This is from back in the day when shoe ads were mini musicals. Wait for it…. wait for it….16 seconds in to get to the 4 stripe Pro Wings sneakers.
The same ad was used for Payless Shoes in Texas
adidas 1970s green and yellow SL76 vintage sneaker ad
Here’s an old 1970s ad for the adidas SL76 vintage model running shoes aka “the shoe for all seasons.”
Ad info is below:
PUT YOUR FOOT INTO ADIDAS!
Pounding the roads on a 20 mile marathon or just jogging around the block. adidas is kind to your Met. All the latest technical advantages are built into the world's most popular and widely imitated training shoes. Truly. the shoe for all seasons.
More information available at your next sporting goods dealer or write to:
adidas
Thom McAn Jox brand Roadhandlers 1980 vintage sneaker ad
Here’s an old vintage advertisement for Jox ‘Road Handlers’ model running shoes from 1980. According to this article at the Bata shoe Museum “The Jox models offered by Thom McAn were so popular that the brand opened stand-alone athletic retail chain in 1976 called JOX. According to Nutt, by the late 1977s Jox was the second largest shoe brand by sales in the US. The success of this concept spurred the Kinney Group to create Footlocker.”
If you’re interested in Jox you can see some of their other vintage ads here.
Ad info is below:
Here's what the world's toughest critics had to say about new Jox' Road Handlers by Thom McAn.
“RW5-STAR
⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆
Runner's World Magazine
Women's Road Handlers
RW4-STAR
⋆⋆⋆⋆
Runner's World Magazine
Men's RoadHandlers”
New Jox Road Handlers
Once a year Runner's World Magazine runs a grueling series of tests to find out just how running shoes measure up against some very tough standards. The ratings run from 5 stars to none. Our Jox Road Handlers for women were one of only 8 Runner's World 5-Star shoes. Our men's model won the coveted 4-Star rating. We're happy and we're proud to be able to offer such a fine shoe at a reasonable price. Men's RoadHandlers, $29.99; Women's RoadHandlers, $27.99.
Prices slightly higher in Hawaii and Puerto Rico..
Hoop Stars: Converse Dr. J 1978 vintage sneaker ad
We usually post about old school running shoes and trainers but we still love basketball and the NBA. Long before Michael Jordan was posterizing dudes Dr. J was skying high and delivering monster dunks.
Ad info is below:
Dr. J’s magic moves are made in Converse Shoes.
When you have the best moves in the business, you make them in Basketball's Shoe — Converse. With high performance traction soles, extra shock absorption, game long comfort and protection. Julius Erving gets all these along with Converse Pro-game styling and the distinctive star and chevron look.
CONVERSE
THE SHOES OF THE STARS
Some of Dr. J’s highlights are here…
Converse Pacers 1970 3 stripe vintage sneakers ad
A while back I alluded to the many 3 stripe brands of the 1970s and 80s. Today we're going way, way back to 1970 when Converse was the three stripe brand… or at least one of them. These rare sneakers were made with Clarino which is a synthetic leather material and is still used in athletic shoes 50 years later.
Ad info is below:
Converse Pacers that play hard talk it up for Clarino.
I'm the 'Pacer,' an all-purpose athletic shoe made by Converse. Made with Clarino, a remarkable new shoe material that a shoe can appreciate. I know what it's like to get buried in mud up to the eyelets on a wet, sloppy ballfield. And how easy it is to get battered and bruised, even in a 'touch' foot-ball game with the kids. And while jogging may be a great way for a guy to keep in shape, it can make his shoes look old long before their time. Unless they're made with Clarino. Clarino won't crack or peel, no matter how hard the going. It ignores the weather. It wipes clean with a swipe of a cloth. It breaks in with the first step and conforms to your every movement perfectly. And what a baseball wouldn't give to resist scuffs and scratches the way Clarino does! And since I never look like I've seen any action, you can wear me with slacks and a sports jacket. Clarino. The new man-made shoe material that has all us Converse Pacers talking. And other shoes, too.
Clarino
The material difference
AMBI training shoe 1978 vintage sneaker ad
We’ve covered AMBI brand a few times on the blog and you can see their other vintage ads here, here and here. This is the last ad that we have for this brand and it’s for their Training Shoe from 1978,
Ad info is below:
AMBI
ENGINEERED FOR RUNNERS...
BY A RUNNERS' ENGINEER!
AMBI . . . the exciting new Training Shoe from the U.S.A. . . . didn't just happen! It was designed by a famous track coach specifically for his athletes ... and you can tell it! Extra support! More cushioned protection! Traction to spare! Crafted with special care to assure the serious runner of mile upon mile of comfortable wear. And, one glance at the rugged good looks of the AMBI Trainer tells you that styling has reached a new plateau! Check AMBI feature for feature, and then road test your own pair. You can't buy a better shoe, or find a better value, than AMB! Available in Red w/White trim or Blue w/White trim in men's half sizes 61/2 thru 13, medium width.
Features:
1. Leather and Nylon Uppers. Split leather encircles the foot to add durability and support. Nylon taffeta uppers and foam & Trico inner-lining permit the foot to breathe freely.
2. Mid-sole and Wedge. Special mid-sole adds cushioned comfort to the foot while the tough beveled wedge guards against ankle turns. Both are very flexible and eliminate the need for a 'break-in' period.
3. Padded Tongue. The extra long tongue and shoe top are foam-padded and lined to prevent foot irritation.
4. Innersole. The lightweight innersole is extremely durable yet completely flexible.
5. Exclusive Contoured 'Last'. An exclusive Last, or mold, carefully contours the shoe to conform to the exact shape of the foot.
6. Special Heel Collar. Soft, carefully shaped 'anti-slip' heel collar fits snugly against back of foot.
7. Molded Heel Counter. Molded heel counter won't break down under wear. Protects against Achilles Tendon injury.
8. Rubber Sole. Compound rubber sole provides many times the wear of others.
SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER: For sixty (60) days, through July 31, 1978, we are offering the AMBI Trainer to readers of RUNNERS WORLD at the introductory price of $19.95 per pair, plus $2.00 postage and handling (Regular $28.95). When order-ing, please indicate color preferences and regular shoe size. Shoe size• Color:_ Name Address City State ❑ Check Enclosed [11 Master Charge ❑ BankAmericardiVisa Zip expires For phone orders, call Toll Free 1-800-643-5462 (In Arkansas 1-800-472-5457) Send to: AMBI, P.O. Box 249, Jonesboro, AR 72401
Cobra brand 1979 vintage sneaker ad
Tonight we're re-releasing a snake back into the wild with Cobra brand running shoes. Cobra was owned by a Brazilian conglomerate called Cobec who put out a few awesome 70s runners in their day. 🐍 This ad is from 1979.
This original vintage Cobra sneaker print ad is available at our web shop Rewind Running.
Ad info is below:
Cobra running shoes give you more mileage.
Hard surface or soggy path, Cobra running shoes are built to pleasantly stretch distance—for extra turns around the block or further into the hills. Cobra gives you more comfort for effortless strides. More support for the grinding pace. More overall quality to make running the spirited free sport it should be
Strike with Cobra... and you're in the action.
COBRA
ON THE FEET OF CHAMPIONS
A DIVISION OF COBEC
Karhu Synchron 1985 vintage sneaker ad
Here's an old school 1985 vintage sneaker ad for the Karhu Synchron model of running shoes. Karhu brought these back and they're available on their site over at https://karhu.com.
Ad info is below:
Europes Best
Karhu Synchron, a market leader in Scandinavia, winner of independent shoe tests in Germany and Austria. Now available in the United States. The Karhu Synchron features uncompromised durability, maximum directional stability, excellent shock absorption and comfortable support.
Our best All Terrain training shoe featuring
Air Cushion Shock Absorption
Double Fibreglass heel counter
Anatomical Insole
Synchron lacing Available in high tops
Call for Dealer information:
Karhu
55 Green Mountain Drive
South Burlington, VT 05401
800-222-1833
KARHU
'Top Ranking, 1985 Stiftung Markentest, 1985 Konsument
Converse Arizona 1980 vintage sneaker ad
Here's an old school 1980 vintage sneaker ad for the Converse Arizona. According to the ad they teamed up with a NASA engineer to help design it and this sneaker is loaded with tech for traction, shock absorption and stability.
Ad info is below:
HIGH TECH OR YOUR FEET THE CONVERSE ARIZONA
The new Converse Arizona' was developed in consultation with a NASA contractor. The result is an Integrated Running System (patents pending) that offers runners new levels of stability, shock protection, and traction on every surface.
The Sportcell mid-sole, created from a new high-technology material, provides extra protection by actually dissipating shock. Converse took the question of sole configuration out of the hands of clothing designers, and put it into the hands of engineers. The result is a sole that grabs hold of virtually anything —even loose dirt — to provide solid footing on any surface. The Toe Propulsion Ridge maximizes traction on toeoff. Outsole Studs and Heel Wear Bar keep traction high even as the shoe wears. The Heel Lock System provides state-of-the-art stability. When the shoe is laced, this newly developed "passive seatbelt system" locks the heel into place. This means over-pronation, the leading cause of runners' injuries, is minimized.
Man's feet, his legs, his knees — all his body parts are limited. His mind is not. He can create high technology to compensate for his limitations —technology to help him run faster, safer, more comfortably. He can create the Converse Arizona. For a free poster of this ad, write Converse Customer Service, 55 Fordham Rd., Wilmington, MA 01887. CONVERSE
Reebok 1977 vintage sneaker ad
Here's an old school 1977 vintage sneaker ad for the World Ten, Cougar and Marathon model kicks by Reebok. The bullet points say that the World Ten has the "The green kid upper" and I'm trying to figure out what in the world that means. I like this retro Reebok font, it reminds me of old school Atari video game fonts from back in the day, and it's also interesting that their side profile logo only had a single stripe back then and it looks like the Cougar model has no stripe at all. If you want to check out a couple of other vintage Reebok models I posted some ads here and here.
Ad info is below:
Reebok
MADE IN ENGLAND
REINTRODUCING THE FAMOUS
WORLD TEN
Probably the World's most exclusive Marathon shoe. (Average shoe weight 5 oz.).
• Boston winner in record time
• Olympic, European and Commonwealth Gold, Silver and Bronze medal winner
• The green kid upper is fully lined and strengthened with anti-roll side patches The World Ten has a cushion mid-sole and long wear outer cover with cushion heel wedge and is beautifully balanced with glove-like fitting.
$32.25
Plus $1.00 Handling
MARATHON
Super soft white cow hide trimmed in blue / orange with anti-roll side patches. deep cushion mid-sole. heel wedge and high traction long wearing outersole. A go anywhere shoe that gives a smooth eventread.
$26.75
Plus $1.00 Handling
COUGAR
Blue nylon 3/4 lined with suede support at toe and around the heel. A superb nylon trainer flat with the same sole as the Marathon. Both shoes are fitted with arch supports and long wear innersocks.
$25.60
Plus $1.00 Handling
STEP INTO BRITAINS LEADING ATHLETIC SHOE SEND FOR YOURS TODAY
BRADFORD DISTRIBUTORS CORP. P.O.BOX 356
HUNTINGDON VALLEY P.A. 19006
AREA DISTRIBUTORS
We Require Distributors in The South, Midwest, Northwest. and Southwest States. For Full Details Write To Reebok International Ltd. Bolton Rd. Bury, Lancs. England.
Wilson by Bata retro vintage sneakers from 1979
This post is technically not a sneaker ad but is a scan of the 1979 Wilson by Bata sneaker catalog. These sneakers are called the 'Mesa' running shoes. These have a cool style with the unique front toe cap on them. For more information on the old Wilson by Bata shoes you can see their Force Five vintage sneakers here, and an old ad for the Force Five here.
KangaROOS K-1 limited edition vintage sneaker ad
Here's an old school 1984 ad for KangaRoos K-1 'Special Edition' sneaker.
Ad info is below:
ANY WAY YOU CUT IT KANGAROOS' K-1 "SPECIAL EDITION" IS BUILT TO PERFORM.
The inside story on how a half-century of shoe-making experience put it all together.
1. K-Frame. Unique biomechanical heel construction for maximum motion control and shock absorption. Also assists in proper alignment and balance of the foot with superior rear foot control and less strain on the lower limbs.
2. LMF Platform. High-density EVA insert for optimum lateral stabilization.
3. Poron." 4000. Non-collapsing cellular urethane. Exceptional shock absorption. Retains 95% resiliency during life of shoe.
5. Polyurethane, contoured, full-cushioned, removable insole.
5. Power and slip-lasted insole for enhanced flexibility.
6. Friction-resistant, padded collar.
7. Micro-cellular cushioned rubber sole. Long-wearing, high-density rubber heel-strike plate.
8. Two-piece EVA midsole. Grooved air corridor for forefoot flexibility.
9. Special selection, Full-Grain Leather upper with ballistic mesh.
10. Unique, hidden pocket in tongue.
11. KangaROOS exclusive foot-cradling Comfort Zone.
12. 3M Scotchlite reflective heel safety trim on tongue, heel, and side. Narrow, medium, and wide widths.
The "Special Edition". . . available nationwide.
👟
Look for this tag 3M
©1984 KangaROOS U.S.A., Inc. St. Louis, Missouri
Shoes With Pockets
U.S./Foreign Patents pending.
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
👟👟👟👟
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
Braun Bilt vintage sneaker ad
Here's an old vintage sneaker ad for Braun Bilt’s running shoes. According to this ad "Braun Bilt stands up there among the giants." This original vintage Braun Bilt print ad is available at our web store RewindRunning.com.
Ad info is below:
👟
There's always pressure to give it your best, most of it from within. From you. Runners are a special breed of competitors. Great inner drive, and a mania for the best. Consider Braun Bilt. If you know anything about training flats, you know how the competition is among shoe manufacturers. We're a new name, but an old company, with a reputation for making the best. Braun Bilt stands up there among the giants. Our very first, and only, shoe in the line at the time got four stars from Runner's World. "Watch out for this company,' they said. We're our own toughest competition. We can't worry about what the other companies are doing. We've got some of the best wear, best flexibility, best shock absorption and weight. And we're always making it better. As a runner, you should understand that attitude. Even when you're running alone, you want to come in first. Braun Bilt, designed and built in America, by New England craftsmen.
When your toughest competition is yourself.
🏃♂️
braun bilt
Brookfield Athletic Shoe Company E. Brookfield, MA 01515
Braun Bilt shoes for men, women, and children. You'll find Braun Bilt shoes at the dealers listed.
CA: los Angeles/UCLA Student Association; Unit. Merchandising/All Stores, CO: Oenyer/Daye Cook Sporting Goods Co.: CT: Bridgeport/T. Bike Shop: East Norwalk/Mole Bros.; Notwalk/Hanssoo Sports; IL: Chicago/Morrie Meves. Unto Sports Store, Sport Mart/all stores, Eyanston/Verters At.tic Skies; Forest Park/Trim* Post Ski and Sports; Springfield/Springfield Rime. Cooler; IN Indianapolis/Atbbte's Foot Soper Shoes; KY: louisville/Brendentenes, ME: Rumford/Mackie, Ski Shop; Bethesda/Attibte's Foot; MA: Boston/Mickey Firm, The Ski Medial; lechmere Sales/All stores: North Plymouth/Factory Shoe Outlet; Salem/Life Sporu; MN: Willetnie/The Spottaboet; NH: Manchester/Loam. Sales; NJ: Bound .00k/Efinmeis Sporting Goods: Paramus/Polly Bros., Ramey Outdoors; NY: Herkimer/Sports Corner; Hopewell Jct./Hopewell Sporting Goods; Rome/Herb Pllipsoo's Army.Nayy; Utica/Khsin's AMSports, Sports Vlach; OH: Cincinnati/Bre...es, Sporting Foot A Things; Columbus/Athlete's Foot; Clayton/Ettendarnones. Paxton Spacing Goods; LooBoyle Inc.; OK: Tulsa/LooBoyfe Inc.; PA: Erie/Erie Sports Ste.; Newcastle/City Sports Center; Philadelphia/HU Bros. fall stores, VA: Fairfax/Olympic Sporting Goods; USA: Montgomery Ward/All stores
Converse Odessa 1985 vintage sneaker ad
The year was 1985. Ronald Reagan was president. "New Coke" was an released by Coca Cola in a marketing blunder. Nintendo released the NES in North America. Michael Jordan is named as the NBA's "Rookie of the Year." and Converse design team brought us the side way lace system and futuristic outsole of the Odessa running shoes. According to the ad is "the most technically advanced shoe" of it's day.
Ad info is below:
NO, IT'S NOT A FACTORY SECOND. IT'S AN INDUSTRY FIRST.
The heel counter stabilizer keeps your foot remarkably stable throughout your stride.
The Dual Density removable insole gives you out-standing shock absorption.
The side lacing-system works to keep your foot stable.
The cushioned Dual Density Midsole provides cushioning, stability and flexibility where you need it most.
At first glance, the lacing on this shoe might strike you as a manufacturing error, or a blatant attempt at gimmickry. But make no mistake. The new Converse Odessa is the most technologically advanced shoe a dedicated runner can wear.
Why the side lacing? Simple. Through biomechanical research, we proved it gives you more stability throughout the shoe. But the lacing is just one reason Odessa is an industry first. It's got three features that, together, give you an unprecedented combination of motion control and cushioning. In fact, the Odessa provides 15% more stability and 13% more cushioning than any other running shoe.
The extended heel counter keeps your foot remarkably stable through-out your stride. The dual density mid-sole and urethane wedge work to cushion your foot better than any shoe in its class.
And finally, our center-of-pressure outsole provides cushioning and stability, and centers your foot during your stride. But while it's heavy on features, this shoe is incredibly light on your feet.
So if you're a dedicated runner who thinks of Converse strictly as a great basketball shoe company, see the Odessa at your Converse dealer. You'll immediately think of us as a great running shoe company.
CONVERSE
Reach for the stars.
The Dual Density Center-of-Pressure outsole is made of Vibram Infinity® for long-lasting durability. The outsole helps center your foot during your stride, without sacrificing cushioning.
Saucony Rod Dixon trainers vintage ad
Here's an old Saucony 1985 vintage ad for the Dixon trainers featuring New Zealander and NYC marathon winner Rod Dixon. The shoe featured the "Dixon Mattress" and the "Dixon Window." According to this ad the "Dixon Mattress" was an EVA midsole wedge that had tiny holes drilled in it for extra cushioning on impact. The "Dixon Window" was a collapsible backtab that would relieve nagging tension on your Achilles tendon over long runs. There was also a "supersoft protective insert under the metatarsal" (where the red stripe is) was supposed to provide a springy trampoline effect. Saucony still makes these shoes as the DXN trainer.
Ad info is below:
Rod Dixon wasn't satisfied until we put a mattress, a window and a trampoline in these shoes.
Before Rod Dixon let us put his name on these trainers, he took them for a run. And another. And another. And he came back with a few suggestions. First, he said, how about an EVA midsole wedge with tiny holes drilled in it. For extra cushioning on impact. We suggested the name Dixon Mattress. He said that would be just fine. Then, Rod said, how about a feature in the backtab that would relieve nagging tension on your Achilles tendon over long runs. We designed a collapsible backtab, suggested the name Dixon Window, and Rod said that would be just fine. Then, he said, it sure would be nice to build in a trampoline effect that adds spring during the toeing-off phase. Perhaps, he went on, a supersoft protective insert under the metatarsal head coupled with a flatter outsole. We agreed that would be just fine. Now, Rod Dixon is a world class runner. A New York Marathon winner. And a tough customer to satisfy. So when he said our Dixon Trainers were good enough to wear his name—that was good enough for us. Just one question remains: Are they good enough for you?
Saucony.
Division of Hyde Athletic Industries. 432 Columbia Street, Cambridge. Mass. 02141
Kangaroos Awesome "Aussie" vintage sneaker ad
Here's a 1984 vintage Kangaroos sneaker ad for the "Awesome Aussie." This running shoe featured the Goodyear Indy 500 compound sole. The tread on that sole was based on the same tread that was also used on the 1984 Corvette. It's a bummer that 'Roos got picked up by Payless shoes as their distributor in the Unites States since they had a good brand back in the day.
Ad info is below:
1984 Jacksonville River Run
FRONT-RUNNER:
The Awesome Aussie
KangaROOS and Goodyear pioneer
the incredible "Indy 500"
Compound Sole.
Total teamwork: The footwork is jetfast and the footwear is KangaROOS' incomparable new star, "Aussie".... with Goodyear's "Indy 500" compound sole for extended mileage and unique tread design for improved traction. The "H" block tread was developed based on Goodyear's Eagle VR50 radial for the 1984 Corvette.
"Aussie", also features Poron °4000 for superior shock absorption, variable lacing, PU removable insole, stay-put polyamid laces, K-Lite compound midsole and wedge. Team KangaROOS wears "Aussie”. Because "Aussie”, runs to win. Team KangaROOS, champions at Jacksonville River Run and Gasparilla Distance Classic.
KangaROOS
1984 KangaROOS U.S.A., Inc.
St. Louis, Missouri
Shoes With Pockets.
U.S., Foreign Patents pending.
Hoop Stars: Allsport vintage basketball sneaker ad
Today we're going to switch it up for a minute and post an old school 1983 vintage sneaker ad for Allsport basketball shoes. These sneakers apparently featured the " innovative Royalaire* vented construction." The other 2 shoes are the Allsport "Royal Edge" running shoes and their "Cool Cleats." Tom Heinsohn, who is also in the ad, coached the Boston Celtics to 2 championships in the 1970s and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame (twice) as a player and as a coach.
Ad info is below:
Allsport 360 is a basketball revolution.
LIGHTER, COOLER, MORE SHOCK-ABSORBENT.
"The basketball shoe of the future is here today—the new Allsport 360;" with double-mesh and leather upper on a durable EVA/rubber compound sole. AIlsport's innovative Royalaire* vented construction allows air to circulate freely through the shoe, providing a greater cushion and a cooler, lighter feel. Take it from a pro: nothing goes to the hoop like the Allsportt 360
*Pat. pending.
Tom Heinsohn
"Two-time World Championship Coach
S5 REBATE. Buy a pair of 360s before June 30 and Allsport will send you a $5 rebate.
SPECIAL BONUS. Purchase a pair of 360s now, and receive a $2 coupon on any pair of Allsport Royal Edge running shoes or all-purpose Cool Cleats.
For purchasing information. call loll free: 1-800-932-4000
ALLSPORT
BUILT TO COMPETE
PRICED TO WIN
Amfit 1982 bespoke vintage sneaker ad
Here's a 1982 vintage ad for a brand called Amfit from Silicon Valley. This ad maybe hard to read but it says they would take foot impressions of each of your feet and custom fit shoes for each customer. I like the overall idea of this but you can see how it would've been hard make a sustainable business model of this during the mail order days. Hersey Custom Shoe seems to be one of the few brands left custom fitting running shoes.
2021 UPDATE:
A reader of the blog shared this link to AmFit’s website. They are still in business and have become a leader in orthotic manufacturing.
Ad info is below:
Amfit
THE FIRST PERSONALIZED TRAINING SHOE TO PROVIDE AN INDIVIDUALIZED ENVIRONMENT, AND TO FIT YOUR SPECIFIC FOOT. THE AMFIT SHOE CONCEPT CONSISTS OF TAKING IMPRESSIONS OF EACH ONE OF YOUR FEET. AND AT TIME OF PURCHASE CUSTOM-MACHINE-MAKING A FOOT BED THAT WILL FIT INTO AN AMFIT DESIGNED SHOE. YOUR CUSTOMIZED FOOT BED WILL BALANCE YOUR FOOT IN ITS WEIGHT-BEARING POSITION AND THEREFORE HELP TO PREVENT YOU FROM OVER-PRONATING. TO SEE FOR YOURSELF. VISIT OUR AMFIT STORE AT 39 TOWN & COUNTRY VILLAGE, PALO ALTO. CA 94301 OR WRITE JAN ERIK FRIBERG, PRESIDENT, FOR A FREE BROCHURE OR CALL (415) 329-0560.
ADDITIONAL AMFIT LOCATIONS WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Reebok Victory G vintage sneaker ad
Here's a 1982 vintage ad for the Reebok "Victory G" runner featuring Gore-Tex. As "the most technically advanced foul weather shoe ever made" it apparently enabled you to be able to run through swamps while maintaining a dry foot. 🌾💦👟
Ad info is below:
Reebok Victory G
Dry inside when it's wet outside
Reebok Victory G has a special Gore-Tex inner liner, a shoe within the shoe, that repels water, yet allows fresh air in. Gore-Tex is a remarkable microporous film sandwiched between the layers of fabric of the inner liner. This film contains while letting shoe breathe nine billion pores per square inch, each pore being 700 times larger than a molecule of perspiration vapor, but 20,000 times smaller than a drop of liquid water.
A sealed bellows inner tongue blocks water to secure a dry, comfortable run. Victory G features a strong new support system, the Foster Cradle, which is designed to support the subtalus joint where most pronation problems begin. But to appreciate all Sealant Tape its advances in cushioning and support, you need to see a Reebok Victory G Dealer. We think it's the most technically advanced foul weather shoe ever made. But more than that it's built to help you do your best. Which is the biggest Victory after all.