Avia (shoes)

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

[edit] References