Tag: Skechers

  • Skechers ‘Aero’ series races into India with aerodynamic running shoes

    Skechers ‘Aero’ series races into India with aerodynamic running shoes

    MUMBAI: Skechers is taking Indian runners on a flight of fancy quite literally. The brand has launched its ‘Aero’ series, a new line of technical running shoes designed to cut through the wind and help athletes chase down personal bests with style and comfort.

    Unveiled in Mumbai, the Skechers ‘Aero’ collection brings two performance-driven styles: Aero ‘Burst’ and Aero ‘Spark’ engineered to meet different needs. Burst is the long-haul partner, built with plush dual-density ‘Hyper Burst Ice’ cushioning, a carbon-infused h-plate, and the updated  ‘Arch Fit’ support system to keep runners going mile after mile. Spark, meanwhile, is the everyday all-rounder, cushioned for daily miles but responsive enough to pick up the pace when required.

    Both pairs feature breathable engineered mesh uppers, snug fit systems, and are available in lace-up or Skechers’ hands free slip-ins, a design that lets runners step in and go while reducing weight and friction for a seamless feel. Signature technologies across the range include Hyper Arc, which adapts to the runner’s stride, and Goodyear performance outsoles for better traction and durability.

    Skechers technical performance division, vice president, Ben Stewart said, “The Aero Series leverages innovative technologies to elevate our signature comfort. Developed with feedback from runners of all levels, we expect Aero to inspire confidence and performance on every run.”

    Adding a local perspective, Skechers South Asia, ceo, Rahul Vira said the launch comes at the right time. “The Indian running community has grown exponentially. The Aero series merges aerodynamic design with hallmark Skechers comfort, supporting runners at every level. With Jasprit Bumrah and Sunil Chhetri joining the Skechers family, this launch is even more special as they embody the dedication and spirit Aero represents.”

    The Skechers ‘Aero’ series is now available at Skechers retail outlets and online at skechers.in. For India’s runners, it looks like the wind is finally at their backs.

  • Siraj bowls into Skechers squad with 23 wickets and new shoe deal

    Siraj bowls into Skechers squad with 23 wickets and new shoe deal

    MUMBAI: Mohammed Siraj isn’t just making batsmen dance now he’s stepping into Skechers too. The fiery Hyderabad-born pacer, fresh off a dream run in the India–England Test series, has been signed by the Comfort Technology Company as its newest cricketing ambassador. Siraj, who helped India square the five-match series 2–2 with 23 wickets including a decisive five-for in the final Oval Test will now lace up in Skechers’ performance-driven cricket shoes for Gujarat Titans and the national side. His new partnership sees him join fellow stars Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan, and Yastika Bhatia in the brand’s cricket roster.

    “For me, comfort and focus are everything when I’m on the field. Skechers gives me that confidence,” Siraj said, adding that the brand’s attention to detail mirrors the intensity he brings to every spell. Skechers CEO of South Asia Rahul Vira praised Siraj’s “relentless spirit and raw talent,” calling his Test heroics against England the perfect example of the brand’s ethos of resilience and performance.

    The Skechers Cricket line features the full-spike Elite with 11 metal spikes for maximum power, and the 7-spike Blade for agility gear tailored for bowlers who thrive on traction and control. With the cricket range available online and at select stores, fans can also catch behind-the-scenes content via @skechersperformanceindia.

    From topping the ICC ODI bowling charts in 2023 to scripting a dramatic comeback this summer, Siraj’s rise has been meteoric. And now, as he trades in one set of spikes for another, his journey from the gullies of Hyderabad to Skechers’ global stage is one that looks set to run on comfort, power, and plenty of pace.

  • Bengaluru gets a smashing serve with Pickleball Now Grand Prix debut

    Bengaluru gets a smashing serve with Pickleball Now Grand Prix debut

    MUMBAI: Game, set… and smash! Bengaluru is all set to witness a sporting spectacle with a twist as Times Network serves up the Pickleball Now Grand Prix on 30 August 2025 at Gorally, Whitefield. Billed as India’s first premium lifestyle pickleball showcase, the daylong event promises a fiery mix of sport, community, and high-energy fun. Over 250 registered players will battle it out across 7 dedicated courts, cheered on by more than 500 attendees. With a Rs 2 lakh prize pool, 14 winners and 14 runners-up will take home medals, trophies, and bragging rights, all backed by official Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) points to up their global standing.

    The format caters to both seasoned pros and rising enthusiasts, with Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Doubles in Intermediate and Open categories, plus a cheeky Mystery Partner draw where teammates are paired at random ensuring unpredictable rallies and plenty of laughs.

    Backing the Grand Prix is a power-packed sponsor roster, led by Hell Energy Drink (presenting partner) and MG Motors (driving partner), with big names like Skechers, Just In Time, Aris Perfumes, River Bikes, Amity University, Coindcx, Radico, Zoho, Acerpure, Assetz Builders, Airavat, and Stayvista all jumping on board.

    With booming brand power, rising player numbers, and a sport that’s fast becoming India’s newest obsession, the Pickleball Now Grand Prix looks set to ace its debut not just as a tournament, but as a lifestyle statement that Bengaluru won’t stop talking about.

  • NBA and Skechers spotlight Indian hoop dreams in Hoop Nation Season 2

    NBA and Skechers spotlight Indian hoop dreams in Hoop Nation Season 2

    MUMBAI: When basketball meets bars, stories soar beyond the court. The NBA, in collaboration with Skechers, has launched the second season of its lyrical docuseries Hoop Nation, a four-part chronicle of resilience, rhythm and real-life hoop dreams from the far corners of India. Streaming now on NBA India’s Youtube channel, Hoop Nation Season 2 weaves slam dunks with sick beats, profiling underrepresented basketball voices from Kashmir to Kerala, Kolkata to Mumbai all with an assist from India’s rising hip-hop stars. This season is presented by Skechers, whose performance-driven basketball shoes make a prominent on-court cameo.

    The episodes spotlight:

    .  Ishrat Akhter, an international wheelchair basketball player from Baramulla, Kashmir

    .  Deepak P. Babu, a devoted fan and mentor from Alappuzha, Kerala

    .  The Lao family, a father-daughter duo championing basketball in Kolkata’s Indo-Chinese community

    .  Farooque Shaikh, a Nagpada-based coach shaping Mumbai’s next generation of ballers

    And who’s soundtracking their journeys? Straight Outta Srinagar, ThirumaLi, EPR Iyer and QK hip-hop artists whose original verses narrate these ballers’ lives with lyrical punchlines and sonic swagger.

    Hoop Nation Season 2 embodies the spirit of basketball in India, a game that unites, inspires and drives change,” said NBA India Country HeadRajah Chaudhry. “Skechers shares our mission of taking the game deeper into India’s cultural and sporting fabric.”

    Skechers CEO of South Asia Rahul Vira added, “This isn’t just about footwear; it’s about fuelling the fire in every Indian baller. With Hoop Nation and the ACG Jr. NBA program, we’re enabling both inspiration and access.”

    The Skechers x NBA partnership also powered the ACG Jr. NBA India’s largest school basketball initiative. The 3v3 format tournament touched 4,000 plus players across 500 plus schools last year, with Skechers as official kit partner.

    From court-side storytelling to grassroots development, the initiative underscores a first-of-its-kind collaboration in the region, one that puts culture, community and comfort at the centre of the game.

    Whether you’re vibing to SOS’s Kashmiri verses or QK’s Mumbai flow, Hoop Nation 2 brings more than basketball, it brings belonging. And in the process, it reaffirms that sport, like music, hits different when it tells the stories that matter.

    Catch the docuseries now on the NBA India Youtube channel and follow for more behind-the-scenes action and product drops. Because whether it’s a crossover or a cross-rhyme, India’s hoop dreams are dribbling in style.
     

  • Bumrah steps into Skechers’ shoes, ready to bowl rivals over the boundary

    Bumrah steps into Skechers’ shoes, ready to bowl rivals over the boundary

    MUMBAI: Just when batsmen thought facing Jasprit Bumrah couldn’t get any scarier, Skechers armed him with shoes—shoes that promise comfort, style, and apparently, even more lethal yorkers. Imagine facing India’s pace king in sneakers designed for maximum traction—sounds terrifyingly brilliant, doesn’t it?

    On 17 March 2025, Skechers—the comfort technology company®—signed cricket superstar Bumrah, adding yet another big fish to its athletic pond. The Mumbai Indians stalwart now competes wearing Skechers cricket footwear and will feature prominently in marketing campaigns for the brand’s performance and lifestyle collections.

    “I joined the Skechers family as they are known for blending comfort with cutting-edge innovation,” said Bumrah, who recently earned the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Award for the 2024 ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year. “Their wide range of offerings make it a perfect fit for athletes who value performance without compromising on style, especially for bowlers like me. I’m proud to represent a brand that resonates with my approach to both cricket and life.” Clearly, comfort is crucial when sending batters packing back to the pavilion.

    Skechers south Asia Pvt. Ltd. CEO Rahul Vira highlighted the synergy, saying, “Jasprit Bumrah’s relentless pursuit of excellence perfectly aligns with Skechers’ commitment to innovation and performance. Having him as part of the Skechers family adds to our stellar roster of ambassadors, including Yastika Bhatia and Ishan Kishan. The Skechers Team of athletes illustrate how the signature Comfort That Performs of Skechers Cricket footwear can help anyone’s game no matter what level you play. We’re excited to further elevate our journey in cricket and continue shaping the future of sports culture in India.” Translation: Bumrah plus Skechers equals trouble for batsmen everywhere.

    Bumrah isn’t your average bowler; he’s cricket’s equivalent of lightning in trainers. After debuting in 2014, he bagged over 400 international wickets by 2024 and uniquely achieved number one ICC rankings across all formats simultaneously. Add his ‘Player of the Series’ award from India’s 2024 World Cup triumph, and you have a cricketer who’s not just good, but absurdly good.

    The Skechers Cricket collection, which Bumrah now represents, includes the Cricket Elite shoe with 11 spikes for players craving maximum grip—perfect for those dramatic follow-throughs and flamboyant appeals. The Cricket Blade, featuring seven spikes, caters to players who require agility and decisive action—ideal for those quick single-run dashes or frantic dive-ins.

    Bumrah joins other big hitters and global sports icons already wearing Skechers: footballer Harry Kane, NBA giant Joel Embiid, and even pickleball maestros like Tyson McGuffin.

    Fancy bowling like Bumrah or just avoiding slipping embarrassingly during Sunday cricket? Skechers Cricket shoes are now available in select retail stores and online at skechers.in.

  • dentsu India makes merry in 2024

    dentsu India makes merry in 2024

    MUMBAI: It’s been a dramatic turnaround of  sorts for dentsu India’s media practice  – the calendar year 2024 that’s just ended. The agency has added  80 brands to its portfolio and achieved a remarkable 10 per cent  growth in billings.

    This accomplishment marks a strong recovery from the previous year’s challenges and sets a goal for ambitious double-digit organic growth in 2025.

    The success can be attributed to dentsu’s unique blend of marketing, technology, and consulting, which has driven innovation and impactful results. 

    “This year has been transformative,” stated dentsu  CEO south Asia Harsha Razdan. He pointed out to  the use of cutting-edge technology and data insights that helped it enhance its core offerings and unlock new growth opportunities.

    Added dentsu Media south Asia CEO Anita Kotwani : “Our success hinges on delivering measurable results for our clients. With data-driven insights, we continuously adapt to market demands and strive to set new benchmarks.”

    Throughout the year, dentsu focused on strengthening client relationships and acquiring new marquee brands, including General Insurance Council, LG Electronics, Skechers, Flipkart, Myntra, and Amazon Seller Services, Akasa Air, Vero Moda,  Sintex, Amazon Seller Services, CK Birla Healthcare, Kotak Mutual Fund, Ardex Endura, Shopper Stop, D DÉCOR, Godrej Properties, HAMDARD, Tata Mutual Fund, Tata Realty, Quick Heal Technologies, Unity Small Finance Bank, Meesho, Waree Energies, Vi-John, Berger Paints, Suzuki, and Be-Rite (Gemini Edibles & Fats), among others.

    The agency’s array of solutions spans traditional and digital media, performance marketing, influencer campaigns, and out-of-home (OOH) advertising. dentsu’s Media Innovations & Solutions team also made notable advancements in branded content, influencer marketing, gaming, and sports, registering a fourfold increase in the business. Collaborative efforts with companies like Meta and Google led to the development of global capabilities in consumer intelligence and retail products.

    The agency introduced some tools in 2024 which gave it that edge over others, leading  to higher client satisfaction and acquisition. These included Retail Media, Performance Practice 2.0, Total Commerce and Spark—an advanced marketing mix modeling tool. With its offerings broadened,  dentsu Media achieved some outstanding results, particularly with dentsu Retail experiencing fivefold growth.

    The Media Practice’s integrated approach, highlighted by the proprietary Media++ Framework, has established dentsu as the industry leader, providing comprehensive strategies for every customer journey stage.

    “We are targeting  a higher double-digit organic growth in 2025,” said Harsha.  “Our focus remains on raising the bar, delivering breakthroughs, and staying true to dentsu’s global vision of Innovating to Impact.”

    With that kind of commitment in place, competitors and the industry had better keep a sharp eye on dentsu’s moves in 2025. For the agency is sure learning to dance and make its clients dance to its market- and customer-winning advertising  and marketing solutions tunes. And it’s learning it pretty fast under its new leader Harsha and team dentsu India. . 

  • Skechers does it right with 3D display billboards

    Skechers does it right with 3D display billboards

    MUMBAI: Skechers India is hitting it out of the park. Last week, it decided to promote its cricket shoe range which it launched earlier this year. Right at the location where rising players congregate.

    They chose the Oval cricket ground in south Mumbai where many a match – both professional and amateur – is held. The ground is known for its ferocious uneven bounce where a pacer’s ball can kick up suddenly and unexpectedly or  a leg spinner’s innocuous ball can generate vicious turn.

    The Skechers marketing team decided to shift shape the bus shelters into shoe:  the Skechers cricket blade shoes. The speciality of these  shoes is that they have seven metal spikes as compared to the Skechers cricket elite which have 11 metal spikes.  The cricket collection is  endorsed by cricketers Ishan Kishan and Yastika Bhatia. 
     

    Skechers

    Skechers 3D displays

    “We have designed a product range that brings incomparable performance, grip, and comfort to the cricket oval,” had  said Skechers Asia CEO Rahul Vira at the time of the launch.

    Vira was full of praise for his marketing team’s promotional gig at the Oval ground. 

    Said he: “Thrilled to share our marketing team’s innovation of turning mundane bus shelters into interesting 3D billboards. Launching Skechers cricket blade shoes at the cricket lovers paradise in Mumbai The Oval Grounds – a symbol of Mumbai’s cricketing legacy.”

    One will have to wait and watch whether the shoes leave their foot marks on cricketer’s dress wear.

    (pictures courtesy: Rahul Vira’s linkedin account)

  • Skechers is Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s official kit partner

    Skechers is Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s official kit partner

    Mumbai: Skechers announced its official kit partnership with Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), one of India’s oldest football clubs. Players will wear Skechers-branded match kits, training gear, and lifestyle apparel.

    Founded in 1889, MBSG has a rich history, being the first all-Indian team to win a championship against a British club during India’s independence struggle. The club represents pride and identity for West Bengal and India, with matches serving as cultural events and a passionate fan base comparable to European football. MBSG is currently one of India’s top-performing clubs, having won the ISL League Title for the 2023-2024 season.

    Skechers is known for its comfortable footwear and aims to expand its presence in the performance category. The brand collaborates with athletes globally in sports like football, cricket, basketball, golf, pickleball, and running. In addition to its partnerships with the Indian Pickleball Association and the Mumbai Indians, Skechers is committed to enhancing its reputation in the sportswear market and providing innovative, high-performance gear.

    Skechers South Asia Pvt Ltd CEO Rahul Vira said, “We are incredibly proud to partner with a club as iconic as Mohun Bagan Super Giant. With more and more players globally experiencing our signature Comfort That Performs on the pitch, this association is an extension of our commitment to develop a strong sports culture in India while reinforcing Skechers as a leading performance brand to consumers everywhere. Mohun Bagan’s legacy and its passionate fan base align perfectly with our brand values, and we are excited to be part of their journey as they continue to inspire and achieve further milestones on the field.”

    Mohun Bagan Super Giant director Vinay Chopra said, “We are thrilled to partner with Skechers, a global leader in performance and lifestyle apparel, to fuel our pursuit of excellence on and off the pitch. This association is a testament to our shared values of innovation, quality, and a passion for performance. With Skechers by our side, we’re confident that our team will be equipped with the best apparel to take on the toughest challenges in the Indian Super League and beyond. We look forward to a winning partnership that will inspire our fans and take Indian football to new heights.”

    As the new ISL season approaches, Skechers looks forward to seeing its brand proudly displayed on the jerseys of Mohun Bagan Super Giant. This partnership not only aligns with Skechers’ mission to be a key player in the performance sportswear category but also honors the legacy and cultural significance of MBSG.

  • Skechers signs Yastika Bhatia as its new India brand ambassador

    Skechers signs Yastika Bhatia as its new India brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Skechers, the comfort technology company, has announced Indian cricketer Yastika Bhatia as its newest brand ambassador for the performance category in India. Bhatia is the first female player to join Skechers for cricket boots, following Ishan Kishan’s addition to the team earlier this year. The boots will launch on 30 September, and Bhatia will also feature in marketing campaigns for Skechers performance and lifestyle collections, aiming to expand the brand’s presence in India’s sportswear market.

    Bhatia, a rising star in the Indian women’s national cricket team and a member of the Mumbai Indians Women’s team, debuted for the Indian women’s team in September 2021 against Australia. Known for her left-handed batting and effective wicket-keeping, she has played in various formats, including One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals. Her performance under pressure and contributions with both batting and wicket-keeping have made her a valuable asset to the team.

    Skechers Asia Pvt Ltd CEO Rahul Vira said, “We believe supporting women’s cricket is both important and essential – both as a company that cares about the sport and one that wants to build its presence in India. Yastika Bhatia is the perfect talent to add to the Skechers roster. Yastika’s partnership with Skechers is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to being a leading sportswear brand in India. As we continue to invest in and support the development of sports in the country, Yastika’s talent, dedication, and positive attitude aligns perfectly with Skechers and our ongoing mission to partner with dynamic and inspiring athletes who embody the spirit of perseverance and excellence. We believe her energy and dedication to the sport mirror our brand’s values, and together, we aim to push the boundaries of what’s possible in sportswear.”

    Indian cricketer Yastika Bhatia added, “I’m thrilled to be on board with Skechers! For the past six months, I’ve been training and playing in Skechers Cricket shoes, and the performance and comfort that the shoes provide has been incredible. They’re truly a game-changer when it comes to footwear. Skechers’ dedication to athletes is something I deeply admire, and I’m looking forward to representing a brand that’s committed to innovation in sportswear. This collaboration feels like a natural fit, and I’m eager to see where this journey takes us.”

    Bhatia joins a notable group of athletes wearing Skechers, including Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri, cricketer Ishan Kishan, and global stars such as footballers Harry Kane, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Mohammed Kudus, and Anthony Elanga; basketball players Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, Terance Mann, and Rickea Jackson; MLB players Clayton Kershaw, Aaron Nola, and Brendan Donovan; golfers Matt Fitzpatrick and Brooke Henderson; and pickleball pros Tyson McGuffin and Catherine Parenteau. This diverse roster highlights Skechers’ broad appeal and commitment to performance across sports.

    This partnership marks another milestone for Skechers India as it continues to innovate and redefine the brand’s portfolio for sports in the country.

    Skechers cricket boots will be available for purchase starting on 30 September, along with the latest Skechers performance and lifestyle footwear for men and women available now at Skechers.in, as well as Skechers retail stores throughout India.

  • Agilitas Sports acquires India’s BIS-Licensed Mochiko shoes

    Agilitas Sports acquires India’s BIS-Licensed Mochiko shoes

    Mumbai: Agilitas Sports, innovation-led sportswear and Athleisure solutions platform, co-founded by Abhishek Ganguly, ex-MD, Puma (India & South-East Asia), has in a significant move, announced the acquisition of Mochiko Shoes Pvt Ltd, India’s largest sports footwear manufacturer for the domestic market.

    “This acquisition augments Agilitas’ value proposition, by strengthening our supply chain in the rapidly growing sports footwear market. Mochiko’s manufacturing capabilities, operational excellence and strategic partnerships with leading global giants position us to address the government’s clarion call to ‘Make in India’, and to cater to the rising aspirations of an economic superpower, with the largest youth population”, said Agilitas Sports CEO & co-founder Abhishek Ganguly.

    Established in 2008, by Virender Awal and a co-founding team of five members, Mochiko Shoes registered a revenue of Rs 642 crore in FY2023 and is estimated to grow by 30 per cent, year-on-year (Y-o-Y).

    Mochiko Shoes Pvt. Ltd. founder & CEO Virender Awal spoke about the acquisition, “Joining the Agilitas family propels our ambitions. We are now poised to enhance long-term investments, addressing the soaring demand in the Sports and Athleisure footwear sector. We envision multi-fold and multifaceted growth in our business over the next five-six years, adding jobs and livelihood.”

    Today, Mochiko Shoes is a manufacturing partner to leading international brands, such as Adidas, Puma, New Balance, Skechers, Reebok, Asics, Crocs, Decathlon, Clarks, US Polo, among others.

    With fully integrated, end-to-end manufacturing capabilities, Mochiko is the first sports footwear manufacturer in India to receive a BIS licence, and is fully compliant with the soon-to-be-implemented Quality Control Orders (QCOs), by the Government of India. Additionally, all its units are ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certified.

    The company has manufacturing units located in Dehradun and Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) as well as in the National Capital Region (NCR), of Noida. Mochiko employs nearly 10,000 individuals, across the length and breadth of its operations.

    The founding team of Agilitas Sports comprises Abhishek Ganguly, the former Managing Director of PUMA India and South East Asia, Atul Bajaj, the former executive director of sales and operations of PUMA India, and Amit Prabhu, former executive director and chief financial officer of PUMA India.