In 2011, Ryan Villopoto hit the motocross equivalent of a grand slam -- he won the AMA Supercross and Motocross titles, the Motocross of Nations and the Monster Energy Cup. To celebrate Villopoto's historic season, his longtime shoe sponsor Vans is debuting two new Ryan Villopoto endorsed Vans shoes, accented in Villopoto's trademark green, yellow and blue. Today, we're taking a look at the more casual of the two: the Vans Ryan Villopoto endorsed Ruark shoe.
WHAT IT IS:
The Vans Ryan Villopoto endorsed Ruark shoe features Vans' blc cupsole for decreased weight and increased flexibility. The Vanslite EVA midsole will help prevent heel bruising and improves all-day comfort, while the Vans trademark WaffleGrip outsole provides traction. A dual-layered ollie patch and double-stitched upper improve durability, while the gusseted tongue and woven labels round out the finishing touches. "Celebrating Ryan's success, each shoe is accented in Ryan's green, yellow and blue," says Vans. Vans will also offer a sturdier model dubbed the Fontana in Villopoto's signature colors, pictured below.
WHY IT RULES:
Vans has supported Ryan Villopoto since he was a 13-year-old amateur motocross rider. Now 23, Villopoto has enjoyed ten years of race success with Vans, and these two new models are a celebration of sorts for Villopoto's historic season in 2011. "Vans has proudly supported Ryan since his days as a 13-year-old amateur right up to his dominance on the professional circuits. With just two years under his belt on the big bikes, we look forward to 2012 with more wins wearing his number one jersey," says Vans. If you, like us, were glued to the television this year to track Villopoto's progress, then these new shoes are a perfect way to celebrate Villopoto's dominance in both the 2011 AMA Supercross and Motocross series.
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Both Ryan Villopoto models from Vans are available in January at authorized Vans dealers and in the Vans online store.