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 

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

Tred 2 vintage running shoe repair ad from 1978

Here’s an 1978 running shoe repair ad for Tred 2. I tried to search around for a company that does this today and unfortunately there aren't many out there. Seems like a sustainable "green" idea that might have been ahead of its time. Tred 2 eventually pivoted over from rebuilding other brands sneakers and later went on to create their own line of running shoes. If you want to see a couple of their sneaker ads they are here and here.

Ad info is below:

How to get a longer, safer run for your money. 

Take good care of your running shoes; they'll give you more mileage and better support. And for even longer life, Tred 2 will rebuild them—at about half the cost of a new pair. 

Clean by hand only; machine washing severely weakens stitching. When Tred 2 rebuilds your shoes, we reinforce broken stitching and repair cracks and tears.

Don't play tennis in running shoes; the toes aren't built to take it. They'll quickly wear right through the outer sole.'

Shoes wear down inside, too—reducing comfort, support and safety. Tred 2's rebuilding includes brand new insoles and arch supports. New shoelaces, too.

For proper heel elevation and injury-free running, never let your shoes wear down into the midsole. Run with a second pair while Tred 2 rebuilds your first, with a brand new outer sole that will outlast the original. 

Tred 2 rebuilds running shoes for $14.95. 

Enclosed are pairs for rebuilding at $14.95 each, plus $1.50 per pair for postage and handling. I've enclosed ❑ check, ❑ money order. Please charge my: ❑ BankAmericard, ❑ Mastercharge. 

Card No.  Expiration Date  Signature  Name  Street  City  State  

Zip

Tred 2, Inc., Dept. 178
2810 Channing Ave.
San Jose, CA 98131

Tred2

1978 Tred 2, Inc 

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.

Trax by Kmart 1979 vintage sneaker ad

Here's another old school 1979 vintage sneaker ad for Kmart Trax kicks. Seems like they were trying out every side profile logo swoosh that they had in this ad. If you want to check out more info on Trax we posted a few other vintage ads here, here and here and some Trax Nike Bruin knockoffs here.

​Ad info is below:

Trax

...We're building a great name. 

Very Basic ...Very Competitive Footwear. 

Nobody ever won anything because of the labels on his shoes. Winning takes basics .. . basics like practice, sweat, effort, desire . . . in short, the fundamentals. That's why Trax are your best bet when it comes to athletic shoes. They're engineered with built-up toes and heels, padded collars, cushioned in-soles . . . all in all, they offer the support, comfort and durability you get with the expensive shoes . . . but Trax give you these basic features for $10.97- $16.97. Check out the variety of Trax for the entire family at over 1,450 K mart stores across the U.S.A. Not all styles and colors available at all stores. Whatever your age . . . whatever your game ... Trax are priced to beat the competition. 

$10.97 to $16.97 

👟 👟 👟 👟 👟 👟

SOLD EXCLUSIVELY AT... 

Kmart
The Saving Place

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 SL72 and SL76 vintage sneaker ad

Here's a old vintage ad for the Adidas SL72 and SL76 engineered with 'traction dynamics’…

​Ad info is below:

SL 72 &76 reborn for the ultimate in cushioned traction 

More propulsion. Extended sole area gradually stores up touch-down energy. At lift-off, this energy is released producing 20% more propulsion per step. 

Thicker. softer-grooved wedge for substantially increased overall cushioning 

More stability & cushioning Wider, flared heel for greater stability. 

More Traction. Special profile ejects grit and mud. Profile layout allow, more flexing and therefore better traction. New heel profile for more cushioned heel strike

👟👟

Trust adidas to take these great (often imitated) training shoes, build in revolutionary cushioning and traction features, and end up with a saving in weight too. It's all part of a breakthrough in Traction Dynamics at adidas— real pioneer work that has created new standards in performance and comfort. 

SL 72 & 76 are creations of Adi Dassler, the man behind the adidas name. 

adidas 

The all-sports people

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.

New Balance vintage 1979 Trail 355 sneaker ad

Today's vintage sneaker ad is for the New Balance Trail 355 running shoes. These are from 1979 and pretty similar in style to the New Balance 320 shoes, the difference is that these feature the Nora-Tuff sole. 💪👟

​Ad info is below:

Trail 355 New trainer designed for road training as well as trail or cross-country work, with high-quality carbon rubber sole of Nora-Tuff for guaranteed road-flat durability. An earlier version was rated number one in cushioning (both ball and heel) during Runner's World lab tests, and this new sole has that maximum shock absorption combined now with the durability of a radial tire. The flat-head studs provide excellent traction on all surfaces, and the foam-backed polyester-mesh upper adds great comfort and breathability. Men's sizes 6-13; widths A,B,C,D,E, EE and EEE. (Sizes 131/2-15 and widths AA and EEEE new available at additional cost.)

See your local authorized New Balance dealer, or send for our free color catalog.
New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc 36 Everett Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02134.

new balance
athletic
shoes
usa

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 

KangaROOS

©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 

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

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

Kmart Trax 1977 vintage sneaker ad

Here's another old school 1977 vintage sneaker ad for Kmart Trax joggers. One of which is donning the infamous 4 stripes.

Ad info is below:

$8.80 $7.97 $7.97 $7.97

👟 👟 👟 👟

👟

$12.97 $11.97

Men's sizes 

Boys' sizes 

Exclusive features for blue nylon Jogger ($12.97/$11.97): 

Padded nylon tongue

Padded collar for extra comfort 

Suede leather trim

Sure traction rubber sole 

High-rise sole protects against wear. 

Men's sizes Boys' sizes (2 1/2-6) 

Trax
the perfect shoe for any sport, sports a perfect price. 

Trax has a lineup of rugged, athletic shoes built to match your stride, whatever your sport. With Trax, the comfort's built-in and the style is strictly a winner. And K mart's low discount price keeps you one step ahead of the game. Check out the complete lineup of Trax athletic shoes this spring for the entire family at most K mart stores. 

K mart
The Saving Place

K mart Corporation Troy. Michigan 48084 

PONY Express VSD 1978 vintage sneaker ad

Here's a vintage sneaker ad from late in 1978 for the PONY Expresss VSD model of running shoes.

​Ad info is below:

Reserve the most advanced running shoe for 1979 now!
The PONY Express V.S.D.

The second generation of PONY VSD running shoes will be ready for delivery in early 1979. Since the Pony Express VSD and the Lady Express VSD are technically beyond any 1978 running shoe on the market, we anticipate an overwhelming demand for them. In order to help you try these extraordinary running shoes at the earliest possible moment, we have included a coupon in this ad. Simply fill it out and send it to PONY. Sometime early in January of 1979, we will send you the name and address of your nearest PONY dealer where you can try on a pair of Pony Express VSD or Lady Express VSD running shoes. Naturally, you're under no obligation to buy but by sending in this coupon, it will guarantee that the PONY dealer you visit has the VSD model you want in your size! Do it now. You'll be a step ahead tomorrow. 

(A) The upper is lightweight cushioned nylon reinforced with suede at points of stress and with arch bandages for lateral support. The upper has a unique mesh panel for true breathability preventing heat buildup and minimizing the resultant perspiration and fatigue. 

(B) The sole is slightly wider across the heel, the shock absorption studs are more numerous, wider and arranged closer together to provide greater stability and increase resistance to wear. The sole is also wider across the ball and the shock absorption studs arranged along the outside of the ball of the foot are reinforced at the base for increased stability and durability. A new molding process allows the inside ball area to be reinforced with a special rubber compound for improved traction and resistance to abrasion. 

(C) Our new seamless nylon upper is made on a moccasin construction which reduces weight, allows the toes to spread without construction and maximizes forefoot flexibility. 

PONY
A STEP AHEAD

251 Park Avenue South New York. N.Y. 10010

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.​

Pro-Specs 1983 vintage sneaker ad

Back in 1983 when Pro-Specs could hold their own with high end things like a diamond ring and and an old school Porsche 928.

​Ad info is below:

Why not shoes?
GUARANTEE Pro-Specs is the first sport shoe brand to offer a written guarantee on its performance shoes . . . right in the box. You wouldn't consider buying other high technology products without a written guarantee. Now you don't have to buy high-tech sport shoes without a written guarantee . . . direct from the manufacturer. Guaranteed durability, guaranteed quality, guaranteed value, guaranteed performance. In the competitive world of athletic footwear, we back our performance in writing .. . . . . why not Pro-Specs shoes?

PRO-SPECS

Consumer Relations Department Wales Avenue, Avon, Massachusetts 02322
Wats: 800-225-0475, Telex: SPECS AVNO 924313

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

Tred 2 Zephyr vintage sneaker ad from 1979

Here’s an old vintage 1979 running shoe ad for the Tred 2 Zephyr which featured their patented two-layer "Honey-comb Pyramidal System" sole. Tred 2 has roots in California and was founded by Rory Fuerst who now runs KEEN.

Ad info is below:

Our new running shoe has already made it mark.

When word leaked out that Tred 2 was designing a running shoe, we received thousands of orders long before the first pair was manufactured. We're proud that our reputation for quality athletic shoes is so wide-spread. And we believe the Zephyr will even surpass everyone's expectations. To build it, we studied the best features of today's running shoes -and improved on them. For example, the sole is our patented two-layer "Honey-comb Pyramidal System." On the surface are pyramidal studs -for maximum traction and durability on all surfaces. Beneath is the honey-comb foundation -for ideal lateral support and stability. . The Zephyr will surround your feet in cushioned comfort. Try it on at sporting goods stores, specialty stores and leading department stores throughout the country. For the name of the dealer nearest you, call toll-free (800) 538-3971. In California, call (408) 263-6500.

Tred 2 gets you into running. Feet first.

Trax by Kmart 1977 vintage joggers ad

Here's an old school 1977 vintage ad for Kmart Trax nylon joggers. What's interesting about this ad is that the swoosh on the sneaker next to the 4 stripe special is nearly identical to the Diadora-ish swoosh on a post for the 1978 Sears kicks last month. 🕵️‍♂️👟 The shoes in the Sears post had no labels on them so maybe they "fell off the truck" on their way to Kmart. haha.

​Ad info is below:

Trax
Competitive style at a winning price

👟

$10.97 

👟

Trax nylon joggers are built to go the distance. But why pay a marathon price when Trax give you the comfort, support and durability of the more expensive shoes? Our men's, women's and big boys' (sizes 2 1/2-6) nylon joggers feature padded tongue and collar, tricot lining, rubber sole and full-cushion insole with arch. With suede trim and leather accent stripes that's strictly your style —unbeatable! Additional Trax styles are also available in men's, women's, boys' and youth's sizes at K mart for under $15.00. 

Kmart
The Saving Place
S. S. Kresge Company Troy, Michigan 48084

Shoe-Town 1978 vintage sneaker commercial

Here's a classic 1978 commercial ad for Shoe-Town featuring some old school Pro-Keds, Tretorn and Pro-Specs sneakers.