Ryka Taps Astronaut Kellie Gerardi for New Podflow Sneaker Campaign in Honor of International Women’s Day
Stephen Garner
Senior Editor
Made-for-women sneaker brand Ryka is teaming up with American astronaut Kellie Gerardi on a new campaign.
According to the Caleres-owned footwear brand, the brand tapped Gerardi to help highlight its newest Podflow sneaker collection just in time for International Women’s Day on Saturday.
Ashley Stark, director of product and materials at Ryka, described the new Podflow collection as one that was unique to develop. “We created a series of independent support pods along the perimeter allowing for more articulation, cushioning, and stability,” Stark told FN. “Each pod is strategically positioned to provide the support needed for each portion of a woman’s stride when walking, making for a plush and stable feel. The uppers compliment the bottom by infusing geometric shapes, material layering and texture zones.”
For Gerardi, who is currently training for her upcoming space mission in 2026, the partnership with Ryka was a “natural fit” as she already owns the brand’s shoes.
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“Being able to partner with a brand that is also excited about futuristic designs and function is something that really spoke to me,” Gerardi said. “I care a lot about when a design, function and style come together without compromising on comfort. So having those 3 covered is like the trifecta of what I’m looking for in a shoe.”
Gerardi is also excited that her campaign is coinciding with International Women’s Day. “I’m so inspired by the women who came before me when I flew to space,” the astronaut said. “I was only the 90th woman in history to fly. My mom was at my space flight, and I think a lot about the fact that when she was growing up, women didn’t have the same opportunities to fly to space in the United States.”
As for Chelsea Aaberg, senior director of sales at Ryka, she dubbed Gerardi the “perfect partner” for the brand.
“As we step into the future of made for women fit and innovation, we’re excited to celebrate with American astronaut Kellie Gerardi,” Aaberg noted. “Kellie is the perfect partner for us as we infuse cutting-edge technology made specifically for women into our sneakers, empowering women to reach new goals and move smarter, stronger, and more confidently every day.”
