ESPN puts best foot forward

ESPN Consumer Products has secured a deal with California-based athletic footwear wholesaler and manufacturer American Sporting Goods to develop the X Games Gear's footwear line.

The collection will be managed, designed and developed through ASG's Extreme Sports division, Nice Skate Shoes, according to website Just Style.

Due for a spring 2008 launch, the range will feature styles including casual, lifestyle, athletic and performance shoes/trainers, slip-ons, slippers, sandals, boots and flip flops.

It will be distributed through specialty retail outlerts, as well as select sporting goods retailers, mid-tier department stores and family footwear shops.

"We are excited to expand our successful X Games Gear apparel and accessories business by including the footwear category," said Steve Cipolla, VP and general manager at ESPN Consumer Products licensing.