Avia (shoes)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Avia [1] is an American shoe company founded by American entrepreneur Jerry Stubblefield in Oregon, in 1979.^{[citation needed]} Stubblefield reportedly came up with the word "avia" (derived from the Latin term meaning "to fly") while on a jet flight, and decided to use it as a brand name for a sports shoe to suggest aviation.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] History

Jerry Stubblefield and his son Don Stubblefield, an engineering graduate from Stanford, developed shoe designs that revolutionized athletic footwear.^{[citation needed]} The father-and-son tandem created designs such as the widely-imitated cantilever sole,^{[citation needed]} which helped make Avia an industry leader. In 1987, Avia was acquired by Reebok, who later sold the Avia brand to the American Sporting Goods Corporation in the mid-to-late 1990s.^[1]

Avia's present Sales Manager is former long-distance runner David Edge, who represented Canada at two consecutive Summer Olympics in the men's marathon.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Products

Avia was known as a leading brand in the 80s for its line of women's walking and aerobics shoes, as well as men's shoes. In the late 80s and early 90s, Avia had a thriving line of basketball shoes; among those who wore Avia were Scottie Pippen, John Stockton, and Clyde Drexler.^{[citation needed]} Avia shoes are well-known for their performance, durability and comfort.^{[attribution needed]}

The company is also known for some of the performance technologies built into their shoes, including the Cantilever Heel (heel support), the Anatomical Cradle (comprehensive foot cushioning and arch support), and Avia's FOM technology (shock compression).^{[citation needed]}