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.

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.

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

Autry Jetstreamers 1979 vintage sneaker ad

Here's a 1979 Autry Jetstreamers vintage sneaker ad featuring the Concorde, Cloud, Mach II and Jet running shoes. 👟🔥 A little brand history on Autry is that they began as Autry Rubber Company in Dallas, Texas then later became Autry Industries according to this obituary for Jim Calvin Autry, who was President of the company. If you want to see more of Autry’s old kicks we posted another ad for ‘The Wildcat’ here.

Ad info is below:

<<< JETSTREAMERS
A SHOE TO FIT THE NEEDS OF EVERY RUNNER!

"CONCORDE"

👟

"CLOUD"

👟

"MACH II"

👟

"JET"

👟

► Padded collars with achilles tendon pads.

► Thick padded tongues with lacing loops.

► High toe boxes to prevent blisters, callouses and black toenail.

► New arch cushions with polyurethane insoles for lightness and greater durability.

► Soft E.V.A. midsoles for greater shock absorption.

► 60/40 flex point on toe off for effortless running.

► Scientifically designed outsoles of new long-wearing compounds.

► Rigid nylon counters for positive heel control. 

Toe tab styling with a REMOVABLE ARCH COOKIE that can be modified for low arches or removed completely to accommodate your orthotics. DURABLE CARBON BLACK SOLE designed for all-purpose use. LIGHT, SLEEK and built for speed. 

Look for this AUTHORIZED DEALER decal at better sporting goods stores and running shoe departments nationwide 

BY AUTRY
THE ACTION PEOPLE 

AUTRY INDUSTRIES, INC. 11420 REEDER ROAD DALLAS, TEXAS 75229

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. 

Reebok

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.

Patrick 1975 vintage sneaker ad

Here's an old school 1975 vintage sneaker ad for Patrick brand Training shoes.

​Ad info is below:

Flexible padding here guards your Achilles tendon. 

Contoured construction. rubber insert. help boost your speed. 

Light-weight nylon uppers let the breeze through, cool your feet. 

Non-slip sole grips for speed outdoors, indoors or on synthetic tracks. Helps provide marathon durability. 

Reinforced suede supports-your foot all-around. 

RUN FASTER, SAFER, EASIER WITH PATRICK TRAINING SHOES 

A Patrick training shoe weighs just 6-1/2 ounces—not much more than sweat socks. When you try a pair on, you see how well they fit. When you jog with them, you notice what good traction they give. Run on any surface, any distance, and you find out how sturdy Patrick shoes are and how long they last. Training becomes more of a pleasure, less of a chore. Patrick shoes are made in France, and have been known in Europe for over 25 years. For their workmanship, styling, reliability. Try a pair soon. 

ACTION & LEISURE INC
45 East 30 Street, New York, N.Y. 10016 Tel. (212) 686-8052

Converse "Energy Wave" vintage sneaker ad

RUN! We're going to fast forward up to 1988 and the Converse "Energy Wave" kicks. These shoes were supposed to have a longer lasting cushion and be cooler (temperature-wise) than their competition. I think in this scenario I might rather have a surf board 🏄‍♂️🤙 than a pair of sneakers, but that's just me. 🌊🏃

​Ad info is below:

THE ENERGY WAVE WILL TAKE YOU HIGHER

RUN!

Introducing the Converse Energy Wave And our new AB'" Series With 77% better energy return than Nike Air. Cushioning that lasts longer than EVA. And Wave shoes are cooler for maximum comfort. All so you can run farther, faster. Repeat, farther, faster.

Converse
Results are based on direct material tests of the Converse Energy Wave, Nike Air, and EVA. Look for the blue-on-blue Energy Wave.

1970s Bata Jogging shoes vintage ad

Here's an old school 1970s vintage sneaker ad for Bata Jogging shoes styles 96, 56, and 04. They are "Dashingly stylish" according to the ad.

​​Ad info is below:

To jog, or not to jog:

That is your option. 

Style 96 👟

Style 56 👟

Style 04 👟

Your new Bata jogging shoes. Do you jog in them? Or exercise? Wear them to the beach? Or on the street? Or for tennis? 

You'll find your own answers. Bata just offers you great shoes. Sturdily designed in supple "Nubuck" leather, washable vinyl or canvas. Super-traction soles. 

Luxurious cushion insoles. Dashingly stylish. 

Bata
Sports Division of Bata Shoe Company
Belcamp, Maryland 21017

Available at all fine shoe, sporting goods, and department stores. Men's, ladies' and boys'.

Hush Puppies Jogging Shoes ​vintage ad

Here's a 1978 vintage ad for Hush Puppies Jogging Shoes. Not much to say on this ad except that we're always down for the old school sneaker colorways.

Ad info is below:

Run as comfortable as you walk

New Hush Puppies Jogging Shoes for men and women. Hush Puppies has taken jogging comfortably in stride. With these lightweight. long-enduring shoes from America's longest-running name in comfortable footwear. High performance models in pigskin and pigskin-nylon. Plenty of toe room. Fully padded collar. Tough traction soles that won't quit. Even the price feels good.

Hush Puppies Jogging Shoes.
1978 Wolverine World Wide. Inc.. Rockford. Michigan 49351

Puma Super Long Distance vintage sneaker ad

Today we've got another old school ad from 1975, this time for the Puma "Super Long Distance Shoe."

Ad info is below:

PUMA 🐅

...made to go the distance.

When you run 100 miles or more a week in all kinds of tough terrain you need a top quality shoe that can really take it. The Super Long Distance Shoe by Puma. Thick foam wedge tapering from heel to toe cushions your foot, soaks up shocks. Ankle and achilles tendon pads. Uppers made of nylon, leather reinforced. Soles are tough rubber with special long wearing treads. Comes in blue, red and yellow with Puma stripe. Next time you run for distance, treat your feet to a pair of Puma Super Long Distance Shoes. At your nearest sporting goods dealer or write: Beconta, Inc., Sports Division, 50 Executive Blvd., Elmsford, N.Y. 10523 or 340 Oyster Point Blvd., So. San Francisco, California 94080.

PUMA from BECONTA

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

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.

Saucony Trainer 1980 vintage sneaker ad

Here's a Saucony 1979 ad for the 'Trainer 1980' featuring Edwin Roberts who is an Olympic medalist and was the track coach at Temple University.

Ad info is below:

Saucony's new Trainer 1980 exposes the secret to comfort

Look under the sock liner There's nothing there but soft foam. We've eliminated the insole board to make a shoe that guarantees carpet-cushioned running ease. Trainer 1980 is the only training shoe made this way . . . with increased cushioning, but lighter in weight than any other. And it's hand-crafted on a last designed primarily for elite-class runners.

Saucony's grip-fit counter, contoured nylon uppers, flared heel and mid-sole, and wider toe box position the foot firmly over a Nora-Tuff° sole that's more durable and diffuses shock more effectively. So if you're looking forward to miles and miles of no-stress training .. . get just the right combination of lightweight comfort and durable support. Try on Saucony's new Trainer 1980 at your running shop or sporting goods store. You'll feel the difference. On your feet and in your pocket.

Edwin Roberts Olympic Medalist and a track coach at Temple University

saucony SHOE MFG. CO., INC.

A Subsidiary of Hyde Athletic Industries, Inc.

12 Peach St. Kutztownm PA 19530 (215) 683-8711

Jaclar Boston 26 vintage sneaker ad

This is Jaclar post 2 of 2 for today. Jaclar formed around 1975 in Stoughton, Massachusetts and here’s another old school 1979 vintage sneaker ad for their Boston 26 men's training flat 👟🔥

Ad info is below:

BOSTON 26mi.

THE BOSTON 26 MEN'S TRAINING FLAT

GETTING THERE IS HALF THE FUN!

Whether you are training for the big one or just running for the health of it — Jaclar's all new Men's Training Flats have all of the features that you want at a price that makes you a winner. One of the lightest training flats available with super-lite nylon upper and suede leather trim plus a sole tried and tested on every type of running surface to assure maximum traction with minimum heel shock. Try it at sporting goods stores and leading department stores everywhere. Call us toll-free at 800-225-8647 (in California— (714) 743-7074) for the dealer nearest to you. 

jaclar

P.O. Box 383, Stoughton, Mass. 02072

DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED!

Jaclar Ms. MILER 1979 vintage sneaker ad

Here's post 1 of 2 for today, this one is an old 1979 vintage sneaker ad for Jaclar's Ms. Miler women's training flat.

​Ad info is below:

INTRODUCING THE LIGHTEST THING ON YOUR FEET! 

Ms.. MILER 

WOMEN'S TRAINING FLAT

The newest training flat designed exclusively for a woman's foot. Made on a woman's last and specially cushioned to absorb the shocks while running. The flared heel and bullseye sole give you the comfort and traction you demand for all running surfaces. We also give you a choice of colors and a price that's light on your pocket-book. Try it at sporting goods stores and leading department stores everywhere. For the dealer nearest you call toll-free 800-225-8647, in California (714) 743-7074. It took us this long to make it, because we knew we had to make it right! 

jaclar

P.O. Box 383, Stoughton, Mass. 02072

Gallenkamp SCATS vintage sneaker ad

This ad is from around 1979 or 1980 for the Gallenkamp Shoes SCATS lines of sneakers. 🔥👟

​Ad info is below:

SCATS fit your active lifestyle

...with affordable action.

Different shoes for different moves! Gallenkamp has something for everyone. The racqueteer... the runner... and the guy who likes his leisure. The all-purpose SCATS® court shoe is always a winner. The lightweight SCATS® performance shoe helps you run farther, longer. Whatever your moves... Gallenkamp keeps pace with your active style. Men's, Boy's and Youth's sizes. $16.99-$22.99 

Gallenkamp shoes 

Stores across America Gallenkamp Shoes —One of the companies of SCOA Industries Inc.