Shoemaker and title sponsor of the Teva Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado, Teva, will introduce their first mountain bike shoe — the Links — during the 2011 event, 2-5 June.
The new shoe was designed in collaboration with professional mountain biker Jeff Lenosky, and is a purpose-built flat soled freeride shoe.
“We have supported mountain biking at the Teva Mountain Games for the past five years and the event is now recognized as one the premier freeride competitions in the country,” said Joel Heath, Teva’s global marketing director. “Jeff helped introduce freeride mountain biking to the event in its early years, so this product collaboration is an organic evolution for the brand. The Links will have outstanding traction [paired] with uncompromising water management technologies that made Teva famous.”
The Links shoe (US$100) features a sole that’s specially designed to interface with a flat pedal. The tread is made from Teva's proprietary Spider365 sticky rubber. An aggressive pattern on the toe and heel offer traction off the bike. The shoe also has flexible armor in key wear areas and uses ‘ion-mask’ technology to provide water resistance. A Shoc-Pad in the heel provides critical cushioning and the ‘Mush’ infused insole adds comfort.
The Links' Spider 365 outsole
“We have leaned on Jeff for more than product feedback, he has become an integral player in our strategic decisions,” said Heath.
“I worked with Teva’s product team for over a year to build this shoe,” said Lenosky. “I’ve been wearing them and riding in them for a few months and I’m really proud of the finished product.”
In addition to Lenosky and the Teva Mountain Games, the brand will support Cam McCaul and Kurt Sorge and the best trick contest at Whistler’s Kokanee Crankworx in 2011.
The Links will be complemented by the Pinner ($80) to complete Teva’s 2011 Mountain Bike collection. Both will be available online at www.teva.com and specialty retailers.
