STRIA SPORT has announced a multi-year partnership with Pickleball Star Gabe Tardio
Gabe Tardio is officially in a lane of his own.
The 19-year-old pickleball phenom has signed a multi-year deal with STRIA SPORT, becoming the first active professional pickleball player to wear a signature shoe in competition. Tardio debuted the G1 Court Shoe designed in collaboration with STRIA during the PPA Select Medical Orange County Cup June 17-22. Gabe and his partner Ben Johns took home the gold in men’s doubles.
Tardio’s rise has been anything but ordinary. Born in Bolivia, he picked up a paddle at age 14 thanks to his grandfather. By 15, he had already turned pro. Today, he’s ranked No. 3 in the men’s doubles, No. 6 in mixed doubles, and No. 12 in singles in the PPA Tour. As one of the youngest and most exciting players in the game, Tardio’s partnership with STRIA SPORT is a bold move that further pushes pickleball into the mainstream sports spotlight.
“This isn’t just my name on a shoe—we built something that feels right for how the game is played today,” said Gabe Tardio. And he means it. The G1 Court Shoe was built with the speed, agility, and stop-and-go movement of pickleball in mind. Inspired by the tech of basketball sneakers, the shoe features a wide base for balance, a built-in ankle collar and heel counter for extra stability, and a lightweight, breathable mesh upper for all-day comfort on the court.
STRIA SPORT X Gabe Tardio
STRIA SPORT, founded in 2021 and based in Chicago, has quickly earned a reputation for engineering performance gear rooted in athlete-first design. Best known for its 107 Series basketball shoe, worn by more than 90 pro athletes and Olympic competitors, STRIA is now planting its flag in pickleball with Tardio leading the charge.
The deal includes more than just footwear. Tardio will also be outfitted in STRIA apparel and collaborate on special product drops and exclusive releases throughout 2025. The first limited public release of the G1 opened for pre-sale on July 4 via STRIA’s website.
For STRIA and Tardio, this is about more than making history, it’s about pushing the game forward. Gabe Tardio is proving that the future of pickleball is young, bold, and built for impact.
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