Sperry Top-Sider(R), the global nautical lifestyle brand dedicated to people with a "Passion for the Sea," announced today the launch of the ASV Solution, a patent-pending Anti Shock & Vibration footwear technology specifically designed to reduce -- by up to 40 percent -- the stress to the body that boaters and anglers experience from wave pounding and engine vibration when power boating.

The new ASV Solution shoes, available now at marine and other specialty retailers for both men ($140 a pair) and women ($130 a pair), specifically address the significant challenge facing boaters and anglers -- stress to the feet, legs and back caused by constant wave pounding and engine vibration. To date, many power boaters and anglers have been wearing athletic/running shoes, which actually distribute the shock and vibration energy from the engine and waves in a way that exacerbates the forces and causes more body stress. Boaters reasoned that the cushioning technology used in running and other land sports would help on the water.

Sperry Top-Sider's research shows that often the athletic shoe that provides great cushioning on land can actually add to body stress at sea, making boaters more fatigued and less stable while boating and fishing. Never before has a footwear company addressed this issue by providing a footwear solution to help alleviate this problem for power boaters and anglers.

"In researching the marine marketplace, we found boaters had very specific footwear needs that have never been properly addressed," said Craig Reingold, president, Sperry Top-Sider. "Given our brand's rich heritage, performance technology focus, and dedication to those with a passion for the sea, we set out to develop footwear that dissipates and disperses the shock and vibration that boaters experience, resulting in a shoe that delivers less fatigue and lower body discomfort, and ultimately an overall better boating experience."

The ASV Solution utilizes a mid-sole that is built with a specific material with energy-dampening characteristics itself, combined with a plate and cassette system embedded into the material that absorbs and disperses the shock and vibration energy. The ASV Solution retains all of the standard Sperry Top-Sider's technologies including superior traction, stability, quick-drying materials, internal drainage and antimicrobial properties, cushioning and arch support to enhance the shoes overall performance both on and off the boat.

"For as long as I can remember, my knees, hips and back would ache after a long day of fishing on my boat," said Matt White, avid fisherman and Northeast Sales Manager of Bonnier Marine Group, which operates the largest and most diverse group of Marine-media properties in the world. "The Sperry Top-Sider team recently introduced me to the ASV shoes and after wearing the shoes for some time, I have truly experienced the benefits -- my body just does not hurt as much after a day on the boat. The shoes offer the support necessary to protect anglers and boaters from a rough day on the water and they are a necessary part of any fisherman's tackle box."

For more information on ASV and additional Sperry Top-Sider innovations and happenings, visit .

About Sperry Top-Sider

Since 1935, Sperry Top-Sider has been the leading brand of footwear for those with a Passion for the Sea. From its introduction of the world's first siped rubber outsole for non-marking traction, to advanced technical fabrication to combat the elements, Sperry Top-Sider remains the vanguard of high-performance amphibious footwear. Available through independent, marine, outdoor and department stores, Sperry Top-Sider is the official footwear of the Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regattas, Key West Race Week, the Salt Water Sportsman seminar series, US SAILING, the US Sailing Alphagraphics Team, and the National Safe Boating Council. Based in historic Lexington, Massachusetts, Sperry Top-Sider is a division of The Stride Rite Corporation, a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS).