ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (June 3, 2008)—Next month pro skateboarder Andy Macdonald and pro surfer Anastasia Ashley will sail into Stride Rite stores nationwide as Airwalk teams up with the children’s retailer to create two collections for boys and girls inspired by the two athletes.

The Skate Lace from the Andy Mac collection

“We are extremely excited to be expanding our brand portfolio into the surf and skate lifestyle category by offering a signature line of Airwalk shoes for boys and girls inspired by world-class athletes Andy Macdonald and Anastasia Ashley, each highly regarded in the professional skate and surf world,” says Pamela Salkovitz, president of Stride Rite Children’s Group. “With this launch, we continue to expand our brand to offer fashion collections to the 7- to 10-year-old Stride Rite consumer within our Stride Rite stores.”

Each line will boast the athletes’ signatures and specific logos, as well as board-sport styling based on input from the duo. The Andy Mac collection for boys offers two styles in four colors. The Skate Lace ($30) is a low-profile lifestyle shoe available in black suede and white and navy leather. The reinforced double-stitched toe and herringbone and gum rubber outside of the black and red or brown and white Tech Skate ($40) provides added traction and comfort. All silhouettes will feature Macdonald’s signature and the Benihana logo he is known for.

“I really loved working with Stride Rite on this Airwalk collection—it allowed me to get really creative,” Macdonald says. “The end result is kids’ shoes that I would wear myself. The styling is fresh, and they have great comfort details.”

Anastasia Ashley's ballet flat

Ashley’s girls collection is comprised of three styles, all adorned with a glitzy star logo. The Skate Lace ($40) is the female version of the boy’s style in white and pink. Two vulcanized styles including a brown lace-up sneaker with pink accents ($30) and a ballet flat ($30) that comes in a brown/pink color combination or pink floral print with glitter and rhinestone embellishments, are sure to tickle her fancy.

“I was so honored to design my own shoes—my personality is really reflected in each style,” Ashley says. “I love the pink-and-brown combinations, and the silhouettes are totally laid back and all about the surf lifestyle.”

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