Pickleball Star Tara Bernstein: Pickleball athlete and media personality Tara Bernstein has been named the first-ever brand ambassador for made+, a U.S.-based sustainable footwear company. The partnership was announced on February 27, 2025, as Bernstein continues to expand her presence in the sport and beyond.
A Perfect Match Between Athlete and Brand
Tara Bernstein, known for her on-court talent, fashion-forward style, and digital influence, is an ideal representative for made+. As a devoted fan of the bangr pickleball shoe, she will promote the brand’s performance-driven and sustainable footwear to pickleball players worldwide.
“Pickleball is my passion and an essential part of my life-it’s more than just a sport; it’s a community that brings people together and ensures that everyone has a place, no matter their age or skill level.” – (Bernstein)
She also highlighted her enthusiasm for made+ shoes, praising their comfort, style, and custom design options.
“It’s seriously blowing up as the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., and I’m all about spreading the love globally. I can’t get enough of playing in made+ shoes-they’re a total game-changer for players like me who love to accessorize on and off the court.” – (Bernstein)
Bernstein values the brand’s sustainability efforts, as each pair of bangr shoes is made from six upcycled plastic water bottles.
“The brand’s commitment to sustainability, performance, and style makes them perfect for my busy life filled with pickleball, travel, and fashion. I really admire made+’s mission and their openness to new ideas. I’m excited for the continued evolution of their pickleball and custom performance footwear. Being able to personalize my shoes with my logo and a variety of colors makes the bangr a reflection of my personal brand and the positivity I stand for on and off any court.” – (Bernstein)
made+ Expands Its Presence in Pickleball
Founded in 2021 by Alan Guyan, a former Under Armour innovator, made+ focuses on made-to-order, planet-friendly footwear. The bangr pickleball shoe is designed for indoor and outdoor courts, offering durability and flexibility while reducing environmental impact. “We’re thrilled to welcome Tara Bernstein to the made+ family,” said Alan Guyan, Founder and CEO of made+.
“Tara embodies everything our brand stands for-performance, sustainability and innovation. Together, we’re building a meaningful partnership that not only supports her platform on and off the pickleball court but also raises awareness of made+ as a purpose-driven brand. Her influence will help us inspire more players to choose sustainable, made-to-order footwear that empowers them to move with purpose.” – (Alan Guyan)
He emphasized the partnership’s goal to promote eco-conscious athletic footwear while supporting Bernstein’s platform in pickleball.
bangr: The Ultimate Pickleball Shoe
The bangr pickleball shoe is built for performance, stability, and style. It features:
- Flexible rubber outsole for court grip and minimal abrasion.
- Extended toe overlays and TPU-film upper for durability and lateral support.
- Cupping insole and internal reinforcements for stability and heel lockdown.
The shoes are available in classic black-and-white, along with bold blue and orange colorways. The bangr custom engine allows players to design their own unique shoe, choosing from over one million color combinations.
Impact on the Pickleball Community
As pickleball continues its rapid growth, the partnership between Tara Bernstein and made+ highlights the sport’s increasing influence in fashion, sustainability, and branding.
By aligning with an eco-friendly footwear company, Bernstein brings awareness to sustainable sportswear while helping made+ expand its presence in the pickleball world.
News in Brief: Pickleball Star Tara Bernstein
Pickleball athlete Tara Bernstein has been named the first brand ambassador for made+, a sustainable U.S.-based footwear company. She will promote the bangr pickleball shoe, which is designed for performance, durability, and customization. The collaboration highlights made+’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, as the brand continues to expand in the pickleball community.
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