Meb trains in Mammoth Lakes, California wearing Skechers GOrun Speed footwear. (Photo: Business Wire)

“It always feels great to be recognized for my hard work,” began Meb. “This truly amazing year stretches back to my personal best time at the 2011 New York City Marathon. From another personal best on winning the Houston Trials just 69 days later to a strong race in London, I’m feeling better and stronger even at an older age. The midfoot strike technology in my Skechers GOrun shoes has clearly helped me run more efficiently. The proof is in the performance.”

Skechers GOrun is an award-winning innovative lightweight running line featuring revolutionary technology that promotes a midfoot strike and GOimpule sensors for a responsive experience. Meb provides the Skechers Performance Division with ongoing expert insight by testing and consulting on the design of shoes like the all-new Skechers GOrun 2, the pro-level Skechers GOrun Speed racing line, and other high-performance product currently in development.

“SKECHERS congratulates Meb and we’re honored the Skechers Performance Division has been there for each of his incredible achievements this past year,” said SKECHERS president Michael Greenberg. “After all Meb has accomplished wearing Skechers GOrun, plus the media accolades for our shoes, we’ve established the Skechers Performance brand as a serious player in this market. Now as Meb continues to inspire more and more runners around the globe, there should be no doubt that training and racing in Skechers GOrun and our entire collection of innovative Skechers Performance footwear can lead to great success in competition.”

Meb returns to competition this spring where he’ll race in his Skechers GOrun footwear at the iconic Boston Marathon on April 15.

Man befriends gazelle in the Skechers GOrun 2 Super Bowl Commercial (Photo: Business Wire)

This year, the fast cat is center stage in a spot that again uses humor and animals to illustrate the speed of Skechers GOrun 2 performance running footwear. The ad is slated to air after the two-minute warning of the first half.

A brief teaser for the Skechers GOrun ad was released on YouTube last week, generating early buzz with nearly 300,000 views. And on Wednesday, Bleacher Report placed the ad at No. 2 in its “Super Bowl Commercials: 2013 Power Ranking”. SKECHERS continues to leverage the power of social media with a Facebook sweepstakes tied to the campaign that promotes both the ad and Skechers Performance product.

The 2013 Super Bowl campaign, which also includes a Joe Montana SKECHERS Relaxed Fit ad, marks SKECHERS’ fourth consecutive year of commercials on the world’s biggest advertising platform. In 2010, the Company first utilized the star power of Joe Montana to launch its fitness division, and then followed up in 2011 with Kim Kardashian in the Company’s fitness footwear. Basketball and business icon Mark Cuban joined the adorable Mr. Quiggly in 2012 for SKECHERS’ most successful Super Bowl campaign thus far – ranking third on the USA Today Ad Meter.

Joe Montana appears in the SKECHERS Relaxed Fit commercial debuting Super Bowl weekend. (Photo: Business Wire

Launching the day before the San Francisco 49ers take on the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII, the new commercial will reunite the legendary Hall of Famers on-screen in a humorous spot that highlights Relaxed Fit’s memory foam footbed, roomier fit and instant comfort.

The new spot is the latest in a series of Relaxed Fit ads that star America’s sports icons; previous commercials have featured Montana, legendary Hall of Fame Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda, and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. A natural extension of relaxed fit jeans, Relaxed Fit footwear has become one of SKECHERS‘ most successful men’s footwear collections and will soon expand into women’s footwear.

SKECHERS will also debut a commercial during the second quarter of Sunday’s Super Bowl for the Company’s new performance running shoes, Skechers GOrun 2.

Man vs. cheetah in the Skechers GOrun 2 Super Bowl ad campaign (Photo: Business Wire)

For the Company’s performance brand, a cheetah takes center stage this year when the world’s fastest land animal goes head-to-head with a human wearing Skechers GOrun 2. Like the cheetah, Skechers GOrun 2 footwear is lightweight, sleek and fast. The Company debuted the original Skechers GOrun collection on the feet of a spunky French Bulldog during the 2012 Super Bowl, and the much adored “Mr. Quiggly” commercial achieved a third place ranking at the top of the USA Today Ad Meter, making the pooch a media darling and bringing global recognition to Skechers Performance footwear.

For the SKECHERS Relaxed Fit collection, Hall of Fame quarterback and four-time Super Bowl champion Joe Montana is the face of the successful footwear line that’s designed for comfort with a roomy toe area and memory foam insole. Montana previously appeared in a SKECHERS Relaxed Fit campaign during Fall 2012 that also included ads featuring basketball and baseball icons Mark Cuban and Tommy Lasorda.

The 2013 Super Bowl campaign marks SKECHERS‘ fourth consecutive year of commercials on the world’s biggest advertising platform. In its first year, the Company utilized the star power of Joe Montana to launch its fitness division, and then followed up in 2011 with Kim Kardashian in the Company’s fitness footwear. Basketball and business icon Mark Cuban joined Mr. Quiggly in 2012 for SKECHERS’ most successful Super Bowl campaign thus far.

BOBS from SKECHERS distributes new shoes to children in need in Atlanta, Georgia. (Image courtesy of Caring for Others and Carlos Bell Photography)

“The word is out about BOBS, and its growing success means that we can give more pairs than ever. We are pleased that we are able to get shoes in the hands of American families struck by financial hardship, those affected by natural disasters, including Superstorm Sandy, and many children in need around the world,” said Michael Greenberg, president of SKECHERS. “We’re so excited to be part of this movement of giving, and to help as many kids as we can. Through the continued support of socially conscious consumers, we believe we can make an even larger impact.”

BOBS unites people with a single goal: to help the approximately 300 million children worldwide in need of shoes due to poverty, epidemics and natural disasters. With the support of its non-profit giveaway partners, BOBS distributes to charitable organizations, homeless shelters, education programs and non-profit groups across the Americas, Africa, Eastern Europe, and mainland and Southeast Asia – and plans to continue expanding the program on a global scale.

Designed for women, men and kids, BOBS is supported by Dancing with the Stars host Brooke Burke-Charvet in a global awareness campaign across print, television, online and social media. You can find BOBS in stores nationwide, and in key markets around the world.

Meb joins SKECHERS employees in Times Square to load shoes that will be distributed through disaster relief organizations in New York and New Jersey. (Photo: Business Wire)

To aid families that have been displaced or lost their homes during the hurricane, SKECHERS worked with Fashion Delivers to get 500 pairs of footwear immediately into the hands of two relief efforts: the Secaucus Municipal Center in New Jersey and The Legacy Center in Queens. SKECHERS also will be donating a large number of pairs via its charity footwear line that will reach children impacted by the storm in December.

“I arrived last week in New York to run as I have so many times before. Then after witnessing the storm’s devastation and hearing stories from those affected, the priorities of this amazing city became crystal clear,” began Meb. “There’s always another race, but those who lost their homes or friends or family members need our assistance today. I’m fortunate to be here and I hope that together with SKECHERS we’ve been able to help some of those who need it most.”

“Many of our retail associates and retail partners were impacted by this storm,” added SKECHERS president Michael Greenberg. “So, we quickly mobilized to figure out how to best help and we’re glad Meb was able to collaborate on raising both money and awareness. We also want to thank the countless runners – both local and visiting for the marathon – who attended our fundraising event on Monday. It’s truly a fantastic and supportive community.”

In 2009, Meb made history as the first American to win the prestigious ING New York City Marathon since Alberto Salazar in 1982. He also won a Silver Medal competing in the marathon during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. And at age 36, Meb achieved back-to-back PRs in the 2011 New York City Marathon (2:09:13) and the 2012 Olympic Trials in Houston (2:09:08) wearing Skechers Performance footwear. Meb currently appears in the global marketing campaign for Skechers GOrun ride.

Brooke Burke-Charvet and SKECHERS president Michael Greenberg at the fourth annual SKECHERS Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. (Photo: Business Wire)

The SKECHERS Foundation today announced that more than $750,000 was raised for children with special needs and education through Sunday’s Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. The 2012 donations were significantly higher than last year’s total of $580,000 thank to the record number of walkers, more than 8,500 people, and the many donations by local and national businesses, including presenting sponsor Nickelodeon.

“Four years ago when the SKECHERS Pier to Pier Friendship Walk began we had 2,200 people come out; now we’ve surpassed 8,500 walkers in 2012, which is a testament to the compassion and dedication of our community,” said SKECHERS president Michael Greenberg. “The $750,000 we raised through this year’s walk will help many children with special needs continue to thrive through the Friendship Circle programs; it’s inspiring to see what a big impact small gestures can make. Many education foundations that are in dire need of funding will also benefit from the money we’ve raised through this year’s walk.”

The 3.4 mile walk from the Manhattan Beach Pier to the Hermosa Beach Pier and back was hosted by fitness expert Denise Austin, who rallied the crowd before the walk. Legendary Hall of Fame baseball manager Tommy Lasorda also spoke about the importance of giving back to make a positive impact in the community, and Dancing with the Stars co-host Brooke Burke-Charvet congratulated SKECHERS and all the walkers for making a difference to help children with special needs and for supporting education foundations.

SKECHERS President Michael Greenberg with celebrity hosts Tommy Lasorda, Brooke Burke-Charvet and Denise Austin. (Photo: Business Wire)

SKECHERS is anticipating 10,000 participants at this year’s Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, which is presented by Nickelodeon, and will aim to surpass the $600,000 fundraising total from 2011. Since its 2009 launch, the walk has raised $1.2 million to help retain vital educational programs, maintain smaller class sizes, upgrade school technology, as well as support The Friendship Circle – a non-profit organization that assists children with special needs and their families through one-on-one peer mentoring and social programming.

“We are thrilled that Tommy, Brooke and Denise are hosting this year’s walk and devoting their time to help the SKECHERS Foundation raise awareness and funds for these important causes,” said SKECHERS president Michael Greenberg. “Schools rely on this additional funding to maintain valuable programs that are constantly threatened by budget cuts, and the Friendship Circle creates a life-changing environment that not only helps children with special needs, but also influences teen volunteers to become caring mentors who give back to the community. These children are the future of our nation, so it’s crucial that we step up and provide the financial support they need to succeed.”

“When I participated in last year’s SKECHERS Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, it made such a dramatic impact on me that I was compelled to return this year and show my support,” said Brooke Burke-Charvet. “These kids are truly inspiring, and watching them join together to save our schools and support children with special needs is such a great example for other communities across the country. I hope people recognize what SKECHERS has accomplished through the Pier to Pier Walk, and it compels them to show support for this important cause at a national level.”

Traveling from the Manhattan Beach Pier to Hermosa Beach Pier and back, the 3.4-mile walk will include performance from local school bands, cheerleading teams and free activities for the entire family. The Pier to Pier Walk will also be followed by the 22nd annual World Famous Pumpkin Races at the Manhattan Beach Pier.

Individuals, families, team leaders and team members can register online at skechersfriendshipwalk.com or by mail for $25. Registration at the Manhattan Beach Pier on the morning of the event is $30. Registered participants will receive a commemorative SKECHERS Pier to Pier Friendship Walk t-shirt, goody bag and complimentary water and drinks along the walk route. For those who cannot participate, donations will also be accepted until the day of the walk; event sponsors and volunteers are also welcome to participate.

Skechers GObionic ultra-minimal running shoe (Photo: Business Wire)

The accompanying review notes that “Testers loved everything about it, especially the flexibility, responsiveness, low weight and perceived springy feel.”

“Following our Skechers GOrun line being declared ‘Most Innovative’ by Competitor magazine earlier this year, we’re thrilled that the running press continues to give accolades to our performance footwear,” began Michael Greenberg, president of SKECHERS. “The positive feedback we’re receiving on Skechers GObionic illustrates how we’re finding success by leveraging our unique pioneering technology as the foundation for an expanding collection of performance product.”

Skechers GObionic was launched in August after development by the Skechers Performance Division through a unique engineering process – where nature and inspired organic design drive innovations. At the foundation are 18 decoupled bio-responsive Resalyte(TM) cushioning zones added to key flex points of the foot to offer protection without compromising responsiveness. Plus with zero heel drop, the foot remains in a neutral position for more of a barefoot experience. Skechers GObionic represents the Company’s most minimalistic design without sacrificing performance.

In addition to Skechers GObionic, the Company recently introduced Skechers GOrun ride, which offers enhanced cushioning for elevated comfort and support; Skechers GOwalk, a comfortable walking shoe constructed with performance materials; plus Skechers GOtrain, a workout shoe built for added stability and control. From the track to the gym, with additional categories launching soon for the trail and golf course, the Skechers GO platform will meet the needs of athletes at every level and ability across multiple sports and activities.

Men’s and women’s styles from the entire Skechers Performance footwear collection are available in sporting goods, department and specialty athletic stores around the world.

Mark Cuban films a commercial for the new Relaxed Fit from SKECHERS footwear collection. (Photo: Business Wire)

As part of a worldwide multi-platform agreement which includes print, in-store, online and social media, each endorsee will star in his own unique television commercial for the new SKECHERS collection. Designed to reflect their unique personalities, the commercials will use Mark Cuban’s popularity, Montana’s ability to remain calm under pressure and Lasorda’s spirited character to showcase Relaxed Fit’s wide range of features: from its fashionable appeal to its comforting, spacious design. The spots will run consecutively, starting with Mark Cuban’s initial launch of the collection this Fall.

“In any new business I enter, whether it’s sports or another venture, the key is to always stay relaxed and keep your cool – and these Relaxed Fit shoes are exactly what I need. They feel and look incredible,” said Mark Cuban, who is owner of the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks and Landmark Theaters, a technology mogul and co-founder/chairman of the AXS TV cable network. “I love getting behind great ideas that I’m really passionate about – and the moment I tried these on, I knew that every guy would want these shoes.”

“Mark, Joe and Tommy are three sports legends promoting an idea that’s inspired by the ingenuity of relaxed jeans: product that doesn’t just offer more comfort, but looks great as well,” said Michael Greenberg, president of SKECHERS. “Guys want their shoes to feel roomy without making their feet look wide – and Relaxed Fit shoes are designed to offer this kind of comfort with a more stylish design. Plus, with these power players in professional basketball, football and baseball backing this new brand, we’re confident that Relaxed Fit footwear is going to strike a chord with guys everywhere.”

Relaxed Fit from SKECHERS is Cuban’s and Montana’s second endorsement for the SKECHERS brand; both previously starred in Super Bowl spots for the Company.