Co-Developed with pros Hugo Calderano, Liam Pitchford, Lily Zhang, Giulia Takahashi, and Deni Kožul, the SM4SH sets a New Standard in Table Tennis Footwear 

Key Highlights:   

• JOOLA launches the FUNKSH1n_TT SM4SH, its first-ever signature table tennis shoe, co-developed with Hugo Calderano, Liam Pitchford, Lily Zhang, Giulia Takahashi, Deni Kožul, and footwear industry experts.
• Engineered specifically for table tennis, the SM4SH features a Pebax® Elastomer Shank for lightweight torsion control, a CMEVA Midsole for responsive court feel, and a high-traction rubber outsole built for explosive pivots and rapid recovery.
• The shoe drops in the U.S. at 11am EST (tentative) on September 10, 2026, exclusively at JOOLA.com or an authrozied JOOLA retailer, available in three colorways — white/gray, white/navy, and white/red.

North Bethesda, MD (September 10, 2026) — JOOLA, a global table tennis authority since 1952, today announced the launch of the SM4SH table tennis shoe. The signature shoe was developed alongside some of the game's top stars, including Hugo Calderano, Liam Pitchford, Lily Zhang, Giulia Takahashi, and Deni Kožul, marking the most ambitious footwear project in JOOLA's table tennis history.

“The release of the SM4SH represents a defining moment for JOOLA and for the future of table tennis footwear,” said Richard Lee, JOOLA President and CEO. “For nearly 75 years, JOOLA has shaped how the sport is played at the table. With SM4SH, we’re bringing that same level of purpose, precision, and performance to what happens under an athlete’s feet.”      

Unlike many shoes in the category that are adapted from existing factory platforms, the SM4SH was engineered for table tennis. Guided by JOOLA Global Head of Footwear Gjermund Haugbro’s 25-plus years of footwear development experience, the team defined the performance needs of elite table tennis first, then built a shoe around the speed, balance, recovery, and lateral explosiveness demanded by the modern game.

“One of the biggest challenges in table tennis footwear is that the category has historically been treated as an afterthought, with limited innovation and products often built from existing models," said Gjermund Haughbro, JOOLA’s Global Head of Footwear. "Our approach was fundamentally different. Drawing on decades of footwear engineering experience and working closely with world-class athletes throughout development, we built the SM4SH around the specific demands of table tennis. That meant questioning conventional assumptions, obsessing over every detail, and validating every decision through extensive testing.”

Raising the Bar
The SM4SH reflects JOOLA’s commitment to raising the bar for the entire sport by bringing the brand’s table tennis expertise, performance innovation, and athlete-informed development process into a shoe built specifically for the demands of high-level competition.

Engineered to meet the demands of elite competition, the SM4SH delivers the durability and construction quality players need at every level. Designed for highly athletic table tennis players, it is made to withstand demanding training schedules and high-intensity matches while offering everyday athletes the same long-lasting reliability trusted by professionals.

“At this level, you need to know your footwear is going to support every movement without hesitation. Coming back from surgery has made that even more important for me. JOOLA understands what competitive table tennis players need, and this shoe gives me the confidence to move aggressively, stay balanced, and trust every step. I’ve never had a shoe make me feel this locked in on court — it lets me stop thinking about my movement and focus completely on beating the player across the table,” said Liam Pitchford, JOOLA Table Tennis Pro.

Featherlight, Without Compromise
At the core of the SM4SH is an extreme commitment to weight reduction. The JOOLA SM4SH was designed to be one of the lightest shoes available, giving players an edge in a sport where every fraction of a second matters.

Key technologies include:

Pebax® Elastomer Shank: Built into the sole for lightweight torsion control, allowing the foot to twist naturally through quick pivots and direction changes without sacrificing stability during fast in-and-out footwork.

CMEVA Midsole: Optimized for court feel and responsive cushioning, giving players the ground contact and instant feedback needed to react to short balls and reset quickly between shots.

Secure Fit Upper: Lighter than most shoes on the market. Sandwich mesh upper delivers breathable airflow while engineered to contain the foot with no dead space. Superior heel containment keeps you locked in through rapid lateral shuffles and split-second recoveries.

High Traction Rubber Outsole: Non-marking, lightweight, and high traction, this rubber outsole delivers the grip needed to stop short, change direction, and explode into position for your next attack.

The Drop
The JOOLA SM4SH officially drops in the U.S. in the coming days, exclusively at JOOLA.com and JOOLA Authorized Retailers, and will be available in three colorways; white and gray, white and navy, and white and red.

About JOOLA
Founded in 1952, JOOLA is a globally recognized brand specializing in table tennis and pickleball equipment. With a commitment to innovation and quality, JOOLA continues to lead the way in racquet sports, providing athletes and enthusiasts with the tools they need to excel at every level. JOOLA's roster of world-class athletes includes Ben Johns, the world's No. 1 ranked men's pickleball player, along with Anna Bright, Federico Staksrud, Tyson McGuffin, Hugo Calderano and other top professionals. For more information, visit www.joola.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Lindsey Hartman
Head of Communications
JOOLA
Lhartman@joola.com