Interviewee: Ben Steward, Senior Director of Product Development & Merchandising, Skechers
Purpose: Content for DE/EN Publications (e.g., Golf Magazines or X Posts)Short BriefingSkechers GO GOLF: Entered golf market ~2013, focuses on comfort/tech fusion. Key 2025-2026 products: Elite 6 (waterproof, Arch Fit), Prestige SL (Slip-Ins, ECO Flight recycled cushioning), Torque 2 (stability via Goodyear rubber). Endorsements: Bernhard Langer (PGA Champions), Matt Fitzpatrick (PGA), Brooke Henderson (LPGA, 14 wins), Max Greyserman. Women's line: Jasmine 2, Max 3 (tailored fit, style). For high handicappers: Reduces fatigue with arch support, lightweight for walking. Positioning: Affordable, stylish, sustainable—blends fashion with performance for all levels. Ben's role: Oversees dev/merch, emphasizes innovation for pros/amateurs.
Interview Questions for Ben Steward
Senior Director of Product Development & Merchandising, Skechers GO GOLF
(For pre-approval / as a guide for the planned interview)How would you describe Skechers’ evolution in the golf category—from its initial market entry to current partnerships such as the World Champions Cup?
What are the key new developments in the Skechers GO GOLF 2026 collection, particularly in models like the Elite 6 or Prestige SL, and how do technologies such as Hands Free Slip-Ins and ECO Flight cushioning (incorporating recycled materials) contribute to on-course performance?
How do features like Arch Fit insoles and lightweight, waterproof construction (e.g., in the Prestige SL) deliver stability and all-day comfort during a round of golf?
Skechers positions its golf footwear and apparel as a combination of modern style and functional performance. How do you achieve this balance between fashionable design and performance requirements in a category long dominated by traditional brands?
To what extent do insights and feedback from tour professionals such as Bernhard Langer, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Brooke Henderson influence product development, and how do these endorsements help validate Skechers’ technologies at the professional level?
How does Skechers specifically address the needs of female golfers, for example through models like the Jasmine 2 or GO GOLF Max 3, with tailored fit options and women-specific design elements?
Why are Skechers golf shoes particularly well-suited for higher-handicap players—considering aspects such as arch support to reduce fatigue, lightweight cushioning for walking, and enhanced stability during the swing?
Looking forward, what innovations or expansions does Skechers have planned for its golf product line, and how will the brand continue to ensure that high-performance equipment remains accessible across all skill levels?