SQAIRZ Partners with Major League Pickleball's Chicago Slice as Official Footwear Sponsor

In a move that signals just how fast professional pickleball is attracting non-endemic sponsors, performance footwear company SQAIRZ has been named the official footwear sponsor of the Chicago Slice, a Major League Pickleball (MLP) franchise with one of the most engaged fanbases in the league.

The deal, announced in late June, marks SQAIRZ's first major foray into the booming pickleball world. It aligns the brand with a team led by top pros and backed by a celebrity ownership group that includes Jason Bateman, Bill Simmons, and Haley Joel Osment.

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Partnership Details and Key Takeaways

According to the announcement on SQAIRZ's official site, the partnership makes the Boston-based footwear brand the exclusive shoe provider for the Slice team. They will supply their athletes with a dedicated pickleball performance shoe and collaborate on content, visibility, and fan engagement throughout the 2025 season.

“This collaboration marks a significant milestone for SQAIRZ as it ventures into the rapidly growing world of pickleball,” the company stated in its release.

What Makes SQAIRZ a Pickleball Performance Shoe?

Known for its patented square-toe technology and stability-focused design, SQAIRZ has long been a disruptive force in golf footwear, endorsed by PGA pros like Sir Nick Faldo and known for data-backed performance claims. Now, it's bringing that same biomechanical approach to the pickleball court.

The brand is marketing to a player base that is increasingly focused on footwork, injury prevention, and gear innovation.

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Why the Pickleball Performance Shoe Market Is Heating Up

The Chicago Slice is one of the most prominent and culturally relevant teams in MLP. They've consistently drawn headlines for their player rosters, including James Ignatowich and Vivian Glozman, viral content, and celebrity ownership.

Footwear is one of the final frontiers in pickleball gear. While paddles dominate the product conversation, the court shoe market has been slower to mature, creating a major opportunity for performance-focused entrants like SQAIRZ, K-Swiss, and others.

As The Dink previously reported, the pickleball footwear arms race is heating up. In 2023's gear trend report, we noted that "court-specific shoes are emerging as the next battleground for innovation", especially as injury awareness grows among casual and pro players alike.

From Golf to Pickleball

SQAIRZ's expansion mirrors what we've seen from other sports brands eyeing pickleball as their next growth category. The game's low barrier to entry, massive participation growth (over 48 million Americans tried pickleball in a 12-month span, per APP), and wide age appeal make it an ideal proving ground for new performance gear.

The crossover from golf isn't incidental either. Golf has long served as a "gateway sport" to pickleball, particularly among aging athletes looking to stay active with less strain on joints.

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In fact, multiple pickleball personalities and influencers, including Selkirk-sponsored pro Tyson McGuffin, have posted about their footwear routines and the growing demand for more technical, lateral-movement-friendly shoes. Expect SQAIRZ to lean into this athlete-focused marketing, especially with a high-profile platform like MLP.

Full Press Release: SQAIRZ's Official Pickleball Performance Shoe Debut

WINDHAM, NH – July 1, 2025 — SQAIRZ, the performance footwear company revolutionizing movement and stability across sports, has officially been named the Official Shoe of the Chicago Slice, one of Major League Pickleball's most competitive teams.

The partnership kicks off ahead of the MLP Midseason Tournament, where members of the Chicago Slice roster will compete wearing SQAIRZ's XRZ™ pickleball performance shoe. The XRZ™ is described as the world's first true pickleball performance shoe, developed alongside top professional players to deliver unmatched balance, traction, and durability.

"We're thrilled to partner with Chicago Slice, a team that shares our obsession with performance and precision," said Robert Winskowicz, Founder and CEO of SQAIRZ. "Their roster is stacked with athletes who rely on explosive footwork and lateral stability to win matches, and that's exactly what our shoes deliver."

As part of this partnership, Chicago Slice players will also serve as development reps for SQAIRZ, providing critical feedback on future footwear designs, testing new materials, and helping shape the next generation of performance shoes for pickleball. Because the best test lab isn't a factory, it's the court.

"Right out of the box, I could tell. The comfort was there. The toe box gave me space to move naturally," said Carlos Di Laura, Chicago Slice Teammate. "I wasn't thinking about my feet. And that's the best sign."

The SQAIRZ XRZ™: A Pro-Level Pickleball Performance Shoe

The SQAIRZ XRZ™ was built from the ground up to solve the biggest problems in pickleball footwear: comfort, longevity, and safety. The squared toe box gives your toes room to move naturally, reducing pressure and fatigue over long matches.

A reinforced upper and Smart Traction™ outsole provide durability that holds up to daily court wear, no blowouts, no breakdowns. With a stable, grippy base that keeps you connected to the court, every movement feels more controlled and secure.

It's a pickleball performance shoe designed to protect your feet, outlast your season, and keep you playing your best, from first serve to final point.

Chicago Slice joins an elite and growing roster of SQAIRZ athletes dominating the pro circuit, including:

• Zane Navratil – MLP Champion and one of the sport's most recognizable names, known for his strategic brilliance and speed.
• Ava Ignatowich – A rising phenom with the skill and mindset to go the distance.
• Trang Huynh – Recently made headlines by defeating world #1 Anna Leigh Waters, showcasing what happens when talent meets the right gear.

Fans can catch SQAIRZ and the Chicago Slice in action at the MLP Midseason Tournament, where they'll debut their new footwear partnership and battle to move up the standings.

About SQAIRZ SQAIRZ is a performance footwear company on a mission to elevate athletic movement. With patented designs that prioritize ground connection, stability, and balance, SQAIRZ is trusted by elite athletes across golf, baseball, softball, and now pickleball. Learn more at sqairz.com.

About the Chicago Slice Part of Major League Pickleball, the Chicago Slice represent one of the sport's most dynamic and exciting franchises. With a passionate fan base and a talent-packed roster, the Slice are reshaping what professional pickleball looks like in the Windy City and beyond. Learn more at chicagoslice.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SQAIRZ and why are they partnering with the Chicago Slice?

SQAIRZ is a performance footwear company known for its patented square-toe technology, originally built for golf athletes and endorsed by PGA legends like Sir Nick Faldo. Their partnership with the Chicago Slice marks their official entry into pickleball, positioning the XRZ™ as the go-to pickleball performance shoe for MLP competition.

What makes the SQAIRZ XRZ™ different from a standard court shoe?

The XRZ™ was designed specifically for the demands of competitive pickleball, featuring a squared toe box for natural toe movement, a Smart Traction™ outsole for superior court grip, and a reinforced upper built for daily wear. Unlike general pro pickleball footwear, it was developed with direct input from pro players to address comfort, longevity, and lateral stability.

How does the Chicago Slice partnership help SQAIRZ grow in pickleball?

The Chicago Slice is one of MLP's most culturally prominent teams, giving SQAIRZ an elite platform to showcase their pickleball performance shoe to millions of fans and players. Roster members will also serve as product development reps, helping shape the next generation of SQAIRZ footwear.

Is the SQAIRZ XRZ™ only for pro players, or can recreational players use it?

While the XRZ™ was developed alongside professional pickleball players, it is designed for all skill levels. The shoe's focus on comfort, traction, and foot protection makes it equally valuable for rec players who log long hours on the court each week.

Why are performance brands like SQAIRZ targeting pickleball now?

Pickleball's explosive growth has made it one of the most attractive markets for sports gear brands worldwide. With over 48 million Americans playing in a single 12-month span, demand for a purpose-built pickleball performance shoe is at an all-time high, and brands from golf to tennis are racing to meet it.