AVIA Designs New Racing Shoes Co-Created By Conrad Stoltz

Three-time Xterra World Champion Melanie McQuaid joins team.

AVIA, the leader in endurance sports racing footwear, is proud to introduce two new performance racing shoes as part of its 2009 collection, the AVI-STOLTZ and AVI-BOLT II, co-developed and tested by three-time XTERRA World Champion Conrad Stoltz.  Also new for 2009, AVIA welcomes three-time XTERRA World Champion Melanie McQuaid to its team.

The launch of the new AVI-STOLTZ is the first-ever XTERRA specific racing shoe in the AVIA collection.  The non-traditional trail running shoe can handle all the rigors of off-road racing, is triathlon friendly and race ready.  The AVI-STOLTZ features ESS-ROCKSTEADY PLATE technology which provides flexibility while preventing injury from uneven surfaces, an aggressive outsole and traction design for efficient sand running, and superior stability, cushioning and shock absorption.  The one-of-a-kind shoe also boasts a gusseted tongue and breathable air mesh upper with protective monofilament top layer to keep the grit out while stretch tabs expedite foot entry.

Another fresh addition for 2009 is the AVI-BOLT II.  This high-performance racing flat, also co-developed by Stoltz, comes equipped with a lightweight air mesh upper and compression molded lightweight EVA midsole.  AVIA’s CANTILEVER technology in the heel works to soften impact, stabilize the heel and provide increased energy return.  Additionally, DURA-RYD in the heel strike area provides superior cushioning while DURA-STRYK high-abrasion carbon rubber increases outsole durability. The AVI-GRIP quick entry system helps expedite foot entry while a speed lacing design allows for faster transitions. 

Both the AVI-STOLTZ and AVI-BOLT II will be available for men and women beginning April 2009 with a retail price of $110 and $100 respectively.

Also new in 2009, the world’s first three-time XTERRA World Champion, Melanie McQuaid, joins AVIA’s team as of Jan. 1. In addition to her impressive XTERRA World Championship wins, McQuaid’s career highlights include three silver medal placements at the XTERRA World Championships, five Canadian XTERRA/National Off-road Triathlon victories and two XTERRA USA Championships. A Canadian native, McQuaid will compete in the new XTERRA-inspired footwear and race in a custom MelRad Racing team uniform.  MelRad Racing is a new alliance team between Stoltz and McQuaid consisting of 20 hand-selected top triathlete age groupers to race under the MelRad Racing uniform starting with the 2009 season. 

“The AVI-STOLTZ and AVI-BOLT II are hands down the best triathlon racing shoes on the planet,” stated Ed Goldman, Vice President of Marketing for AVIA.  “And in 2009, we will have the two most successful XTERRA triathletes in the world competing as part of our team.  The addition of Melanie to our family is a fantastic way to celebrate our 30th anniversary.” 

For more information on McQuaid or to check out AVIA’s entire team of professional triathletes including Kenny Souza, Scott Tinley, Conrad Stoltz, Eduardo Sturla, Heather Wurtele, Trevor Wurtele, Amanda Felder, Angela Naeth, Alexis Smith, Steven Sexton, Nicholas Thompson, Pip Taylor, Saul Raisin and Alessandro Alessandri please visit www.avia.com.