1981 vintage sneaker ad for the Tred 2 California Tennis Shoes

Here’s a 1981 vintage sneaker ad for the Tred2 California tennies. Tred 2 began as a brand that resoled shoes before eventually starting up their own brand. In the early 80’s they updated their logo to the arrow / chevron design and ‘Twice the shoe’ slogan in the ad below. If you want to learn more about their history you can see some other old ads Tred 2 advertisements here.

Ad info is below:

Discover The California.

New from Tred 2. Just what Californians are asking for in a tennis shoe. Cool. Clean. Comfortable. Lightweight and long-lasting. Pick up a pair at your local sporting goods or department store. You'll discover why Californians call Tred 2 "twice the shoe!'

TRED 2
TWICE THE SHOE.

Mizuno 1981 vintage sneaker ad

Here's a 1981 ad for some old school Mizuno running shoes featuring the RB midsole which supposedly had a longer life span. According to this ad "Laboratory tests show that it retains its strength and resiliency when other materials have lost theirs."

​Ad info is below:

There are two ways to pick a running shoe: With your feet, or with your head.

Your feet can tell you a lot about a running shoe. But if you're a serious runner, you need to know more. You need to know how well a shoe protects you from injury. You need to know how well it will stand up to your running program. And you need to know how it will feel once you start running in it.

That's why you also need to use your head. And that's why Mizuno has created a line of running shoes unlike any other in the world. Mizuno is one of the world's leading manufacturers of baseball, volleyball, and all-purpose athletic shoes. This experience has helped us develop uniquely durable materials and incorporate them into a new line of technologically advanced running shoes.

In the store they'll impress you. Down the road they'll amaze you. For example, only Mizuno shoes have the exclusive RB* midsole. Laboratory tests show that it retains its strength and resiliency when other materials have lost theirs. So the shock absorption you feel when you first run in a pair of Mizunos stays with you after other shoes have gone flat. Mizuno has specially designed features to protect you from injury. Like an extended medial heel counter of extra-firm leather board material. A removable conformal footbed cup insole. And a carbon black compounded rubber outsole.

In addition, an 8° last design in the sole guides your foot to its most natural position each time it lands. The result is a shoe with lightweight flexibility, exceptional fit, outstanding cushioning, and protection from the kinds of injuries that can be caused by improper shoe design. One other reason to use your head when buying running shoes is price. While Mizuno shoes are not inexpensive, they are priced to compete with shoes that we believe offer you far less. We hope we convinced you that Mizuno is an outstanding new running shoe. And if so, we hope you'll see your Mizuno dealer—and let us convince your feet.

Marketed and Distributed exclusively by Curley-Bates Co., 860 Stanton Road, Burlingante, CA 94010 • (415) 697-6420 .

*RB sole not available in beginner model MZ TR-50 

Mizuno

👟👟👟👟

The Exclusive RB Midsole 
After equal wear, cells of the RB midsole stand up far better than cells of the less expensive EVA midsoles which are used by many leading manufacturers.

The Impact Life of a Running Shoe / Impact Force Resiliency
While the average training shoe has a "prime" life of about 350 miles, you can expect that Mizuno shoes will retain their superior impact characteristics and give you many more miles of wear. Quality you would expect from Mizuno, one of the world's leading suppliers of athletic footwear

AMBI 'Stranger' vintage sneakers ad ​from 1979

Coming in hot from Arkansas in the 70s ☄️ here’s a vintage ad for the AMBI 'Stranger' sneakers that "don't stay a 'Stranger' to your feet very long." This is from way back when sneakers were still made here in the USA. I kind of love that the sneakers are floating in outer space in what looks like an old Twilight Zone episode. Also these were "Designed by a nationally known Coach of World-Class' Athletes."

​Ad info is below:

WHY RUN AROUND WITH A STRANGER? 

:..Because if that stranger is AMBI.-you will soon be the best of friends. And. like a good friend. AMBI will treat.you right! -.Designed by a nationally known Coach of World-Class' Athletes and rnade right here in the U.S.A., the AMBI line of running and training shoes provides the ultimate in comfort and long-lasting good looks. All the way from our tough yet highly cushioned soles with reinforced arch:to the super-soft padded tongue..AMBI is'styled to take mile upon mile of pavement pounding —yet still comeback for more! Each feature of the shoe is carefully hand-crafted to enhance the natural movement of the foot, not restrict it. Since there is virtually no break-in period necessary, we don't stay a 'Stranger' to your feet very long. . But, we could talk all day. about the 'Stranger' in town! Instead.. drop by your local dealer and have him introduce you to – AMBI...you'll soon be good friends!

(By the way: if you can't find AMBI products locally. drop us a note and we'll get all the particulars to you.) 

Made in U.S.A. 

P.O. Box 249 / Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401

AAU LW-3103 ​vintage sneaker ad from 1981

Here’s a vintage 1981 ad for the AAU LW-3103 upside down swoosh running shoes featuring Frank Giannino. Frank held a 36 year long Guinness World Record for the fastest run across America, 3,067 miles in 46 days, 8 hours, and 36 minutes. The record was beaten in 2016 by Pete Kostelnick who completed the trek in 42 days, 6 hours, and 30 minutes. This original vintage AAU upside down swoosh sneaker print ad is available at our web store Rewind Running.

Ad info is below:

AAU SHOES 

BREAK THE COAST TO COAST RECORD. 

The coast to coast run. The ultimate test of performance for a man and his shoes. One man and one brand of shoes did it. Frank Giannino in AAU LW-3103 took on America's toughest terrain and beat it. Smashing the transcontinental running record. 3,103 miles. In 46 days, 8 hours, 36 minutes. And now that the new record is set, Giannino sets the record straight about his choice of AAU Shoes: "The shoe offers excellent rear foot impact, minimizing the shock on the back of the legs and the lower back. It represents super craftsman-ship in design and manufacturing. And it outlasts the average running shoe... and the price is right:' 

Surprisingly priced to retail under $25. At the best of stores everywhere. 

THE FOOTWEAR OF CHAMPIONS 

DISTRIBUTED BY INTERMARK SHOE COMPANY
A Division of International Seaway Trading Corp.
1382 W. 9th St. • Cleveland, Ohio 44113 • (216) 696-7800

PONY Targa Flex and Shadow vintage sneaker ad

Closing out track coach ad week with one more from PONY and Jim Bush of UCLA. This ad is a from a few years later, in 1981, for the PONY Targa Flex, Lady Targa Flex and Shadow.

​Ad info is below:

RUNNING COMMENTARY.

FIRST IN A SERIES.

A COACH'S GUIDE TO BASIC

TRAINING TIPS FROM JIM BUSH

JIM BUSH
Head Coach—UCLA
Winningest track coach in the US; Head Pan Am Coach in 1979; Twice voted Coach of the Year; Member of the Olympic Development and International Committees; Coach of many Olympic and National Champions and world record holders; Member of the Pony Advisory Board.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

RW5-STAR
Runner’s World Magazine

THE TARGA FLEX 👟

THE LADY'S TARGA FLEX 👟

THE SHADOW 👟

1. Warm up. Before you start any workout get your body loose and get your pulse up. Remember the key areas to stretch are your lower legs, the calf muscles and Achilles tendons. Warm down. Don't just stop after a long run. . . Jog, then walk until your heartbeat is back to normal. Warming down is important because it helps get rid of the lactic acid that can cause discomfort after heavy exercise.

2. Get on a 7 day program. Be consistent in your workout. Set up a 7 day program and stick to it. I recommend alternating hard days and easy days. On hard days run a shorter distance at a faster than race pace. On easy days run a longer distance at a slower than race pace. For variety add some interval training to your schedule. Keep a training log of your daily workout.

3. Set a realistic goal. Don't try to run too fast a pace too soon. Make sure you're in the proper physical shape to reach your objectives. And look for gradual improvements instead of dramatic breakthroughs. Remember, when you achieve your goal set another. . . but make sure it's within reach.

4. A race is won in training which is why I recommend training in Pony. Pony's new 5-star running shoes are designed to give you plenty of toe room, excellent arch support and excellent heel support. They absorb a tremendous amount of shock and generally can help keep you and your feet in peak condition. In my opinion, they're the best. Which is why I recommend Pony. And why I train in Pony.

PONY SPORTS & LEISURE, INC. 251 Park Avenue South, New York, N. Y.10010

PONY 80s vintage sneaker ad featuring "The Shadow" and "Targa Flex" ​

Here's a 1981 PONY vintage sneaker advertisement featuring "The Shadow" and "Targa Flex."

Ad info is below:

PONY

THE BIG WINNER IN THE STAR WARS

RW5-STAR 

Runner's World Magazine

👟 THE SHADOW

👟 The RW 5-STAR/Highly Recommended TARGA FLEX is now available in Lady's sizes. 

Highly recommended

RW5-STAR 

Runner's World Magazine 

👟 THE TARGA FLEX. 

5 STARS OUTSIDE.

Each of these shoes has a patented super light Bar Sole designed to give you more shock absorption, more traction, a

natural flex pattern, and the added bonus of more mileage. 

5 STARS INSIDE.

Each shoe has a super light, super cushion grooved inner sole with patented energy absorption zones under the heel and along the entire length of the sole.

PONY SPORTS & LEISURE, INC.
251 Park Avenue South,
New York, N.Y. 10010.

Sears 440 vintage running shoe ad from 1981 ​

Here's a 1981 vintage sneaker ad for the Sears 440 running shoes. The 440 was likely named for the 440-yard dash which is a quarter-mile sprint race in track and field. Between these sneakers and "The Winner" II series Sears made some pretty alright sneakers back in the day.

Ad info is below:

You can count on Sears to look at a new product from every angle

"First we tested 16 top-rated running shoes—and the bare foot," says Sears buyer. Not many companies have the luxury of starting from scratch, but Sears spent nearly two years developing The 440. Here's why:

Sears knew it took more than a good factory to make a good running shoe—one that would fit comfortably and help reduce the foot, ankle, and knee problems that runners sometimes encounter.

They went to experts: Northwestern University Medical School Center for Sports Medicine. The doctors kept a sharp eye on stress points and suggested possible ways The 440 Running Shoe could aid in helping to prevent the problems that plague runners. The buyers and Sears own lab worked closely with these nationally-known orthopedic surgeons and the manufacturer. Prototype after prototype was discarded as not good enough.

Not good enough because Sears wanted more than a shoe that would fit comfortably and minimize problems—they also wanted one that would look attractive, wear well, and sell at a fair price. They got one. The 440 Running Shoe pleased all concerned with its innovative features.

Finding a better way of doing things is virtually a policy at Sears. Each year, Sears lab tests over ten thousand products and, along with the buyers, keeps up a running dialogue with manufacturers with this aim: How can we make it better? But there is one thing Sears hasn't had to improve on in over half a century. Its famous promise: Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back

Sears
Sean Roebuck and Co. 1981

The quest for the ideal running shoe led to critical considerations like these:
1. Superb flexibility 2. Removable insole 3. Molded back part to cup heel and aid stability 4. Shoe base that absorbs shock 5. Roomy toe area to avoid discomfort.

Avia 1981 "New Wave" vintage sneaker ad

Avia "New Wave" 1981 vintage running shoe ad. Avia is another sneaker brand that was founded in Oregon in 1979. Avia's claim to fame is the canitlevered sole technology which is prominently featured in this ad and uses cushion to add stability and reduce shock. This original vintage Avia sneaker print ad is available at our web store RewindRunning.com.

Ad info is below:

AVIA. NEW WAVE IN RUNNING SHOES.

We are not conventional. We are AVIA. We are bio-mechanical, We are the cantilevered sole. Kinetic stability, We are the future.

We are the sole that increases stability. Reduces shock. Minimizes ankle pronation. 

We are the inventors of the cantilever design, Proven to deflect shock out, away from your foot— not up your leg. We are crafted with the finest materials. To suit the finest design.

We are AVIA. The new wave in running shoes. 

AVIA
For more information, write AVIA
Innovative by Design 7080 S.W. Fir Loop-Tigard, OR 97223

Vintage 1981 Jordache runner sneaker print ad

Here’s a vintage 1981 sneaker ad for Jordache featuring marathon runner Tom Fleming.

GO THE DISTANCE WITH… THE JORDACHE LOOK

Tom Fleming,
Professional Marathon Runner

🐎

JORDACHE
ATHLETIC WEAR LTD.
Showroom:
498 7th Ave., N.Y.C. 10018
212-239-1414

Jox by Thom McAn 1981 vintage sneaker ad

Here’s a 1981 vintage sneaker ad for Jox by Thom McAn.

Three reasons a serious runner should take Jox seriously.

1 JOX ROAD HANDLER

Rated among the world's high quality running shoes, Road Handlers® have a "frelonic" compression insole. It molds to and holds the shape of your foot to give you the comfort and support of a custom fit. Plus, there's a layer of impregnated felt material for added shock absorption and insulation. Men's Road Handler, only $34.99. Women's Road Handler, only $32.99.

2 JOX JAGUAR

The ideal training flat for long-distance road work.The sole is made from Goodyear's Indy 500 rubber-compound—so durable it's been given one of the highest abrasion-level ratings by the International Board of Standards. And for maximum performance, Jox designed a unique wave-patterned sole to give you maximum flexibility. Men's and Women's Jaguar®, only$34.99.

3 JOX HP/3

This is an extra-light training shoe with excellent comfort and support. Jox designed the sure-footed HP/3 to weigh only 10 ounces (men's size 10). So if a lighter shoe is important to the way you run, take a serious look at Jox HP/3. Men's HP/3* only $34.99.

Thom McAn

Jox

Prices slightly higher in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. *Not available in all Thom McAn stores.