Avia hasn’t been in performance basketball in a while, but it is tapping into the “creative game.”
For Avia Legacy‘s first sneaker collaboration, the American footwear label linked with Leader Quality on a limited version of its Avia 885 – a sneaker that was popularized in the ’80s by players like Clyde Drexler, Joe Dumars, and even Scottie Pippen.
The silhouette also served as a muse for the late Virgil Abloh’s take on the Louis Vuitton trainer.
“The original slogan on the shoe was ‘For the Fast Game,’ which was a basketball logo,” Leader Quality founder Jamiersen Green said. “I flipped it and made it ‘For the Creative Game’ and put our logo because our brand is made for creators and inspired by creative people.”
The upcoming release marks the first sneaker project for Leader Quality, which was founded in 2019. The independent brand started by releasing pins and then evolved into making apparel and even community projects in Green’s hometown of Flint, Michigan.
The debut sneaker, dubbed the Leader Quality x Avia LDR 855, stays true to the original full-grain, tumbled leather uppers, but with some modern updates. A breathable mesh lining, EVA midsoles for all-day comfort, and durable Cantilever cupsoles for flexible traction and stability have been added. In terms of colorway, Leader Quality injects its own company colors into the 855 with flame orange, evergreen, tan, and white.
“I wanted to keep it in its truest form and add some little flare, like a creative uniform on the basketball team,” Green said. “When you’re on the team, everybody goes and gets this shoe that everybody wears. So I was like, how can I create something that’s true to what we stand for, but also states the heritage of Avia, which is basketball, culture and lifestyle.”
The Leader Quality x Avia “LDR 855” will be released on November 1 at 10 am EST for $130.
Along with the sneaker, a range of matching apparel and accessory items, ranging from a workwear jacket, hoodies, long sleeve T-shirts and a mug will also be available. The Leader Quality x Avia Legacy ‘‘For The Creative Game” collection will be available in New York City at a Pop-Up at Extra Butter LES on October 28. Early Access to Leader Quality Newsletter Subscribers on October 30, and online worldwide on November 1st at 10 am, 2023. Head to leaderqlty.com for more details.
Keep it locked to our Sneaker Release Dates Calendar for updates.
Leader Quality x Avia “LDR 855” ‘For the Creative Game’
Colorway: White/Sail/Flame Orange/Evergreen
Style #: AA50179M
Release Date: October 28, 2023 via Pop-up; November 1, 2023 (worldwide)
Price: $130
Leader Quality x Avia “LDR 855” ‘For the Creative Game’/Avia
