Avia athletic footwear

Avia is a well-known American footwear and clothing brand that specializes in running, yoga, and lifestyle activewear. Founded in 1979 in Oregon by Jerry Stubblefield, the brand rose to prominence in the 1980s for its innovative performance technologies, such as the 'Cantilever' heel design which provided superior stability and shock absorption.

Over the decades, the brand's ownership has transitioned through several major corporations. It was famously acquired by Reebok in 1987 and later sold to the American Recreation Company. Today, the brand is owned by the brand management firm Sequential Brands Group, which oversees its global positioning and licensing. Manufacturing is primarily outsourced to major footwear hubs in Southeast Asia, particularly China and Vietnam, to supply its international retail network.