After a hiatus spanning two decades, AVIA is officially back. The heritage basketball brand reintroduces itself with a capsule consisting of two iconic sneakers and a 14-piece apparel collection.
AVIA is putting its focus on remaining true to its roots by reworking and updating its legacy designs. With help from an in-house archival research database, AVIA highlights the 880 and 830 silhouettes.
As a love letter from one sneakerhead to another, Drop 1 features the AVIA 880 and AVIA 830, as well as a clothing capsule engineered, refined by, and produced by Velour — a collection inspired by vintage sporting gear.
The release for the AVIA 880 and AVIA 830 is extremely limited. The AVIA 880 has 1,000 pairs, while the AVIA 830 has only 500.
AVIA has intentions to carry on this approach from one launch to another for their big return. By limiting the units produced, AVIA ensures an unrivaled level of quality and attention to detail, supported by original molds and an unaltered pioneering process.
The AVIA 830 first debuted in 1986. At the time, the silhouette merged contemporary styling with retro attributes, laying foundations made from clean panels and sharpcut edges. As worn by the likes of Boston Celtics’ Robert Parish and John Salley of the Detroit Pistons, AVIA has managed to reproduce the 830 without stepping away from its original form – utilizing high-quality leather, traditional lacing and a durable rubber outsole based on that patented Cantilever System.
In 1987, a year after the AVIA 830 debut, the AVIA 880 was laced-up and ready for action. The sneaker returns just as you remember it with a high-top structure, premium leather paneling, padded nylon tongue, and classic tags. It even arrives in an exact replica of the original box. Underfoot you’ll find a comfortable EVA and rubber construction, refined using ‘80s methods of course. As worn by Basketball Hall of Fame’s Robert Parish in the ‘88 Eastern Conference Finals, this is your chance to buy into a piece of history. AVIA’s development team is confident that this is the best version to ever launch.
The AVIA – Drop 1 is available now. The AVIA 830 is priced at $178 and the AVIA 880 is priced at $200. To purchase, visit aviaisback.com. For more sneaker news and release dates, follow @NiceKicks on Instagram.
