Bob Winskowicz: Why Pickleball’s Next Performance Revolution May Start With Your Feet

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont is joined by Bob Winskowicz, founder and CEO of SQAIRZ, to explore one of the most overlooked areas of pickleball performance: footwear.

Pickleball players spend countless hours analysing paddles, technique, strategy and training, but Bob believes the sport has largely ignored the foundation underneath every movement: the connection between the player and the court.

Drawing on his background in golf, baseball and sports performance, Bob explains why balance, stability and ground force production are central to playing better and staying healthier. He shares the story behind SQAIRZ’s move into pickleball, the research behind its court shoes and why he believes traditional footwear design has not fully addressed the demands of a sport built around explosive lateral movement.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Chris and Bob discuss:

• Why pickleball movement creates unique footwear challenges

• Why balance and stability matter as much as power

• How the shape of a shoe can influence performance

• The relationship between footwear and injury prevention

• Competing against global sportswear giants as a specialist brand

• The future of performance technology in pickleball and beyond

Bob also reveals how the company’s thinking extends beyond sport, with the same principles of balance and stability being applied to everyday movement and reducing fall risk later in life.

Is footwear the next major equipment conversation in pickleball?

Listen to find out why the battle for better performance may begin before the paddle ever touches the ball.

The World Pickleball Podcast brings you conversations with the players, coaches, innovators and decision-makers shaping the global game.