The many lives of Skechers

Breaking news from Teen Hollywood - Ashlee Simpson wears Skechers. "My feet really take a pounding every time I perform in the show," she said, referring to her role in "Chicago," "so it's a relief to get into my comfortable sneakers at the end of the night." There's also this from the China Daily: "I look forward to representing Skechers clothing line; I also hope to add a few more pairs to my wardrobe." It's precisely the kind of celebrity endorsing that Skechers has lived and died on over the years - and these days, the company is living large.

Shares in the Manahattan Beach-based company reached a five-year high after the release of third-quarter earnings that were above Wall Street expectations. The company also raised its fourth-quarter and full-year forecasts. On a conference call, Chief Operating Officer David Weinberg cited advertising and marketing efforts in the second and third quarters. Weinberg noted that the company was surprised by the strength from shipping demand and incoming orders for September and October - normally not steller months.