win adds another prestigious trophy to his remarkable career, which includes 11 DP World Tour titles.
“It feels incredible to secure another win and to keep this momentum going through the season,” said Matt Fitzpatrick, who competes in Skechers Blade GF golf shoes and Skechers Performance apparel. “Skechers has been an incredible partner these last few years, always listening to my feedback and refining the designs. When I step onto the course, I’m completely comfortable and confident in my footwear, and that makes a huge difference. Four wins this year speaks for itself—I’m feeling amazing out there in Skechers.”
“Matt Fitzpatrick continues to raise his standard every time he tees up, and four worldwide wins this year demonstrate both his extraordinary talent and the performance of Skechers on golf’s biggest stages,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “When an elite athlete trusts Skechers under the highest level of competition, it is a powerful validation that Skechers is not only changing the experience of golf footwear; we are building products designed to win.”
After a successful amateur career, Fitzpatrick turned pro at the age of 19. The English native earned his first professional victory in 2015 at the British Masters at Woburn Golf Club. The following year, he was selected for the Ryder Cup European team and went on to win the 2016 DP World Tour Championship. Since his professional debut, Fitzpatrick has achieved 11 wins on the DP World Tour, with his latest coming this weekend at the FedEx Open de France. He also played a key role in the 2025 Ryder Cup, contributing to Team Europe’s success. With four worldwide wins already secured this season, Fitzpatrick continues to be one of the most dominant forces in professional golf.
In 2022, Fitzpatrick joined the roster of Skechers Golf pros that now includes Brooke Henderson, Bernhard Langer, and Max Greyserman—all wearing Skechers Golf footwear on tour.
Known for its lightweight, high-quality, stable, and comfortable designs, Skechers Golf has achieved prominence within the golf category with its award-winning collection. Select styles include signature innovations such as Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins®, Skechers Arch Fit®, and Hyper Burst Pro® cushioning. Beyond golf, Skechers brings the same focus on comfort, innovation, and performance to athletes at every level across running, basketball, soccer, pickleball/padel and cricket.
Skechers Golf footwear is available at Skechers retail stores, skechers.com, and select retail partners, including specialty golf pro shops.
About SKECHERS U.S.A., Inc.
Skechers, Where Comfort is a Technology™, is based in Southern California and designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. Skechers collections are available in approximately 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through skechers.com and approximately 5,300 Skechers retail stores. A Fortune 500® company, Skechers manages its international business through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Clay
SKECHERS U.S.A., Inc.
[email protected]
by Pei Pei Chu | Sep 17, 2026 | Press Release
14-time US National Champion Becomes First Athlete to Represent Skechers AERO
Skechers signs 14-time US National Champion runner Shelby Houlihan to represent Skechers AERO Series footwear.
LOS ANGELES—September 17, 2026—Skechers strengthens its elite athletics program by signing Shelby Houlihan, one of America’s most accomplished middle- and long-distance runners, to its performance roster. A 14-time US National Champion and the American record holder in the 1500m, Houlihan becomes the first athlete to represent Skechers AERO, and is now training in the innovative technical running shoes while preparing for the 2027 racing season.
“The AERO Series checks every box—they’re comfortable and responsive with incredible energy return so I can focus on my training and compete at the highest level,” said Shelby Houlihan, who will also appear in the brand’s campaigns. “From the very beginning, it was clear how much the Skechers team cared about what I need as an athlete. They’re investing in elite performance and pushing the product to places it hasn’t been before; to be part of the Skechers Performance elevation in running from the ground up is really special.”
“As we build on our strong performance footwear business across multiple sports with our innovative Skechers AERO Series for runners, we believe Shelby Houlihan embodies what Skechers stands for—strength, resilience and perseverance,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “Shelby brings an unmatched competitive spirit to our roster. Her trust in our signature Comfort That Performs when training and competing brings authenticity to the brand that will resonate with the running community. We look forward to supporting her journey into the 2027 season and beyond.”
Raised in Sioux City, Iowa, Shelby Houlihan discovered her passion for running early in life, going on to compete at Arizona State University before rising through the ranks to become one of the most formidable distance runners in the country. Her relentless work ethic and fierce competitive spirit have fueled a decorated career spanning multiple US National Championship titles in the 1500m and 5000m, as well as appearances at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and multiple World Athletics Championships. Houlihan holds the American record in the 1500m and continues to set her sights on new milestones as she prepares for the next race season.
The Skechers AERO Series is built for the full running rotation, from daily miles to faster workouts. AERO Burst® delivers soft, protective cushioning for everyday runs and longer efforts, while AERO Spark™ is made for reliable daily training. Both are available with Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins® technology, giving runners an easy step-in fit with secure heel lockdown and support. For speed days, AERO Razor brings a lighter, more responsive ride for tempo runs, workouts, and runners looking to push the pace.
Beyond running, Skechers continues to grow its performance lineup across basketball, soccer, golf, pickleball/padel, and cricket for both elite and everyday athletes.
The Skechers AERO Series is available at Skechers retail stores, skechers.com, as well as specialty athletic shops. Runners can get behind-the-scenes access to Skechers Running product launches and learn more about Skechers Run Clubs and more events globally by following @skechers_running on Instagram.
About SKECHERS U.S.A., Inc.
Skechers, Where Comfort is a Technology™, is based in Southern California and designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. Skechers collections are available in approximately 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through skechers.com and approximately 5,300 Skechers retail stores. A Fortune 500® company, Skechers manages its international business through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Clay
SKECHERS U.S.A., Inc.
[email protected]
