Skechers Korea (Managing Director Kang Byung-jon), the Korean arm of the global comfort technology brand, is accelerating its push into the pickleball market after wrapping up its main sponsorship of the pickleball tournament 'PnR TOUR 2026 KOREA OPEN.' Skechers served as official main sponsor of the event, held over three days from October 9 to 11 at Volley Tennis Court. The company described the tournament as the largest pickleball competition in Korea.
This is not Skechers' first pickleball sponsorship. The company sponsored the 'KPF KOREA MEHAU OPEN 2026' pickleball tournament in May, and said that by continuing with this latest event, it has solidified the brand's position in the pickleball performance category.
According to the company, 'PnR TOUR 2026 KOREA OPEN' was contested across 40 divisions in total, including men's and women's singles and doubles, mixed doubles and junior events, drawing more than 1,500 players, officials and spectators. As main sponsor, Skechers provided pickleball shoes to tournament winners, outfitted referees and staff with apparel, and gave socks to every participant.
Throughout the tournament, Skechers ran an on-site brand booth where participants could experience its products firsthand. To let players feel the grip, stability and fit during actual play, the brand offered its flagship dedicated pickleball shoes, the 'VIPER COURT PRO 2.0' and 'VIPER COURT ELITE 2.0,' as try-on models.
The 'Viper Court' series is a dedicated pickleball shoe lineup built on Skechers' comfort performance technology, designed to support stable movement and a comfortable fit. The 'Viper Court Pro 2.0' features an Arch Fit® insole that ergonomically supports the arch of the foot and disperses impact, along with a Goodyear® rubber outsole that enhances on-court traction and durability. The construction focuses on securing stability during play, tailored to a sport defined by repeated quick changes of direction and sudden stops.
The 'Viper Court Elite 2.0' incorporates Hands Free Slip-ins® technology, allowing the shoe to be put on and taken off without using one's hands. According to the company, it adds a nylon shank structure that minimizes twisting of the foot and a responsive EVA midsole, delivering both stability and comfort in matches that demand agile movement. The Viper Court series has received official certification from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
According to on-site feedback shared by Skechers, one pickleball player who tried on Viper Court shoes at the booth and then competed in the tournament said, "Quick footwork and agility are key in pickleball, and the Skechers Viper Court series does a great job of controlling lateral twisting. The cushioning is comfortable, so I felt much less fatigue even after playing for a long time."
Following the May tournament, Skechers is broadening its touchpoints with pickleball players through this main sponsorship. The company plans to continue experiential marketing activities that allow consumers to experience its comfort performance technology and product competitiveness in real playing environments, strengthening the brand's position in Korea's pickleball category.
