March 7, 2023 – OOFOS, the global leader in Active Recovery footwear, and DUPR, Pickleball’s most accurate global rating system, have announced a partnership to support the growing sport and emphasize the need for recovery for professional and amateur athletes alike. Through this new partnership, OOFOS will have the opportunity to educate DUPR’s growing database of social, collegiate and pro Pickleball players and share the brand mission of providing essential recovery footwear to an active and influential community.
Pickleball grew to 4.8 million players in 2021 (SFIA) and has since seen a 660% increase in the number of people playing. According to the recent annual participation report done by the APP, there are now 36.5 million participants in the sport. 14% of Americans aged 18 and over played pickleball between August 2021 and August 2022 (2023 APP Pickleball Participation Report).
With the spike in Americans joining the physical sport, the need for recovery increased in tandem. OOFOS footwear is specifically designed to support the recovery needed for the more demanding aspects of Pickleball. Typically, both competitive and recreational players participate in multiple matches throughout a day or weekend, especially those playing in tournaments, putting excessive stress on their muscles and joints. With the constant side to side movement, acceleration, and deceleration, as well as pivots on hard surfaces, the majority of stress is put on the lower body, including legs, feet and back. OOFOS’ technology allows athletes to recover faster, reducing stress on the body and enabling more natural movement between training and back-to-back matches.
Designed with proprietary OOfoam ™ technology, OOFOS absorb impact so your body doesn’t have to. Combined with a patented footbed design, OOFOS cradle the heel and arches for the optimal combination of soft and stable support. OOfoam™ technology is proven to absorb 37% more impact than traditional foam materials, decrease load rates up to 88% and reduce energy exertion on the ankles by as much as 47% - all of this reducing load and stress, so you can recover faster.* The full line of OOFOS has received the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance.
“OOFOS is excited to join forces with a nationally recognized organization at the forefront of the sport of Pickleball,” said Steve Gallo, President of OOFOS. “Our mission is to help athletes at all levels recover faster and feel better. We are thrilled about the opportunity to share the benefits of our OOfoam™ technology with all DUPR members.”
The multi-year agreement makes OOFOS the Official Recovery Footwear of DUPR. This new partnership adds to a wide variety of additional pro-athlete-centered relationships for OOFOS, including pro-QB Derek Carr, Comeback Player of the Year Alex Smith, Olympic Gold Medalist/World Ski Champion Ashley Caldwell, starting Boston hockey goalie Jeremy Swayman and a recently announced sponsorship of Exos, the global leaders in human performance. With many high-profile athletes investing in professional Pickleball teams, OOFOS has joined in the increased support of the sport to offer an essential recovery tool as the foundation of peak performance.
As part of this partnership, OOFOS and DUPR will introduce the OOFOS Ace Program, where top DUPR profiles will be highlighted with a digital badge commemorating their status within the Pickleball community. Recognized athletes will be eligible to to join the expanding roster of OOcrew that features professional athletes, inspiring customers and pioneering artists alike. The OOFOS team will also be attending major DUPR events such as their Waterfall National Championships, Team League National Championships and Collegiate National Championships in the coming months and will provide access to OOFOS footwear to DUPR members. More information can be found at www.oofos.com and www.mydupr.com.
*Based on a 2018 University of Virginia School of Medicine Speed Clinic.
