The Avia Avi-Bolt is an incredibly simple shoe in today’s saturated market of running shoes. With manufacturers making so many different specialist shoes such as Stability Shoes, Motion Control Shoes, Cushioned Shoes, Lightweight Shoes and Trail Shoes, not to mention shoes especially for walking, etc. it is good to finally have a shoe that is lightweight, simple and can potentially be used as a multi-purpose shoe.

The Avi-Bolt would be classified as a cushioned shoe as it has very little structural support or any medial posts to prevent rotation in the foot. It is therefore an ideal shoe for athletes with an underpronating or supinating gait. As far as Triathletes are concerned the Avi-Bolt’s worked well for me both socked and sockless as the engineered microfiber mesh has no uncomfortable joins or hard stitching inside. The newer version the Avi-Bolt II’s (shown below) include a fixed tongue and high heel-grip for the greatest ease in transitions, not to mention snazzy colors!

For sprinting the Avi-Bolt is an ideal shoe. The shoes allowed for plenty of grip with its combination of hard rubber grip (Dura-Stryk™) as well as its softer Dura-Ryd™ layer. This softer layer in the shoe allows for full conformity to the ground and your foot’s natural movement leading to a great feel for the road or whatever surface you may be on. If you are a runner with a mid- to forefoot strike these shoes will serve you well as the Dura-Ryd™ absorbs just enough shock. However, I will say that this grip failed slightly on wetter pavement and grass. Using the standard laces the shoe sits very snuggly and the mesh upper layer provides a seamless and comfortable fit. This coupled with the shoe’s soft + hard sole combination makes it feel like a simple extension to your feet.

I tested the shoe over longer distances as well – between 10-15 km and the shoe performed much better than expected. With similar shoes leaving your feet achy and sore these Avia’s were really a breath of fresh air. Again with the laces snuggly tied the shoes seemed to disappear beneath you – for those needing an ultra tight fit the shoes include an extra lace loop (the “R-Loop) extremely close to your ankle. For those with more of a heel strike these shoes will perform well also thanks to Avia’s unique Cantilever arch system in the mid-sole and the soft Dura-Ryd™. As mentioned before though this shoe is more of a cushioned shoe and those looking for more stability should go for the Avia Avi-Lite – a super light motion control shoe.

Here’s what teamTBB had to say in their review of the Avi-Bolt II:

‘I love the way they caress my sockless foot, they are the comfiest race shoe I have ever worn and I appreciate the flashy colours too, especially the pink laces – nice touch Avia!’ Abi Bayley
‘More support and more cushioning while still having the feel of a fast, light race shoe…’ Tereza Macel
‘I do all my running in them, and am injury free for the first time in 6 years’ Zach Ruble
‘Performance of a race shoe, looks and comfort of a casual shoe!!’ Cameron Watt
‘This are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn in a triathlon. Easy to put on t2 and no sox needed.’ Manny Huerta

To Sum Everything Up:

Cushioning

The overall cushioning of the shoe was very good thanks to the Dura-Ryd™ both in the heel and the forefoot. Whether you are a heel-striker or mid/toe-striker this shoe will cushion you well.

Pronation Control

As mentioned before the shoe is more of a cushioned shoe and does not particularly resist over-pronation. If you have an over-pronating gait you might do better with more structural resistance to over-pronation.

Responsiveness

As far as the transition of my foot through landing to takeoff, I found it very smooth and quick. Although the Dura-Ryd™ systems absorb shock, it does not completely feel like running on a cloud or trampoline where you just get nowhere!

Overall Grading

I couldn’t find anything wrong with these shoes or anything I would change about them. I give them a 10/10 and you’d have to catch me first if you want to get them off me!

To Purchase

The Avia Avi-Bolt is available at The Bike Boutique Stores as well as online:
AVIA Men’s AVI-Bolt Performance Running Shoe

AVIA Women’s AVI-Bolt Performance Running Shoe