Sperry Top-Sider® Launches World-Class Sailing Shoe

Lexington, MA (October 8, 2009) – Today, Sperry Top-Sider®, the global, nautical, lifestyle brand leader, launched Ventus (Latin for “wind”) a world-class sailing shoe developed in conjunction with the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics. Debuting at the world’s largest in water sailing show in Annapolis, Maryland on October 8, 2009, Sperry Top-Sider will host the press on a 75-foot catamaran in order to launch Ventus while celebrating the brand’s anticipated 75th Anniversary celebration in 2010.

Developed in conjunction with America’s top sailing athletes, Ventus offers hydrophobic materials for maximum breathability and water compatibly in extreme weather conditions. A hydrogrip rubber outsole with Sperry Top-Sider’s signature wave-siping keeps feet firmly on board while racing or cruising. A fast, sleek upper design combined with a lightweight midsole, optimizes performance as well as comfort.

“Our product development team worked in concert with premier sailors from the US Sailing Team to develop a shoe that has all of the product attributes necessary to maximize performance on the water, ” said Craig Reingold, president, Sperry Top-Sider. “We’re thrilled to debut Ventus at the largest sailboat show in the world, while preparing for the brand’s upcoming 75th Anniversary in 2010.”

Hitting select stores this November before a complete retail rollout in January, Ventus is available in a men’s Lace Up in white /navy and black/gold fusion and a Shandal in grey/red, both of which are $120. Women’s is available in a Lace Up in white/navy and black/gold fusion for $110. For more information please visit www.sperrytopsider.com.

About Sperry Top-Sider
Since 1935, Sperry Top-Sider has been the leading brand of footwear for those with a passion for the sea. From its introduction of the world’s first siped rubber outsole for non-marking traction, to advanced technical fabrication to combat the elements, Sperry Top-Sider remains the vanguard of high-performance amphibious footwear. Available around the globe in fine independent, marine, outdoor and department stores, Sperry Top-Sider is the official footwear of US SAILING, US Sailing AlphaGraphics Team, and the National Safe Boating Council.

Based in historic Lexington, Massachusetts, Sperry Top-Sider supports a wide-range of water-related activities through its many sponsorships, including Key West Race Week, and Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regattas. Sperry Top-Sider is a division of the Collective Brands Performance and Lifestyle Group, a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS). For more information, please visit www.sperrytopsider.com.

Contact
Tess Morton
617.248.0680 ext.30
tmorton@cerconebrown.com