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.

Converse Arizona 1980 vintage sneaker ad @ The Deffest

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 

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.

Tred 2 vintage running shoe repair ad from 1978 @ The Deffest

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 

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.

Avia 1982 vintage sneaker ad

Here's a 1982 vintage ad for Avia featuring their president at the time Jerry Stubblefield. The side profile logo on these ✈️ remind me a little of the current W6YZ shoes. If you want to see another old ad with the same running shoes there is one here.

​Ad info is below:

Think of him as the Leonardo of running. 

Perhaps it's unfair to compare our own Jerry Stubblefield with the world's most prolific and innovative designer. Because, while Mr. da Vinci had designs on most everything he saw, he apparently wasn't interested in running shoes. Jerry Stubblefield is. Passionately so. The fact is, Jerry Stubblefield was a champion athlete, Olympic Trials finalist. and university track and cross country coach. He's a designer and journeyman mold and pattern maker. He holds no less than eight patents pending for athletic shoe designs. He's also our company president. When he has an idea for improving our Avia line of running shoes, it doesn't wait for approval from Upstairs. He is Upstairs. He's downstairs, too. No one in the place works harder or longer than Jerry. And that's good news for serious runners. Because there may be no other designer in America with his knowledge of biomechanics and his experience in high performance athletic competition. The result is a line of running shoes unlike any other on the market. Take our (or Jerry's) patented, cantilevered outsole, the most striking feature of the Avia line. The wing-like design dissipates shock, deflecting it outward — not back up the leg. The kinetic ribs spread out upon impact, absorbing shock and increasing stability at the same moment. This same unique feature also minimizes ankle pronation and eases foot and leg strain. So the runner achieves greater performance with less fatigue or stress. That's the rationale behind Avia. But, because you are a runner, you must feel Avia. Feel something totally new A fluidity of motion. It's this indescribable feeling that is converting more and more serious runners from waffles and wiggles — to the wings of Avia. Ask the next runner you see wearing the distinctive lightning bolt of Avia. See for yourself. The fit, the feel, the quality of the materials. They're all there in one superbly crafted shoe. Then, run for yourself. And reach new levels of performance. Perhaps a new PR. You will, you know. Thanks to a very hard working and brilliant fellow. Our Renaissance man, Jerry Stubblefield. Ask for Avia at the best sport shops in your area. For information on Avia footwear for basketball, racquetball, running and roadracing, write to: Jerry Stubblefield, President Avia 7080 S.W. Fir Loop Tigard, OR 97223 Innovative By Design 

Cross section of heel — noncompressed 

Cross section of heel —fully compressed 

AVIA

Innovative By Design

Avia 1982 vintage sneaker ad @ The Deffest

Brooks RT-1 vintage sneaker ad featuring John Walker

Here's a old vintage Brooks ad for the John Walker RT-1 running shoes from 1980.

Ad info is below:

"IF YOU TRAIN MORE THAN 50 MILES A WEEK, YOU REALLY OUGHT TO IN MY SHOES:"

"The folks at Brooks asked me to design a new shoe—a shoe that could be used for training and racing. Naturally, I jumped at the chance, because it just makes sense biomechanically to train and race in the same shoe. "Right up front, though, I made sure everyone understood one thing. I had to test this new shoe personally: To run in it under all kinds of conditions. Or my name simply wouldn't go on it. "Well, my name is on the Brooks RT-1. And I'm here to tell you that the RT-1 is the perfect marriage of a featherweight racing shoe with a firm, durable training flat. "The RT-I is light (about 7 ounces in size 9). And it's cool, because it's made of Brooks Special Open Mesh Nylon. " Plenty of cushioning in all the right places, too. With a wide, flared heel and Varus Wedge."' So you can train day after day without worrying about injuries. "And the RT-I is built on a racing last. Narrow at the heel and arch for closer fit and more speed. With extra 'toe spring' for a better kick and stronger finish. "Try the RT-1 for yourself. I can't promise you better racing times. But I can tell you I enjoy running in the RT-1. And I think you will, too. It's the most comfortable shoe for racing and training I've ever worn. In a word... Sensational."

RW5-STAR

*****

Runner's World Magazine

John Walker, World Record Holder

2000 meters (4:51.4), former World Record Holder in the mile (3:49.4). 1976 Olympic Gold Medal Winner 1500 meters.

The John Walker RT-1. Another sensational running shoe from...

BROOKS
Brooks Shoe Mfg. Co, Inc., Hanover, PA 17331

Brooks RT-1 John Walker 1980 vintage sneaker ad @ The Deffest

AMBI 'Stranger' vintage sneakers ad ​from 1979

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

​Ad info is below:

WHY RUN AROUND WITH A STRANGER? 

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

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

Made in U.S.A. 

P.O. Box 249 / Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401

AMBI 'Stranger' vintage sneaker print ad ​from 1979 @ The Deffest

AAU LW-3103 ​vintage sneaker ad from 1981

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

Ad info is below:

AAU SHOES 

BREAK THE COAST TO COAST RECORD. 

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

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

THE FOOTWEAR OF CHAMPIONS 

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