Ralph Libonati Company Becomes Exclusive U.S. Distributor of Bally's New Golf Shoes

Bally's Spirit of Golf(R) Developed the Line with Proprietary Technology and the Legacy of Fashion; Former Masters Champion Nick Faldo is Technical Director of the Bally Golf Team

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RUTHERFORD, N.J. (January 15, 2002) -- The Ralph Libonati Company (RLC) has been selected as the exclusive United States distributor of Bally's new golf shoe collection for men and women, it was announced today by Stephen Libonati, President and CEO of RLC. Developed and licensed for the world market by Spirit of Golf(R), the premium line of golf shoes features proprietary Bally Flexitec(TM) and Desmopan(TM) technologies, a 3-width system of insoles and fashionable, soft leather shoe uppers in solids and combinations of colors. RLC will also distribute the new Bally apparel and accessories lines designed to complement the shoes.

"Bally's rich history and world renowned reputation for quality in fashion footwear, leather goods and clothing are tremendous assets that apply to this new line of golf shoes we're providing for the U.S. market," Libonati said. Several high-end specialty shops and high-profile golf and country clubs are already repeat customers, Libonati added.

Winner of six major professional golf championships, including the Masters Tournament, Nick Faldo has an exclusive 10-year partnership with Bally Golf as Technical Director, where he consults on research and development of new golfing products. Faldo is also helping to design golf apparel and accessories to become part of The Faldo Collection. In addition, Faldo will participate in RLC promotion and marketing activities.

On the technology side, the patented wave-contoured Bally Flexitec(TM) spring steel sole ensures that the foot is always supported in the anatomically correct position, distributing pressure equally over the entire surface of the tread. In particular, the lateral reinforcement provides stability and eases strain on the arch.

The three interchangeable insoles for each shoe are tailored to the shape of the wearer's foot according to width, allowing for correction of any differences between the right and the left foot. The two layers of each insole absorb moisture and in combinations with the breathable and waterproof uppers provide a completely dry environment for the feet.

The thin outsole of Desmopan(TM) provides a stable base to help in the transfer of power as the golfer shifts weight during the swing on a slope or flat surface. Stability is important in all aspects of the golf swing. Desmopan(TM) has the Bayer seal of quality with a very high resistance to abrasion contributing to a long-lasting golf shoe as well as being sensitive to the clubhouse floor. In addition the Nops and Freetime outsoles (cleats) are made of Desmopan(TM) and provide a tread stable in all directions.

Patricia Dixon, owner of Empowered Women's Golf, a specialty golf shop for women based in Dallas, TX, said, "When our customers hear that we carry Bally golf shoes, they come in to see what Bally has to offer, and that creates traffic in our store."

Similarly, Barbara Drews, buyer for The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, CA, said, "The style and fit system of Bally golf shoes has made our job much easier to sell golf shoes. Our members get a custom fit without the wait."

About The Ralph Libonati Company

For 35 years, The Ralph Libonati Company has been a pioneer distributor and marketer of footwear brands in the United States. Founder Ralph Libonati introduced and marketed the Adidas brand in the U.S., which sparked the growth of what became a multibillion-dollar athletic shoe business in this country. RLC also markets and sells Power Athletic Shoes (from BATA) and is a significant presence in Cheerleading and Skateboarding footwear.

keywords: Ralph Libonati Company, RLC, Bally, Stephen Libonati, Spirit of Golf, Bally Flexitec, Desmopan, Patricia Dixon, Barbara Drews