Puma Lite Riders vintage sneaker ad from 1978

Here's a great old school 1970s sneaker ad for Puma Lite Riders vintage running shoes. This original vintage ad is from 1978 and is available over at our Rewind Running web shop.

Puma’s new Lite Riders. 

It's a long, uphill pull beginning at the six-mile mark. You want to flow up the grade, flatten it out, drive hard at the finish. You've trained hard. You're fit. You've done everything you can do. Now give yourself the best of it. Go for a PR in PUMA's Lite Riders, a revolutionary new racing shoe.

Built to minimize stress and the shock of impact over all distances, Lite Rider is a product of the superior technology which produced the famous Easy Rider training shoe series. Light as a feather but steel-tough to with-stand the pressure of racing, Lite Rider stresses durability, comfort and a remarkable new sole featuring shock-absorbing rows of angled cones. Footstrike brings Lite Rider's angled cones against the pavement edge first and their angles allow them to move more efficiently than thick, straight cones. A one-piece upper holds the foot comfortably and securely. A thick, tough wedge supplies extra support.

Lite Rider is a moccasin-type shoe with no hard insole. The heel is built on a track last. And a heavily reinforced toe area consists of a tough rubber lip bonded to suede leather.

Those who have worn it say it's the finest, most comfortable racing shoe they have ever tried. We're not surprised. That's the way we built it.

You'll see what we mean when you run in it. 

The Sole Secret. 
PUMA designers, searching for a more efficient method of absorbing the shock of footstrike, have created a sole featuring angled rows of small rubber cones. Angling allows impact to be softened by the sharp edges of the cones. In addition, the angle creates extra shock-absorbing movement by the cones. The cushioning effect of more than 150 of the 1/4 inch cones under the power stress of racing provides a floating effect and unsurpassed traction. Because of more efficient shock-resisting qualities PUMA can make the Lite Rider with harder, longer-wearing rubber. The secret is in the sole. 

Lite Rider from PUMA The Great Cat Family. Meowww. 

PUMA
🐆
The Great Cat Family

Puma 1980 vintage ad featuring the Fast Rider, Lite Rider and Track Rider

Here’s a 1980 vintage sneaker ad for Puma's Fast Rider, Lite Rider and Track Rider model kicks. They're all about the 'Federbein sole' in this ad which is an inverted V-shaped pattern to cushion impact. This original vintage running shoe ad is available at our RewindRunning.com web store.

Ad info is below:

PUMA BUILDS QUALITY.

ALWAYS HAS.

ALWAYS WILL.

RW5-STAR
Runner's World Magazine

👟 Fast Rider

👟 Lite Rider

👟 Track Rider

Puma produces running shoes that are clearly superior. The sport's largest publication agrees.

"If one company can be singled out for its advances in a year, it would have to be Puma ... Puma has been doing its homework:. wrote Runner's World Magazine in its 1980 Shoe Survey issue.

Runner's World gave 5-Star Ratings to the following Puma running shoes:

Fast Rider: This new men's trainer weighs only 278.7 grams. A revolutionary development, the Federbein sole, features studs arranged in inverted "V" patterns that spread to cushion impact. It's one of the most com-fortable shoes Puma has ever produced.

Lite Rider: Built for racing, this shoe offers good impact protec-tion front and rear plus excellent sole wear. Removable and wash-able insoles form to your feet.

Track Rider: Slip-last construc-tion makes this trainer-racer fit like a glove, while micro-soft rubber midsoles and the new Federbein sole combine for an excellent ride. This shoe ranked 1st in sole wear among men's racing flats.

The rest of the shoes in Puma's new running line are crafted with the same deliberate care and workmanship because Puma builds quality—and always will. 

PUMA

Turntec 'Road Warrior Supreme' 1988 vintage sneaker ad

Here's a 1988 ad for the Turntec 'Road Warrior Supreme' model featuring the ZO system. Jerry Turner, who was president of Brooks in the 1960s and 1970s, designed these Turntec shoes. He currently now has a new line of performance running shoes he puts out under the name Turner Footwear. If you want to see a couple of older Turntec ads we posted them here and here

Ad info is below:

The ZO system

a new comfort zone

Jerry Tumer

Isn't it about time you have total comfort when you run? With my new Road Warrior Supreme—you can now run in a total integrated system— the ZO System— which works together to give you complete comfort.

THE ZO SYSTEM = ZO' Anatomical Cradle, ZO2 Silicon Gel, Air + Z03 Energy Return

First, ZO' my famous Anatomical Cradle, it is scooped out of the heel area of the midsole, so your foot rests in the midsole, not on it. The results? More stability because the Cradle keeps your foot from moving inside the shoe. Better cushioning because it concentrates your heels natural padding.

Secondly, lining the Anatomical Cradle is Z02, our advanced cushioning material which is placed right against your foot in the sockliner, where it will do the most good. Unlike Gel or Air, Z02 is not buried in the midsole, in fact it rests on Z03 our latest technical advancement.

Z03 the Energy Return System. Placed in the outersole of the Road Warrior supreme, high energy rubber inserts are placed in a com-posite module so your every step returns Kinetic Energy.

Turntec

So check check out my new Road Warrior Supreme where you buy athletic shoes and start running in total comfort.

Adidas Boston 1981 vintage sneaker ad

Here's a 1981 Adidas vintage ad for their Boston model running shoes. I think this is one of the models that Kmart Trax spent a decade trying to knock off.

​Ad info is below:

Great for the road. Even better for your wallet. 

Durable rubber outersole with diamond profile for excellent traction. Extra-comfortable pre-formed inlay sole with soft terry lining. 

Boston is the name of the new training shoe from adidas, one of the most comfortable we've ever designed — and at a very comfortable price. The Boston has been created with a newly-developed terry-covered inlay sole, tricot lining at the heel, extensive padding and a supersoft and flexible heel wedge to ensure excellent shock-absorption and comfort. So save yourself some money but don't make your feet pay the price — with the adidas Boston. 

adidas 
We've got a feeling for winning.

Turntec 1985 vintage sneaker ad

Here's a cool old Turntec ad from 1985. These running shoes were designed by Jerry Turner who designed many of Brooks most popular sneakers, including the Villanova, Vantage and the Hugger.

​Ad info is below:

"My new shoes don't conform to all the old shoe ideas. Just to your feet." Jerry Turner 

"Over the years, I've probably designed more 5-Star running shoes than anyone. Including the Villanova, Vantage and the Hugger*. But my new Turntec shoes are by far the best. Up until now, running shoes were built on a flat form that didn't contour to the bottom of your foot. But my new Turntec anatomical design is built on a last that duplicates the shape of your foot.

Restraint without constraint. 

My Turntec design with anatomical contour cradles foot firmly to help reduce sliding. 

So when you run, a Turntec literally cradles your foot, holding it right where my cushioning and your own natural padding will

absorb the most impact. Your foot won't move around in the shoe. So shock is held to a minimum. Which translates to a lot more comfort for the rest of your body. And since there are some areas of your foot that absorb more shock than others, I've developed my special Variable Impact 

- Firmness for control. Softness for protection.

My Variable Impact Pressure Sole (VIPS) Pressure Sole (VIPS) to be firm where you need control and softer where you need protection. One thing will shock you though. How little Turntecs cost. See your local Turntec dealer or call (800) 447-1166. In Maryland, (301) 356-2300. Try on a pair of my new Turntec shoes. And let comfort conform to your feet."

Ideas that conform to your feet.

Ordinary form My new form Ordinary shoes Turntec shoes 

Heelbone under pressure

Villanova, Vantage and Hugger are registered trademarks of Wolverine World Wide. Inc.

Lynx by Foot Locker vintage sneaker ad

Here’s the second Foot Locker Lynx brand sneaker ad, the last time was an ad from 1985 when the Lynx was on the loose.

Not much to say on the sneakers above except to add a quick fact: Did you know that a Lynx is faster than a Puma but a Tiger is faster than both of them? The average top speed of a Puma is 45 kph, (28 mph) and for a Lynx it is 80 kph, (50 mph) while a tiger is 96 kph, (60 mph). 🏃‍♂️🐅​

​​Ad info is below:

THE MISSING LYNX.

Athletic shoes have gone to extremes. Either you pay dearly for a big name or you settle for second rate knockoffs. But you've wised up. You're learning that a hot label doesn't always mean a great shoe. Now you're looking for quality that translates into real value. And here's where you'll find it. Ina line of athletic shoes for adults and children. Exercise, court and running shoes that will match excellence with any top brand. Lynx builds in the best of the best features, and leaves off the un-needed frills. You'll find them at Foot Locker side by side with Nike, Reebok, Puma, Adidas and the rest. Compare them feature for feature, including the price. You'll find what's been missing. Lynx. 

Lynx

Available at Foot Locker. America's Most Complete Athletic Footwear Store.

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

adidas 1982 Oregon Bill Dellinger vintage sneaker ad

Here's another track coach ad, this time Bill Dellinger of the University of Oregon in 1982. Bill Dellinger replaced Bill Bowerman after he retired as coach of the Ducks track team in the 70s. In this ad he is endorsing the adidas Oregon, Atlanta and Lady Oregon shoes.

Ad info is below:

adidas reports:
addas U.S.A. 1982 

Bill Dellinger has discovered a new use for Newton's Third Law of Motion. 

As most of you know, Bill Dellinger is the University of Oregon's running coach; and he will be doing the same honors for the United States Olympic Team in 1984. He has become world-renowned for getting the most out of some of the finest runners around. But now, he's about to become equally famous for getting extra performance from a gentleman who had his peak many years ago. Because he and adidas have developed a way to harness Sir Issac's fundamental law that will make a fundamental difference to runners. 

Distribution of impact shock. The Dellinger Web. For runners, its a loophole in the Third Law of Motion.

Newton's dictum states that for every action, there must be an equal and opposite reaction. Until now, for runners, this has meant that what goes down (in terms of initial heel shock), must go up (as an equal shock transmitted straight up the leg). But The Web disperses part of the heel shock throughout the entire sole of the shoe, where it is not felt by the leg. So in effect, what goes down goes sideways as well as up. The Web: What it is and how it works. The Web is a unique polyamide netting that covers the midsole from heel to toe. To a runner, this simply means a type of construction that can significantly reduce leg fatigue. When a runner's heel strikes the ground, it compresses the netting in the heel area. This compressed netting in turn pulls in on the rest of the netting throughout the entire sole of the shoe. The resistance of the netting and sole acts much like a torsion bar to absorb part of the impact shock.

Close - up of The Web.

Up to ten percent of the shock, in fact. Ten percent that the runner doesn't ever feel. Which means that the runner has ten percent more energy to devote to running instead of shock absorption. As if that weren't enough, there's even another advantage to The Web. The heel impact puts The Web in a state of tension, with some areas compressed and others stretched. As the runner rolls forward into the next stride, The Web springs back, giving a trampoline effect. And all of this is accomplished without sacrificing stability, and with no gain in thickness or bulk. Dellinger's Law: "You pay for the whole shoe, why not use it?" As we've explained, most running shoes only use part of the sole most of the time, an inefficiency your whole body pays for directly. But now with The Web, you can have a shoe that does part of the work you've been used to doing. The adidas-developed Web is currently available in the Atlanta, Oregon, and Lady Oregon. Only from adidas, the company that can bring the laws of physics to heel. 

Atlanta

Oregon 

Lady Oregon 

adidas

Keds Skaja Millenium, Renaissance and Breakthru 1983 vintage sneaker ads

Today we’ve got a couple of Joe Skaja 1983 vintage running shoe ads for "THE SHOE THAT WAS TOO GOOD TO MAKE." Joe Skaja, formerly of Nike, was given the green light by "a major shoe company" to make what they're saying is the most advanced running shoe possible.

There’s an older advertisement from 1981 when these shoes were released as Keds brand which I think is why the side profile logo is blocked out in the ad above.

If you want to learn more Sneaker Freaker has a great article called "Material Matters: Fables Of The Forgotten" which talks about these and other shoes from that era who were looking to innovate. This is direct from their article "Joe Skaja, a former Nike employee, came to the rescue with a wild idea: a system of interchangeable nubs arranged around the base of the shoe. When the nubs wore down you could simply pop some new ones in and get back to the track."

Ad info is below:

THE SHOE THAT WAS TOO GOOD TO MAKE. 

Replaceable wear plugs give extraordinary durability. These shoes went 2000 miles across country. Compare this with the 400-600 mile life of most running shoes

Joe Skaja, formerly of Nike and designer of their heralded Air-sole, was given the green light by a major shoe company to make the most advanced running shoe possible.
STATE-OF-THE-ART: RUNNING TIMES MAGAZINE.

Skaja gave them an advanced shoe. It was selected state-of-the-art by Running Times magazine in their shoe survey. Astonishingly, it had 4 to 5 times the durability of the big name running shoes. It also had an important heel counter design that helped prevent pronation knee injuries. Biomechanic experts and some of the most famous runners in the country considered Skaja's shoe to be ahead of its time. Despite all the acclaim the shoe never made it to market. No amount of enthusiasm could hide the fact that it was too expensive to make. The materials, particularly some space age compounds, were expensive. The production machinery would have to be made from scratch. 30,000 pairs of these shoes were made almost entirely by hand before the company realized it was living in a dream, and called a halt. 

$100 SHOES FOR $29.95. As part of an amicable parting agreement, Joe Skaja acquired the rights to the shoes in the warehouse. If these shoes were sold through normal channels they would cost close to $100 today. Because he's not going through a middleman, or promoting heavily, Skaja can sell his shoes for $29.95 (even less if you buy in quantities). You hear a lot about bargains these days. This is one you can believe in. Particularly if you're a runner who racks up serious mileage every week, you won't want to miss this opportunity. Get two pairs while you're at it, because it won't be happening again. Prices: Includes shipping, tax, & 10 free wear plugs. 1 pair, $29.95. 2-4 pairs, $27.95 each. 5-9 pairs, $26.95 each. 10 pairs and up, $26.95 each, plus one free pair.

CUSTOMIZING. Ask about this. If you need different sized shoes for your feet, or extra narrow, or extra wide, or modifications to accept orthotics, we can accommodate you. 

👟 MILLENIUM 👟 RENAISSANCE 👟 BREATHRU

Millenium (Men's) Men's mesh training flat with extemal counter. Available in gold with royal blue stripe and sand in navy stripe. Sizes: 6-13.

Renaissance (Men's) The lightest and most breathable of all our training shoes. Men’s open flo mesh. External counter. Old gold with a burgundy stripe. Sizes: 6-13.

Breakthru (Men's) Extremely light racing tat. Size 9 weighs just 5 ounces. Beige mesh with orange stripe. Sizes. 6-13. Not a wear plug sole.

Send order to: Joe Skaja, P.O. Box 923, Exeter, New Hampshire 03833. For information or to order by phone, call: (603) 772-4543. Allow 2-6 weeks for delivery. If we are out of model or size you request we will substitute a model of equal quality or design. Additional men's and women's models also available. 

Ad 2 info is below:

Skaja running shoe styles, and order specifications. 

Millenium (Men's) Men's mesh training flat with external counter. Available in gold with royal blue stripe and sand with navy stripe. Sizes: 6-13. (Order half size larger than normal.) Quantity Size(s) 

Open-Road (Men's) Training flat for men. Navy nylon oxford upper with almond stripe. Sizes: 6-13. Quantity Size(s) 

Breakthru (Men's) Extremely light racing flat. Size 9 weighs just 5 ounces. Beige mesh with orange stripe. Sizes: 6-13. Not a wear plug sole. Quantity Size(s) 

Renaissance (Men's) The lightest and most breathable of our training shoes stripe. Men’s open flo mesh. External counter. Old gold with a burgundy stripe. Sizes: 6-13. (Order half size larger than normal.) Quantity Size(s) 

Seabreeze (Wornen's) Mesh training flat with external counter. Seablue with vanilla trim. Sizes: 5-11 Quantity Steels) 

Profile (Wornen's) Women's training flat. Nary oxford nylon upper with beige stripe. Sizes: 5-11. Not a wear plug sole. Quantity Size(s) 

Breakaway (Women’s) Extremely light and breathable racing flat. Size 8 weighs just 5 ounces. Beige mesh with orange trim. Sizes: 5-11. Not a wear Quantity Size(s) 

THE SHOE THAT WAS TOO GOOD TO MAKE. 

Every so often a creative talent with a proven record is given the green light to make the best product he can, and hang the expense. Later when the dream product has been created it's discovered that the expense is hanging the company, and the dream dies never to be seen by the consumer public. It happens more often than supposed in every kind of of business. It happened recently in the running shoe business.

Joe Skaja, competitive runner for over 16 years, formerly of Nike and designer of their heralded Air-sole, was given the green light by a major shoe company. They wanted in the running shoe market, and knew the only way to overcome a late start and a sneaker image was to come out gunning with a genuinely advanced shoe. Skaja gave theme genuinely advanced shoe.

Several top athletes have asked for Skaja's shoes to train in. An 8:30 2-miler was recently quoted in a speech to his local running club, "Skaja's shoes are the best I've ever used." And he represents America's second leading shoe company! A similar reaction was received from an.athlete running for the world's #1 seller of athletic shoes. Here are some of the advances Skaja built into his running shoe:

1. He introduced the first counter made by an injection molding process. This made the counter accurate to a fraction of an inch. The normal method of fashioning the counter by hand causes it to vary greatly in stiffness and shape.) The counter is the most important stability ingredient in a shoe.

2. He introduced replaceable wear plugs to combat the built-in obsolescence found in today's running shoes.

3. He used open flow mesh for breathability. His mesh is twice as strong as anything else on the market

4. He Ad away with inside seams, thus increasing comfort and reducing the blister hazard in one stroke.

5. He introduced lightness to training shoes. A men's size 9 weighs only 9 ounces, for instance

THE BOTTOM LINE. Despite the fact that the new shoes were enthusiastically received by runners as well as biomechanics experts, they never made it to market. No amount of enthusiasm could hide the fact that the shoes cost too much to make. The materials Skaja needed, particularly some space age compounds, were expensive. The manufacturing process required production machinery that would have to be made from scratch. 30,000 pairs of these running shoes were made practically by hand before the major shoe company realized it was living in a dream, and called a halt. 

Wear Plug 

ONE TIME OFFER...UP TO 50% OFF. 

As part of an amicable parting agreement, Joe Skaja acquired the rights to the shoes in the warehouse. He's selling them now to raise money for his own running shoe venture. Because he is not going through a middleman he can sell the shoes for up to 50% off. Every pair comes with 10 free extra wear plugs. (Normally $1.00 for 2.) Skaja is directly involved in the making of each pair of shoes. He stands behind the product 100%. This is quite literally a once in a lifetime opportunity. Get a pair soon or you'll never see them again. 

PRICES. (Includes shipping, tax, & 10 free wear plugs.) 1 pair for $27.95 each. 2-4 pairs for $25.95 each. 5-9 pairs for $24.95 each. 10 pairs and up for $24.95 each plus one free pair.

Spalding Ultra-Flex 1980 vintage sneaker ad

Here's one more vintage ad from 1980, this time for the Spalding Ultra-Flex running shoes.

​Ad info is below:

Introducing the Spalding Ultra-Flex

Nylon flex-point insert for easier toe-off. 
|
👟

Everybody has a new and improved running shoe. But the new Spalding Ultra-Flex is truly unique. It has a nylon fabric flex-point insert across the ball, which lets your foot bend where its supposed to and makes toe-off easier. It has a removable tri-layered anatomical footbed for added com-fort. It also helps keep your foot stable in the shoe and reduces unwanted heel movement. What's more, it has a larger, extended heel-counter and a thicker midsole in the forefoot area. The new Ultra-Flex from Spalding. It's the means to the bend.

Feet that feel good fly.

SPALDING

Beconta Inc., 50 Executive Blvd., Elmsford, NY 10523 (914) 592-4444 

Spalding—registered trademark of the Questor Corp. 

Asics Tiger TM-42 Tiger Arrow vintage sneaker ad

Here's a 1980 vintage ad for the Asics TM-42 Tiger Arrow running shoes which were worn by the winners of the 1979 Boston and NY marathons. Pure 🔥

This original vintage advertisement is available over at RewindRunning.com.

​Ad info is below:

Tough Through Thick‘n Thin!

TM-42 TIGER ARROW New extra-duty, all surface training shoe. Holes in the mid-heel for additional cushion. Nylon mesh upper with reinforced toe box. Excellent arch support. 

Asics Tiger Shoes—For the knowledgeable runner Top athletes of the world know how good Asics Tiger shoes are, so they wear them in training, in competition and in record-breaking attempts. They put their trust in Asics Tiger, because they have learned through experience that Asics Tiger is trustworthy. Whether for track and field, volleyball, soccer, jogging, or any other sport, Asics Tiger is the name you can trust. 

*Worn by winners of '79 Boston and New York marathons! 

asics TIGER® SPORTS SHOES 

ASICS Sports of America Inc. 

Head Office: 2052 Alton-Avenue. Irvine. California 92714. U.S.A.
Phone: (714) 751-0451. 0452 Telex: 233-685533

JcPenney 1980 USA Olympics vintage sneaker ad

Here's a 1980 vintage advertisement for the JCPenney USA Olympics running shoes. #Saw themed for Halloween. 👟⚙️😲 And look at that - we're back to adidas-ish 3 stripes again.

​Ad info is below:

Before you spend $30 on a jogging shoe, get the inside story. 

When JCPenney developed their U.S.A. Olympics jogging shoe, they made sure it was built with the quality and workmanship you'd find in shoes costing $30. With features like an inner sole built to absorb shock. A padded tongue. Stylish leather and nylon uppers. Things you'd find in $30 joggers.

And one thing you wouldn't expect. The price. U.S.A. Olympics cost only $21.99. And for every pair of U.S.A. Olympics

purchased, JCPenney contributes 50¢ to the U.S. Olympic Committee. U.S.A. Olympics pics. The Jogger. Only $21.99 and only at JCPenney. 

A great run for your money. Only at JCPenney. 

Prices higher in Alaska. Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Available at most JCPenney stores and through the catalog.

Specs Marathons 1982 vintage sneaker ad

Here’s a cool old ad from 1982 for the Specs Marathons running shoes.

Ad info is below:

Guaranteed. 3,000 miles or 6 months 

If the soles wear out before 3,000 miles or 6 months, we'll replace the shoes free. 

Marathons. We think you'll wear out before they do. That's why they're the only shoes in the world sold with this great guarantee. But there's a lot more to them than great soles. The light-weight construction gives you superb comfort and flexibility. There's a removable, contoured insole, made of memory foam and covered with nylon for extra support. The outsole is designed for better flexibility on the ball of the foot and comfort on all surfaces. We've even built in a rigid heel counter for better stability, and a rubber sponge midsole and wedge to provide better shock absorption. The price won't shock you, either. The fact is, it's the most comfortable feature of our Marathons. 

*See the registration card enclosed with each pair of Marathons for details of New Specs. Inc. Limited Warranty.

Specs and Pro-Specs are registered trademarks of New Specs. Inc 

Marathons by SPECS®
spectacular shoes, Spectacularly priced. 

Altier's Upstate New York • Choi's Sneaker City Philadelphia • Connco Minneapolis Area Couch's Denver Area • I. Goldberg Delaware. New Jersey. Pennsylvania • Rogan's Racine. WI • Shippy's Stevens Point. WI Shoe Fair San Francisco Bay Area • Swallens Cincinnati • The Shoe Ranch Falmouth. MA • And fine stores everywhere 

Bata Power brand vintage sneaker ad ​from 1983

Here's another sub brand of Bata called Power brand. This vintage sneaker ad is from 1983. (Sorry for the fold line y’all but this was a centerfold)

​Ad info is below:

Get into Power and run the country. 

Announcing Power running shoes.

If the name Power means nothing to you yet, pull on a pair and run. Then you'll undertand.

In the meantime, feast your quadriceps on these features in our Turbo model. For starters, a super lightweight sole. W... famous EVA wedge for correct balance understand. Variable width lacing for close fit without constriction. Flex point. sole slots for grea...

...fy and shock absorption. Air-flow... that dry your feet as you run. inside, a moulded removable insole unparalleled support and comfort

There's much more, but why worry about the details?Just pull on a pair and let your feet do the marveling.

You'll be too busy running the country!

POWER

Speed shoes 1975 vintage running shoes ad

We're going way back today. Here's on old add for "Speed" brand shoes from 1975. The company was owned by a runner named Ted Bick and had two models - "The Racer" and "The Trainer" and they were designed by Bill Squires who was the coach of Boston State College. Sadly Speed shoes weren't with us for long. I couldn't find any other record of them after 1976.

Ad info is below:

NEW FROM BOSTON: 

SPEED SHOES 

Coach Bill Squires, coach of Boston State College and the Greater Boston Track Club, has put 25 years of personal run-ning experience into the design of shoes which will meet the needs of every run-ner: comfort, protection and—above all--speed. They are called the SPEED SHOES. 

THE RACER 

Super-light, super-fast; with a high trac-tion, ultra-durable sole. Raised heel wedge and Spenco insole. Semi-rigid shank and arch support for mid-foot. Fits like a glove with soft, seamless inter-ior. Wrap-around nylon uppers. For sheer speed, this shoe is unsurpassed. Se-ven ounces per shoe. Price: $19.95. Re-heeled for $2.50. 

THE TRAINER 

Designed for heavy mileages, with extra cushioning from heel to toe. Raised heel wedge, Spenco insole, arch-support, semi-rigid shank, heel reinforcement. Same soft, glove-like fit; seamless interiors and nylon uppers. A long distance runner's shoe with excellent speed qualities. With 800 steps per mile, why carry more than nine ounces per shoe? Price: $21.95. Re-heeled for $2.50, re-soled for $7.50. 

In sizes 5 to 13, A-EEE. Both shoes un-conditionally guaranteed, if returned un-damaged. Add $1.50 to the price of each shoe ordered to cover postage and handling. 

Send order to: SPEED SHOES Box 202 Medford, Mass. 02155

Etonic Eclipse 1980 vintage racing flat ad

Here's a 1980 ad for the Etonic Eclipse racing flat. The original vintage ad is available at our Rewind Running web store.

Ad info is below:

THE ECLIPSE RACING FLAT. NOW-YOU CAN TEST THE INNER LIMITS. 

In your race against time, you want a shoe that saves you precious seconds. The new Etonic Eclipse Racing Flat is a lightweight, flexible performer that helps yqu run the race you trained for.

A mere 7 ounces in size 8, the Eclipse is streamlined in all important areas. Our breathable oxi-mesh nylon upper is larninated to a special foam and perforated nylon tricot for light, cool racing comfort. The sole is a tough, dual rulbber compourid with two different treads. It provides lightweight cushioning throughout, and has a unique heel strike insert for extra durability.

Constructed on a, new specially designed last, the Etonic Eclipse better positions the foot for competitive running and features the Etonic rear-foot lacing system to give you greater control.

Add the Dr. Rob Roy McGregor* one-piece heel and arch support* that cushions the force of heel strike, and a non-stretch Etonic side bar for lateral support, and you've got a lightweight, high-performance racing flat worthy of the name Etonic.

Interested in eclipsing your best time? It's up to you. And Eclipse.

Etonic
Sports Footwear & Apparel

Turntec 1984 vintage sneaker ad

Here's a vintage 1984 ad for the Turntec Anatomical Quantum Plus running shoes. The shoes featured in this ad were designed by Jerry Turner who was the former owner of the Brooks Shoe Manufacturing Co., Inc. While heading Brooks he developed the Villanova., the Vantage® and the Hugger.

​Ad info is below:

"I shaped my new shoes around a one million yeard old design . Your foot." Jerry Turner

It's an idea whose time has come. Up until now, running shoes were built on a flat form that didn't contour to the bottom of your foot. But my new Turntec anatomical designis built on a last that duplicates the shape of yyour foot. So when you run, a Turntec rally 'cradles' your foot, holding it right where my -

My Turntec Design with anatomical contour cradles foot firmly to help reduce sliding. 

Restraint without constraint

cushioning and your own natural padding will absorb the most impact. Your foot won't move around in the shoe. So shock is held to a minimum.

Ordinary Shoes 

Heel (calcaneus) under no pressure

Heel bone under pressure 

My Turntec Design 

Heel bone under no pressure 

Heel bone under pressure 

And since there are some areas of your foot that absorb more shock than others, I've developed my special 'Variable Impact Pressure Sole' (VIPS). It features a dual-hardness design that is firm at control points and softer in the shock areas. Which only adds to the protection.

Anti-pronation device reduces movement. 

Anatomical Cradle 

I designed these stabilizer bars to ensure forefoot control.

Flex bars double as heat and ‘moisture \ vents

There is one thing that will shock you though. How little Turntecs cost. See your local Turntec dealer. Or contact me at Turntec, American Sporting Goods Corporation, One World Trade Center, Suite 8827, New York, NY 10048. (301) 356-2300. Try on a pair of my new Turntec shoes. They don't conform to all the old shoe ideas. Just to your foot. 

My Turntec Anatomical Quantum Plus. 

Jerry Turner is the former owner of the Brooks Shoe Manufacturing Co., Inc. While heading that company he developed some of the most famous running shoes in history, the Villanova., the Vantage® and the Hugger.. The recipient of numerous awards and patents for the originality of his shoe designs, Jerry Turner is acknow-ledged as one of the most dy-namic and innovative people in the cursing shoe industry. Villanova, Vantage and Hugger are registered trademarks of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. 

Jordache 'Ultimate' 1982 vintage running shoe ad

Her'e’s an old school 1982 running shoe ad for the Jordache Ultimate sneaker.

Ad info is below:

ULTIMATE

FROM JORDACHE 

From heel to toe, the Jordache ULTIMATE running shoe has been designed for the ultimate in running comfort and protection. 

Start with the heel, where we've used the latest in stabilization technology. The flat lasted heel includes a stabilizer, which means that when your heel is pounding on the ground the shoe will help stabilize your foot, which can reduce the risk of injury, especially to the knee. 

For safety at night, we've made our heel tab and side logo out of 3M Scotchlite• reflective trim. 

The bottom of the shoe has been crafted in rubber in an exclusive tread pattern, helping to smooth out those long miles. 

Above the sole, there's half slip-lasted construction in the forepart, with a toe piece that extends back to the saddle, giving the shoe maximum forepart stability. 

Finally, with suede and 400 denier nylon mesh for the highest burst strength, a foam collar for comfort covered with a nylon matte for fit, and nylon stitching for durability, the ULTIMATE running shoe from Jordache meets every requirement of the serious runner. 

JORDACHE ATHLETIC WEAR LTD. The ULTIMATE Running Shoe from Jordache.

Puma vintage 1983 sneaker ad for the Lab-1 model

Here’s a 1983 vintage sneaker ad for the Puma 'Lab-1' shoes. “A new breed of laboratory animal"

Keds 1981 vintage 'Milleniums' sneaker ad

Keds Milleniums 1981 vintage sneaker ad that features their patented innovative replacement "plug system."

Ad info is below:

HOW ONE PAIR OF KEDS COVERED 2,000 MILES. 

Ultra Marathoner Stan Cottrell ran 66 miles a day, 48 days in a row to set a new _ world record: 3,168 miles coast-to-coast in just two pair of Keds Millennium Trainers. He kept this blistering pace without getting a blister, and without wearing himself or his Keds out once. That's durability. But what makes this feat even more incredible is that Stan put over 2,000 miles on one pair alone. In fact, he probably could have gone the entire distance in just one pair of Millenniums had he not needed a spare dry pair to switch into when the going got wet. Keds created the first 2,000 mile running shoe by looking at runners' needs from a common sense point of view. 

DURABILITY. The Keds patented wear plug system. We put wear plugs at the critical wear areas of the sole. These SBR rubber wear plugs are constructed of a compound so durable that it 4 received the highest abrasion score in The Runner's World 1979 Shoe Survey. You can replace each wear plug yourself. Additional plugs are available at your local Keds dealer. Men's models: Millennium and Renaissance. Women's models: Phoenix and Seabreeze. STABILITY. A solid external heel counter keeps the foot firmly in place. COOLNESS. New open mesh design works like an air conditioner for the feet. COMFORT. No inside seams mean less chance of painful blistering. Weight. Just 9 Ozs. (Men's Size 9)

Keds