Run Matters Launches New Podcast Episode with Edward Cheserek

November 19, 2020

Skechers Performance Fueled Podcast Speaks to Running Community on Importance of Resiliency

Run Matters Powered by Skechers Performance is a new podcast that offers a unique take on the sport of running during the pandemic era. The six-episode series, which debuted earlier this fall, is quickly gaining traction with runners thanks to exclusive segments featuring Skechers elite runners Meb Keflezighi and Edward Cheserek, along with well-known running coach Amanda Brooks, plus in-depth discussions with leading run specialty retailers to provide their perspective on the sport.

The series is hosted by Running Insight’s Mark Sullivan, who has written about the sport of running since 1984, and Neil Schwartz, a self-described data/insights guy and experienced podcast host. The second monthly episode was just released on runmatters.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and most major podcast platforms.

“This will not be like other run podcasts out there,” says Schwartz whose goal it was to take Run Matters in new directions. “Since the pandemic, there are more people running because they can’t go to the gym or their fitness classes. It will be interesting to see how they behave in the coming months and years. Will they sign up for races, join run groups and shop at run specialty stores? Those are just a few of the topics we’ll cover in our conversations.” Schwartz continues, “with an award-winning lineup of running footwear and an impressive roster of elite runners; Skechers Performance was the ideal partner to help share these topics with runners nationwide.”

Run Matters mixes the personal with the practical, sharing stories from running greats alongside helpful tips for runners and insight from industry leaders. In episode two, featured retail guest Justin Craig of RUNdetroit discusses how his store is figuring out new ways to service runners in the Covid-19 era and the opportunities the “new normal” brings to his business. The second episode also features tips from Amanda Brooks on a subject that has dogged runners forever: motivation.

“I prefer to rely on habits rather than motivation. If you get consistent with your schedule, that helps you not rely on feeling motivated.” Brooks also shares her “five-minute rule,” which tells runners that even on days when they are not feeling it, they should run or walk for five minutes in an effort to get started. “After five minutes if you’re not feeling it, then you can stop because your body is saying you should rest that day.”

Episode 2 also features the debut of “The Ches Lounge,” where Skechers elite runner Edward Cheserek explains how he got started in the sport and discusses his running career today. Cheserek kicks off his segment with stories of transitioning from soccer player to runner in high school, trying out football in college and sharing how he came to be known as “King Ches.”

Recurring guest Kurt Stockbridge, vice president of product development for Skechers Performance, also joins the Run Matters team to discuss the materials that are being used in shoes today, including a rubber outsole developed in partnership with Goodyear®, best known for their performance tires.

About SKECHERS USA, Inc.

Based in Manhattan Beach, California, Skechers designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. The Company’s collections are available in the United States and over 170 countries and territories via department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through 3,770 Company- and third-party-owned retail stores and e-commerce websites. The Company manages its international business through a network of global distributors, joint venture partners in Asia, Israel and Mexico, and wholly-owned subsidiaries in Canada, Japan, India, Europe and Latin America. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok

This announcement contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, Skechers’ future domestic and international growth, financial results and operations including expected net sales and earnings, its development of new products, future demand for its products, its planned domestic and international expansion, opening of new stores and additional expenditures, and advertising and marketing initiatives. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking language such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will result,” “could,” “may,” “might,” or any variations of such words with similar meanings. Any such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include the disruption of business and operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic; international economic, political and market conditions including the challenging consumer retail markets in the United States; sustaining, managing and forecasting costs and proper inventory levels; losing any significant customers; decreased demand by industry retailers and cancellation of order commitments due to the lack of popularity of particular designs and/or categories of products; maintaining brand image and intense competition among sellers of footwear for consumers, especially in the highly competitive performance footwear market; anticipating, identifying, interpreting or forecasting changes in fashion trends, consumer demand for the products and the various market factors described above; sales levels during the spring, back-to-school and holiday selling seasons; and other factors referenced or incorporated by reference in Skechers’ annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2020. More specifically, the COVID-19 pandemic has had and is currently having a significant impact on Skechers’ business, financial conditions, cash flow and results of operations. Forward-looking statements with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic include, without limitation, Skechers’ plans in response to this pandemic. At this time, there is significant uncertainty about the COVID-19 pandemic, including without limitation, (i) the duration and extent of the impact of the pandemic, (ii) governmental responses to the pandemic, including how such responses could impact Skechers’ business and operations, as well as the operations of its factories and other business partners, (iii) the effectiveness of Skechers’ actions taken in response to these risks, and (iv) Skechers’ ability to effectively and timely adjust its plans in response to the rapidly changing retail and economic environment. Taking these and other risk factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic into consideration, the dynamic nature of these circumstances means that what is stated in this press release could change at any time, and as a result, actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. The risks included here are not exhaustive. Skechers operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time and we cannot predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Moreover, reported results should not be considered an indication of future performance.