Zane Navratil and SQAIRZ Launch XRZ: Top-ranked professional pickleball player Zane Navratil has collaborated with footwear brand SQAIRZ to develop the XRZ, a shoe designed specifically for pickleball. With over 100 medals and four Major League Pickleball titles, Navratil played a key role in refining the shoe to enhance stability, performance, and safety for all players.
SQAIRZ, known for its success in golf and baseball footwear, sought to create a specialized pickleball shoe rather than adapting an existing design. Founder and CEO Bob Winskowicz emphasized the importance of tailoring the shoe to the sport’s unique movement patterns.
“Over a six-month period, we had email exchanges, phone conversations, and video calls where we would discuss his thoughts and suggested adjustments until we arrived at the final design.” – (Winskowicz)
Precision Engineering with Navratil’s Expertise
Over six months, Navratil worked closely with SQAIRZ, testing prototypes and providing detailed feedback.
“I’ve played in a bunch of different shoes over the years, trying to find something that fit me exactly. It was really cool to have design input from start to finish.” – (Zane Navratil)
One of the shoe’s standout features is its patented roomier toe box, which allows natural toe splay, improving balance and stability.
“Think of the big toe as a steering wheel; it controls your movements and propulsion. If the design of the shoe angles it inwards, it reduces your ability to control and power your movements.” – (Winskowicz)
Navratil immediately noticed the difference, highlighting how the wider toe box enhances ground interaction and balance. Beyond the toe box, the XRZ incorporates several performance-driven features. After Navratil observed excessive wear in a specific area, SQAIRZ reinforced that section, ensuring durability.
In pickleball, if you’re playing it correctly, you’re on your toes most of the time, right? The wider toe box creates a lot more interaction with the ground, which can help you push off and maintain balance.” – (Zane Navratil)
The shoe also includes a patented heel and arch support system for improved stability, four outriggers for balance, and a directionalized traction pattern to prevent injury. Silicone-printed Sta-Put laces keep the foot secure, while a reinforced toe cap helps prevent holes.
A Game-Changer for Pickleball Players
Navratil praised SQAIRZ for truly understanding the sport’s needs.
“They listened to the specific requirements of pickleball, which was great. We probably ran through at least five or six different prototype versions and so now I feel like we’ve got an exceptional shoe.” – (Navratil)
“Shoes are very personal. It was honestly an honor to have a company that wanted to listen to my feedback on shoes.” – (Navratil)
For SQAIRZ, partnering with Navratil was invaluable.
“While Zane is one of the best pickleball players in the world—he’s also a true student of the game. His passion for performance and firsthand experience with the demands of the sport made him an invaluable partner in developing the XRZ.” – (Winskowicz)
“The back in forth on the design of the shoe was done with pickleball players everywhere in mind. While it started with making a shoe fit for a pro, it’s built to elevate players at every level. We’re beyond excited to have Zane on board and know his insights will help the entire pickleball community move, play, and perform at their best.” – (Winskowicz)
The XRZ comes with a 6-Month Sole Warranty and a 30-Day Moneyback Guarantee, ensuring quality and confidence in its performance.
News in Brief: Zane Navratil and SQAIRZ Launch XRZ
Top pickleball player Zane Navratil has teamed up with SQAIRZ to develop the XRZ, a shoe designed specifically for pickleball. Featuring a wider toe box, reinforced stability, and enhanced traction, the XRZ prioritizes performance and durability. After extensive testing, Navratil called the final design “exceptional,” ensuring benefits for players at all levels.
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