I am really impressed with this shoe! I guess I should start by saying that like most people I'm a little nervous when it comes to change, especially when it comes to equipment or gear, but Avia made a great shoe with the Avia-Bolt II (and it's on sale!!). It fits like a glove and offers the right amount of cushion, breathe-ability, and performance that athletes expect from their shoes. The shoes are exceptionally light at 8.5oz and for a guy just under 6 foot weighing 175lbs, a traditional "race flat" doesn't always offer the padding I need for long course racing and my joints can really feel it. The air mesh upper allows for your feet to stay cool when pounding the pavement hard. This feature also allows for some of the weight that would normally be on the top of the shoe to be in the sole and cushioning.
Avia uses a guidance scale which takes into account arch type and pronation. Click here to learn more about this scale. These shoes are a "1" on the Avia Degree of Guidance.
Avia uses a guidance scale which takes into account arch type and pronation. Click here to learn more about this scale. These shoes are a "1" on the Avia Degree of Guidance.
The black material has some shine to it which looks super awesome while you run, and is reflective in low-light conditions.
The shoe offers Avi-Grip heel and tongue, which at first I thought might rub, but because of the fantastic liner, there are no issues. This grip will allow for smooth and fast transitions during T2!
The shoes come with a locking lace system for added transition speed, and during my runs, I have had no issues of the lock slipping. The heal also has AVIA's Cantilever® System, which according to Avia's website, "centers the heel over a concave sole. The concave sole acts like a trampoline to soften impact, stabilize the heel and provide increased energy return. KEY BENEFITS : BASIS OF ALL AVIA TECHNOLOGY/STABILITY/ SHOCK ABSORPTION" I don't really know what all of that means, but it sure made for a great ride at tempo and speed efforts!
The Avia Avi-Bolt II really is a great addition to the arsenal for both racing and those tempo/speed training days. (Yes, I'm wearing my "Powered by Burritos" socks :0 ) There are limited quantities of these left, and Avia just released the newest member of the Bolt family, the Avi-Bolt III. 
I haven't had the opportunity to test these yet, but from what I've heard they are even better--(which I find hard to believe).
Nice review...I really do enjoy my Avia Bolt II's and can't wait to check out the III's!
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I received the III's and love them!
ReplyDeleteLove the socks too! :)
If those socks don't keep the other racers away then nothing will (-:
ReplyDeleteBeen using the Avia Lite III's and they are a perfect trainer.
i was looking at them but I think they will not offer enough support for my slight over pronation, to bad, I like the light and racer look.
ReplyDelete