Skechers Becomes Official Footwear Supplier of the FIL Through 2029/30

Innovation partnership for greater safety, performance, and design in luge

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erchtesgaden (FIL/January 16, 2026) The International Luge Federation (FIL) and Skechers have concluded a long-term supplier agreement: the globally operating footwear manufacturer will serve as the FIL’s Official Footwear Supplier through the 2029/30 season. The partnership takes effect immediately and will make its debut at the Luge World Cup and European Championships in Oberhof (Germany) on January 17–18, 2026. It explicitly also applies to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

As part of the cooperation, Skechers will be visibly represented on the racing shoes of all athletes and will actively participate in the design and further development of luge racing shoes. Together with the FIL, new technical and design standards will be established. The goal is to sustainably enhance safety, performance, and the overall appeal of luge shoes.

A central element of the partnership is the development of a completely new luge racing shoe by Skechers, with market introduction planned for the 2028/29 season. Initial discussions on technical priorities have already taken place; a mock-up is currently being developed jointly and will be progressively tested by athletes in training and competition environments over the coming seasons.

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FIL President Einars Fogelis emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership:

“With Skechers, we are gaining one of the world’s largest and most innovative footwear manufacturers as a strong partner for our sport. This cooperation opens new opportunities to further enhance the safety of our athletes while simultaneously elevating performance and design to a new level. Skechers’ expertise in modern footwear craftsmanship and design will provide an important innovation boost for luge.”

For the upcoming EBERSPÄCHER World Cup in Oberhof, the FIL will provide selected athletes from all disciplines with new Skechers luge shoes free of charge. At the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, all qualified participants will also receive one to two pairs of these shoes. From the 2026/27 season onward, only Skechers luge shoes will be permitted at World Cups and World Championships in the senior category.

With this new partnership, the FIL underscores its commitment to consistently advancing innovation and athlete safety—working together with Skechers to actively shape the future of luge.