Athlete Gabby Reece to collaborate with Vionic

Vionic_ the footwear brand rooted in biomechanics and the science of movement and part of the Caleres portfolio_ has named beach volleyball athlete_ bestselling author and podcast host Gabby Reece as its first-ever wellbeing ambassador as it looks to drive brand awareness and authenticity.

Reece_ who made history as the first female athlete to design a shoe for sportswear giant Nike_ has become known as a wellness advocate and will work with Vionic to create engaging content around wellbeing and collaborate with the footwear brand to design its “most high-performance and technologically advanced walking shoe to date”.

The sneaker_ which is slated to launch in spring 2026_ will be designed to capture Reece_s belief in “strength and grace_” while ensuring “form and function_” explains the brand in a statement.

Jay Schmidt_ president and chief executive officer of Caleres_ said: “Vionic has tremendous long-term potential_ unique authority in science-backed movement and an unwavering commitment to innovation. As we honour and build upon the Vionic brand heritage_ we look to deepen its distinction and expand its relevance in ways that are both authentic and hard to replicate.

“Vionic's partnership with Gabby Reece illustrates our lead brand strategy in action and reflects our focus on long-term brand-building that drives value over time."

Reece added: “I believe what you put on your feet in the morning matters. This isn_t just a collaboration - it_s a commitment to redefining wellbeing from the ground up.

“Vionic understands that function is not a compromise - it_s the foundation. When paired with thoughtful_ beautiful design_ that_s when it truly works. I_ve worn Vionic shoes for years_ so joining the brand in a meaningful way feels like a natural fit.”