Payless ShoeSource plans to close all of its roughly 2,300 stores when it files for bankruptcy later this month, according to media reports.
Sources close to the matter told Reuters that Payless has been unsuccessful in finding a buyer and is preparing to run going-out-of business sales next week.
This would be Payless’s second bankruptcy filing, after emerging from an April 2017 filing about 18 months ago.
A string of bankruptcies have already claimed thousands of U.S. stores this year, including some GAP, Gymboree, Things Remembered and Crazy 8 stores. Last year some high-profile businesses like Toys “R” Us, Sears and Bon-Ton —parent of Elder-Beerman — closed thousands of stores after filing for bankruptcy.
There are Payless locations in the Dayton Mall, Mall at Fairfield Commons, Sugar Creek Plaza, Midpointe Center in Middletown, on Salem Avenue in Dayton, at Bechtle Crossing in Springfield, on Voice of America Drive in West Chester, Bridgewater Falls in Hamilton and others in the Cincinnati area.
There is also a distribution center that employs 550 people in Brookville.
Basketball players depend on their feet to jump, cut, and sprint, so it’s essential that they have the right pair of shoes. The perfect kicks should be a blend of lightweight court grip and lockdown support, so that every movement, from stops and starts to explosive leaps and bounds, feels comfortable.
Performance is important, but so are looks. Since pro basketball takes place indoors under the bright lights of NBA arenas, the court becomes a de facto fashion show, with the most visible players getting the flashiest, best performing shoes under their own lines. As one of Nike’s early ad campaigns for Michael Jordan taught us, at least part of his otherworldly game has gotta be the shoes.
For the rest of us, a hot look paired with a good fit is what counts when we hit the rec court. Men’s Health fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. and associate fitness editor Brett Williams compiled this list of the best high-flying kicks in the game right now, with the buzziest signature shoes and some low-key top performers for anyone just looking for a pair to lace up and ball.
The newest LeBron sneakers build on the eye-catching battle knit design of 2017’s LeBron 15s, once again delivering a combination of bounce and support, especially if you’re a post player. The best part: an improved traction pattern on the bottom that’ll have you feeling in control on hardwood and blacktop alike—and almost completely eliminate slipping. – Eb
Puma is back in the game after a long hiatus, but the brand has come out of the gate strong with high-profile endorsements and flashy social media campaign. All that noise would mean nothing if the shoes themselves couldn’t perform—but the second pair of kicks in the Puma Hoops line, the Uproar, live up to the hype. We got a sneak-peek before they hit the market in time for the 2019 All-Star weekend in Charlotte, and found that the super-light sneakers provide a lockdown fit, with just enough cushion to keep the feet comfortable on the hardwood. -Brett
The 33rd edition of His Airness’ kicks do away with the most basic thing on your kicks: Laces. Their replacement: A FastFit cable solution that has you simply pulling hard to secure. And yes, it works, solidly locking down your entire foot, and even securing your heel. The result: A durable, light shoe that’ll have you comfortably changing direction on the court. -Eb
Low-top lovers will find their on-court match with the third iteration of reigning NBA MVP James Harden’s signature adidas line. The kicks feature the same Boost foam that runners depend on for major energy return, so prep for big bounce, while the lockdown strap over the forefoot keeps you dialed in. -Brett
Paul George’s signature shoe is all about freedom. The PG3s feel light and unrestrictive, letting you elevate with ease, but still offering cushioning on landings and enough ankle support to make you feel comfortable changing direction. A grippy sole completes an underrated package that won’t shatter your wallet, either. -Eb
Top-notch performance is implied in the Marquee Boost’s name—and a midsole filled with adidas’ most popular cushioning material makes it clear this shoe is no slouch. Added ankle support gives those wary of a low-cut basketball shoe some extra comfort, too. -Brett
UnderArmour updates one of its best shoe designs with the new Spawns, super-breathable kicks that offer a tight fit and surprising flexibility in the forefoot—the kind of flexibility that players who cut and change direction often will love. -Eb
If you’re not looking to drop triple digits on a pair of shoes for your weekend rec league, these mids from Nike fit the bill. You’ll still get a flashy Max Air unit in the sole and a dynamic lacing system without the extra bling from the association with a big-name endorser. -Brett
This pair of mids from Under Armour offers performance in a no-frills package for a low cost. Extra padding around the tongue and ankle collar makes the fit more comfortable, and built-in ankle support can help to keep even the clumsiest post players from rolling their ankles. -Brett
These mids from Jordan might be one of the brand’s more low-key offerings, but that doesn’t mean the shoe won’t perform on the court. The Lift Off clearly takes design cues from the Jordan VI, a classic from the Jumpman’s Chicago Bulls days—you just won’t need to wait for a hyped retro release or pay top dollar to play like Mike in the shoes today. -Brett
BRETT WILLIAMSBrett Williams is an Associate Fitness Editor at Men’s Health.
EBENEZER SAMUEL, C.S.C.S.Ebenzer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men’s Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience.
Kourtney Kardashian talks advocating for safe cosmetics
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Grammys red carpet roundup: See the boldest looks of the night
TODAY
By Emily Sher
When it comes to having fun at an awards show, the Grammys win every time. Besides the music performances, the wild, wacky looks on the red carpet make the night a fashion extravaganza.
Whether they were playing with volume, using every color of the rainbow or making a political statement, these are the most-talked-about looks from the Grammys red carpet.
The Grammy-nominated artist went for a psychedelic look in an illustrated dress and floor-length, rainbow-colored fur coat. Now that’s one way to make an entrance.
TAYLA PARX
Neilson Barnard / Getty Images
The singer-songwriter, who is credited as a co-writer on hits like Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next,” wasn’t afraid to pair a textured pink dress and coat with colorful sneakers. That seems like a smart (and comfortable!) move.
JENNIFER LOPEZ AND ALEX RODRIGUEZ
Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images
J.Lo and A-Rod are always dressed to impressed, and the superstar couple were clearly into the fun-loving theme of the night. Lopez topped off her jewel-encrusted column dress with a dramatic, wide-brimmed hat, while Rodriguez chose a blazer with a particularly eye-catching pattern.
JOY VILLA
Jordan Strauss / AP
The singer-songwriter has used fashion to express her political views in the past — and this year’s Grammys were no different. She even wore barbed wire across her shoulders.
RICKY REBEL
Jordan Strauss / AP
Villa wasn’t the only expressive Trump fan at the awards show. Singer-songwriter Ricky Rebel wore his support around his shoulders with a “Make America Great Again” jacket.
ANDREA ECHEVERRI
Jordan Strauss / AP
They say dress for the job you want … but does that include dressing for the award you want? Colombian rock star Andrea Echeverri seems to think so.
KATY PERRY
Lucy Nicholson / Reuters
The pop star’s structured gown got plenty of comparisons on social media — from Barbie cakes to jellyfish — but we couldn’t help but think of cotton candy.
Luckily, Perry has a great sense of humor:
SHAWN EVERETT
Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images
One especially nice part of awards shows is letting the people behind the scenes have their moment in the spotlight. Shawn Everett, a music engineer and producer for bands like The War on Drugs and Alabama Shakes, went with a look that looks like a football player in “The Matrix.”
KYLIE JENNER
Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images
Decked out in a light-pink shade sometimes referred to as “millennial pink,” Kylie Jenner went with a funky look while supporting Travis Scott (father to her 1-year-old daughter, Stormi Webster).
SAINT HEART
Valerie Macon / AFP – Getty Images
Pop star Saint Heart went with a butterfly theme that certainly caught our attention. The fun pop of color was an automatic red-carpet winner.
LEON BRIDGES
Neilson Barnard / Getty Images
The singer-songwriter, who’s best known for his hit “Coming Home,” had a personalized look with patches including his own name, the Ford logo, the state of Texas and a tiger.
HENNESSY CAROLINA
Jordan Strauss / AP
It should come as no surprise that Cardi B’s younger sister shares the fashionable gene. This barely there minidress has voluminous sleeves other dresses can only dream of.
POST MALONE
Valerie Macon / AFP – Getty Images
Is anyone else sensing a pink theme? The rapper and producer took this Western-inspired outfit to the next level with a pale-pink color and silver studs.
FANTASIA BARRINO
Valerie Macon / AFP – Getty Images
“American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino went with a yin-yang theme in this half-gloved, black-and-white look.
Whether you’re set for a romantic date night, dinner with your pals, or a cozy evening in, the most romantic day of the year calls for something special in the outfit department. From sleek silhouettes to sultry pink minis, these Valentine’s Day-approved dresses have won our hearts.
