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—aligning with a team that’s led by top pros and backed by a celebrity ownership group that includes Jason Bateman, Bill Simmons, and Haley Joel Osment.

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, supplying their athletes with performance court shoes and collaborating on content, visibility, and fan engagement throughout the 2025 season.

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, marketing to a player base that’s increasingly focused on footwork, injury prevention, and gear innovation.

Why It Matters:

• 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 Vivian Glozman and James Ignatowich), 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.

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:

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 shoe, 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 & 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™ 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. And with a stable, grippy base that keeps you connected to the court, every movement feels more controlled and secure. It’s a 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 & 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 SQAIRZSQAIRZ 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 SlicePart 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.