Nike Waffle Trainer 1977 "MADE FAMOUS BY WORD OF FOOT ADVERTISING." Vintage Sneaker Ad

Here’s a vintage 1970s vintage Nike Waffle Trainer print ad. This ad’s photography seems to have served as inspo and was riffed on later in 1979 by the Jaclar Ms. Miler runners here. The original vintage Nike ad is posted over at our Rewind Running web shop here.

Ad info is below:

MADE FAMOUS BY WORD OF FOOT ADVERTISING.

We don't have to tell you about the reputation of Nike running shoes. You already know. Because you're a serious runner. You've seen them on training tracks and fields all over the country.

You know them for their quality. Their lightweight, and long life. Mostly, you know them for the innovative design that always seems to show up first on Nike. We believed if we could build a shoe that was good enough to meet the demands of serious runners like you, the word would spread fast.

And it has. Today, our shoes do most of our advertising for us. And the name Nike is famous. We'd like to thank you for all the ads you've been running for us. On your feet.

NIKE

8285 SW Nimbus Ave. Suite 115

Beaverton, Oregon 97005

Penny Power Vintage April-May 1983 Consumer Reports 1980s Sneaker Testing magazine

Here’s a 1983 vintage Consumer Reports “Penny Power” magazine featuring articles on sneaker testing kids retro runners. This article compares Nike, adidas, Sears and Kinney NBA vintage sneakers.

Article info is below:

APRIL / MAY 1983 A Consumer Reports Publication for young People

PENNY POWER

TESTING SNEAKERS

Part Three: THE TESTS

In order to pick which brands to test, Penny Power used two kinds of "experts." First, an experienced runner looked at many pairs of running shoes sold in children's sizes, and told us which ones were sturdy and well made. Second, junior-high students weeded out the "dorky-looking" pairs from a group of good quality sneakers. They liked the four models you see in the "before" picture below. These ranged in price from $14 to $25.

Before

NIKE ($25)

KINNEY'S NBA ($20)

ADIDAS ($20)

SEARS ($14)

We decided to put these sneakers through the toughest test of all—a "kid" test. The 8-to-13-year-olds you see on these pages were each fitted with two different brands. All wore both pairs through an entire summer and into the fall. One pair was worn one day, the other pair the next day, so that each pair received the same amount of wear— at camp, on the beach and in the country. Running, jumping and skidding would show up differences among the sneakers, we thought. We were wrong! When we gathered in the 20 pairs of sneakers at the end of the test, a few were slightly shabbier or a bit more worn. But, as the "after" picture shows, most came through the test in about the same condition. One reason they were still in good shape was that the testers were switching between two different pairs. Changing your sneakers every day gives them a chance to dry out between wearings, and that's good for all shoes. It's also better for your feet. The testers were asked to choose the more comfortable of the two pairs they had worn. No one brand proved to be more comfortable than the others. Some testers liked one feature (such as the Sears's thinner sole or the NBA's cushioning), some another. We then washed a few pairs of each brand to see how well they would clean up. Again, all four brands washed pretty much the same. Only the light-colored sneakers were hard to get clean. The dark suede trim faded in the wash, however. (Turn to the back cover to see the results of our sneaker spruce-up.)

After

NIKE

ADIDAS

SEARS

KINNEY'S NBA

What did The Sneaker Project teach us? Since no brand stood out in durability or over-all comfort, you should look for a well-made model that fits your particular pair of feet. While you're looking, don't ignore some of the well-made but less-famous brands. Some of our testers were firm Nike or Adidas fans until they discovered the fit and comfort of a less-expensive brand. They were surprised. Maybe you will be too!

Vintage 1980 Nike Running Line vintage sneaker ad

Here’s a 1980 vintage Nike ad for their running line of shoes. This original vintage Nike sneaker print ad is available at our web store Rewind Running.

Ad info is below:

MOST OF THESE SHOES HAVE NO BUSINESS BEING ON YOUR FEET.

But among them are the shoes you were born for. Because they have been engineered for your foot type, gait pattern, body weight, even your age, sex and training schedule. You're not like every other runner. And you shouldn't have to pretend you are. That's why we spent years working with orthopedists, podiatrists, world class athletes and everyday runners. We wanted a line of shoes that had nothing to do with the so-called "average" runner. We wanted shoes that could help real people. With real and diverse characteristics. Now we've got them. For pronators, heel strikers. Big runners and small. For people who churn out 125 miles a week, and those who run a good ten. Shoes for the road, the trails and models for both. For feet that are flat or arched, rigid or flexible. The new Nike Running Line. Never again will you have to put in the other person's shoes.

NIKE

Beaverton, Oregon

Runners World 1977 women's running shoes 1970s vintage sneakers

This one is for the ladies. Here’s the cover for the Runner’s World 1977 women’s sneaker, flats and spikes rankings. The article features the Nike LD-1000, adidas Quicksilver, Etonic KM and some other old school runners.

Runners World 1977 Top 15 featuring Nike Elite 1970s vintage sneakers

Here’s the inside cover for the Runner’s World 1977 Top 15 Racing Flats section featuring the vintage Nike Elite runners.

Runners World 1977 Top 25 featuring Brooks, adidas and Nike 1970s vintage sneakers

Here’s the inside cover for the 1977 Runner’s World Top 25 rated training flats featuring the Brooks Vantage, adidas SL76 and Nike waffle vintage sneakers.

Nike Elite, Adidas, New Balance SuperComp, Brooks Vantage, and Tiger 1978 vintage sneaker ad

Here’s a 1978 vintage ad for Starting Line Sports featuring various 1970s running shoes including the Nike Elite, Adidas SL76 Runner, New Balance SuperComp, Brooks Vantage, Adidas TRX, Adistar 200-L and Tiger Spartan B. This original vintage Starting Line Sports print ad is available at our web store Rewind Running.

Ad info is below:

Step Up to the Starting Line in Our Shoes

A Nike Elite. A combination of lightness, sup-port and comfort make this shoe the most popular racing flat in America. Blue nylon with yellow trim. Sizes 6-12. $33.95

B Adidas Runner. Thick outer sole and flexible mid-sole make this training flat a partic-ularly good choice for the heavier runner. Yellow nylon mesh upper, blue stripes. Sizes 6-13. $37.95

C New Balance Super Comp. This racing flat has one of the best tread designs for com-bined traction and cushioning on wet and dry surfaces. Yellow/red/orange mesh with suede trim. Sizes 6-12, D width. $29.95 D Adidas TRX. An outstanding training flat with excellent cushioning in its molded poly-urethane mid-sole. Blue nylon uppers with yellow trim. Sizes 7-12. $29.95

E Brooks Vantage. The number 1 training flat features the varus wedge and self-molding in-sole for support and stability. Blue mesh ny-lon upper with white trim. Sizes 4-12 & 13, D width; Sizes 8-11, B & EE width. $28.95

F Adidas Adistar 2000-L. Quality construc-tion and lightness earned this distance spike the number 1 rating. Blue suede uppers with yellow stripes. Sizes 6-12. $56.95

G Tiger Spartan B. A long-standing favorite among racers with its flexible spike plate and light, comfortable nylon uppers. Gold with navy stripes. Sizes 7-13. $43.95

ORDER NOW!

STARTING LINE SPORTS
Box 8, Mountain View, CA 94042

Nike Eagle 1980 vintage sneaker ad

Here’s an old ad for the Nike Eagle running shoes from 1980 which at the time were the lightest racing shoes Nike had made.

Ad info is below:

THE EAGLE GIVES YOU ALMOST NOTHING TO BE EXCITED ABOUT.

When it comes to road racing flats, 5.1 ounces* is almost nothing. Each one weighs less than the box it comes in. That's the lightest racing flat we've ever made. As far as we know, it's the lightest production model ever made by anybody. And we think that's exciting. Especially when you consider this shoe has already clocked a 2:10 marathon. It's definitely not a training shoe. The Eagle is made to be worn on race day, like wearing your best pair of competition spikes. It combines an unusual spike-like design through the shank, a PermaFoam sockliner and a Variable Width Lacing System' to give you the best fitting performance shoe we've ever devised. And also the lightest. The Eagle, feather-weight champion of the road.

NIKE
Beaverton, Oregon

Nike Eagle 1980 vintage sneaker ad @ The Deffest

Vintage Nike LD-1000, Sting, Waffle trainer and Le Village 1977 sneaker ad

Here's another vintage 1977 ad featuring the Nike LD-1000, Sting, Waffle trainer and Le Village model sneakers.

Ad info is below:

SEND FOR A NIKE MAIL BOX.

As soon as we receive your order it's processed and shipped —usually the same day it arrives. Simply pick out the sportswear you want, fill in the coupon, and mail your order. Then, sit back and wait for the postman to arrive.

The LD-1000 $39.95
This is the shoe for you if you're looking for a super trainer. The revolutionary design helps reduce twist and shock. The patented waffle sole gives you better traction, and the wide flared heel gives you better running stability. Lightweight uppers of nylon mesh and suede. Comes in blue and yellow.

Nike Sting $34.95
Nike's lightweight marathon shoe features nylon mesh for strength, yet cool running. Suede leather toe reinforcing gives snug, comfortable fit. Unique suction sole delivers great traction on all road conditions. A big step forward in marathon shoes from Nike.

Athletic Dept Warmups $14.95
These comfortable nylon and cotton warmups are available in green with blue stripes, or blue with yellow stripes. Great style, great fit, great price.

Waffle Trainer $29.95
The Waffle Trainer features patented waffle sole for cushior: traction, yet minimum weight. Flat outer sole, beveled heel, tough nylon upper and the new bluer,' with bright yellow "swoosh'

Le Village $28.95
A beautiful stylish casual shoe with an athletic look. Soft, antique brown leather uppers. Cushier mid soles. As comfortable as they are long wearing.