Dr. Scholl’s is stepping onto centre court this summer, unveiling its first ambassador team the Dr. Scholl’s Squad led by Australian tennis great Lleyton Hewitt and Grand Slam champion Matt Ebden.
The initiative aims to spotlight the often-overlooked role of foot health in athletic performance and everyday movement.
Announced today, the squad brings together a mix of elite and emerging Australian tennis talent, including Aleks Vukic, Newcombe Medal 2025 nominees Adam Walton and Kimberly Birrell, and leading sports podiatrist Emma Poynton.
Why foot health takes centre court
While tennis is celebrated for power, speed and agility, the physical load on an athlete’s feet is substantial.
A single match can demand thousands of steps per set, often totalling up to five kilometres, putting significant pressure on the lower body long before the first match point.
Despite this, foot health remains one of the least talked-about aspects of the sport.
New national research from Dr Scholl’s shows that nearly 46 per cent of Australians experience muscle fatigue in their feet and legs every day, influenced by activity levels, surfaces, footwear and overall strength.
The brand says this underscores its long-held belief: the more people move, the better they feel.
Hewitt and Ebden lead the charge
Squad captain Lleyton Hewitt said foot care has been crucial throughout his career.
“Foot care is and has always been vital for me. Movement was a major part of my game, and I needed my feet in top shape to maintain the speed and intensity I was known for.”
Vice-captain Matt Ebden said maintaining foot health has become more critical as the game evolves.
“The game has evolved a lot over the course of my career, so keeping my feet strong and healthy has always been of extreme importance to be able to adapt to the game’s rising speed and intensity.”
Sports podiatrist Emma Poynton said foot health plays a central role in performance, endurance and injury prevention.
“Athletes’ feet are foundational to explosive movement, endurance and injury prevention. Effective pressure support under the foot, along with the right cushioning and shock absorption, can make a measurable difference to performance,” she said.
She noted that products like Dr Scholl’s 24-Hour Energy insole can reduce overall foot pressure by distributing weight evenly through enhanced arch support, contouring and targeted cushioning.
The Dr Scholl’s Squad will play a visible role throughout the tennis season, engaging with fans, athletes and grassroots players to elevate awareness of foot support and mobility both on and off the court.
Dr Scholl’s says the initiative is designed to start a broader national conversation about movement, health and performance, positioning foot care as essential rather than an afterthought.