Company briefs

? Skechers' 4 Wheelers (shown above left) puts a new spin on its classic jogger. The skates feature polyurethane wheels, double-action aluminum trucks, sealed bearings and rubber toe stops and heel brakes. (SRP $110.)



? Simple (a division of Deckers Outdoor) will launch its Stream of Consciousness University Outreach Tour, a grassroots marketing campaign, in Spring '02. The company will select seven universities to participate, electing five student ambassadors from each school to help build the marketing campaign from the ground up. Geared at supporting the arts and empowering America's youth, the initiative will search for artistic and expressive students (such as artists, musicians, writers and photographers), who will get to showcase their work in a series of Simple-sponsored campus symposiums. Featured artists will receive scholarships and will be the focal point of the ad campaign.



? New Balance has created a new division, Aravon, to specialize in orthopedic shoes. Distribution is targeted to highly specialized shoe stores that work in partnership with podiatrists, and delivery is slated for Spring '02.



? Oakley is launching a golf footwear line this Fall, which includes mid-cut and slip-on models to retail for $150 to $175.