A couple of days ago we posted a vintage ad for some old Dr. J Converse sneakers from 1978. Today we’ve got a 1976 commercial from Converse for a similar pair of basketball sneaks.
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…
KangaROOS 1982 vintage sneaker ad for the Inferno, Comet, '84 Walker, Seoul '88 and The Assault
Here’s an old ad from 1982 for the KangaROOS Inferno, Comet, '84 Walker, Seoul '88 and Assault model sneakers. The Seoul 88 model had G Force air corridors to provide extra shock dissipation so you can take flight. This original vintage Kangaroos sneaker print ad is available at our web store Rewind Running.
Ad info is below:
RUNAWAY TECHNOLOGY
THE INFERNO
The ultimate high-mileage trainer. KangaROOS designed the Inferno for maximum comfort. A beautiful combination of engineering and handsome design.
• Combination wrap-around nubuck collar and counter for added heel control.
• Ventilated full-grain nubuck leather forepart.
THE COMET
One of the lightest, most stable racing shoes in competition. Not a trainer, the Comet is engineered for race days. Right out of the box, it maximizes performance.
• Notched heel counter relieves stress on Achilles tendon.
• Full slip-lasted construction for lightness (186.5rg) and flexibility.
• Light. natural rubber outsole with high-impact heel design.
• Shock-absorbing natural rubber outsole with medial arch strap.
THE SEOUL '88
KangaROOS designed the Seoul '88 for hard and fast training as well as racing. Optimized shock absorption is a key feature. Pronation "minimizers" are built in.
• G Force air corridors provide extra shock dissipation.
'84 WALKER
KangaROOS' answer for the competitive walker. Combination lasted 2-to-1 heel-toe ratio for improved stride efficiency. Features positive-tracking forepart sway bars.
• Special metatarsal insert for toe off relief.
THE ASSAULT
KangaROOS new, high mileage trainer. Extra stability for both heavy-and light-weight runners. Engineered for runners who train hard.
• Dual lacing system insures proper fit.
HIGH TECH 'ROOS, DESIGNED FOR ATHLETES WHO HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR SOMETHING BETTER.
KangaROOS
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,296,559 • D261,695 • D261,823 Foreign patents granted, other patent applications pending.
World's Only Shoes With Pockets
1982 Envoys U.S.A., Inc., 48 Worthington Drive. Maryland Heights. MO 63043
New Balance 320 vintage sneakers from 1978
Here’s a great old ad for the New Balance 320 model. This original vintage NB 320 print ad is available at our web store RewindRunning.com.
Ad info is below:
320 1976-77's number one rated trainer — tough, comfortable, fully protective. This year's 320 has a one-piece upper with padded tongue, a fuller, boxier toe (from a last with broader toe design), a lightweight outer sole with flared heel and wrapped toe for greater durability, and a foam-backed tricot heel cup that fits snugly all around for improved support. Men's 31/2AA-15EEEE, in Royal Blue with White.
See your local authorized New Balance dealer, or send for our free color catalog. 38 Everett Street Boston, Massachusetts 02134
Kinney NBA Sneakers 4 stripe shoe commercial from 1980
We’ve covered Kinney’s NBA line previously with a few vintage ads and on the blog. Here’s a 1980 commercial for the Kinney NBA 4 stripe sneaker line.
Converse 1984 vintage sneaker ad for the Laser, Force-5 and Phaeton
Below is a 1984 vintage sneaker ad for the Converse Laser, Force-5 and Phaeton. Converse developed these runners with sports podiatrist Dr. Lloyd Smith in an effort to reduce pronation and protect the knee. Outside of that this ad brings another 1980’s Tron style light grid.
Ad info is below:
CONVERSE STABILIZER-BAR SHOES It's a fact. The average runner comes down with 500 pounds of force every time the foot impacts the ground. Combine this kind of force with excessive pronation—a knee-twisting side-to-side foot motion—and it can cause serious knee problems, the leading form of running injury. Converse patented Stabilizer-Bars have been developed by Converse at their biomechanics facility in collaboration with Dr. Lloyd Smith, Sports Podiatrist. They help reduce pronation and protect the knee. And since runners experience varying degrees of prona-don, we built varying degrees of stabilization into three different shoe models.
To find out which model best fits your running needs, take the quiz on the left; Converse Stabilizer-Bar Shoes. We design them the way we design all our athletic shoes. By studying our top athletes, we're able to come up with improved biomechanical designs. That's why they're made for the part of the body that running is hardest on. The knees.
CONVERSE
Reach for the stars. Reach for Converse.
The Official Athletic shoe of the 1984 Olympic Games.
Foot Locker 1981 vintage sneaker ad featuring Adidas, Nike, Saucony, New Balance, Brooks, and Etonic
Here’s a 1981 Foot Locker vintage sneaker advertisement featuring various old school runners and mentions Adidas, Nike, Saucony, Puma, New Balance, Brooks, Etonic, Reebok, and Tiger.
The models featured below are the:
adidas TRX Trainer and Lady Orion
Nike Columbia, Yankee and Internationalist
Saucony Jazz
New Balance 430, 660 and 720
Brooks Hugger G.T.
Etonic Stabilizer
Ad info is below:
Start. Stride. Kick. Second wind. Peak. Win! Run when it counts. For your favorite big-name running shoes, walk into Foot Locker. Our athletic shoe experts can fit you in Adidas, Nike, Saucony, Puma, New Balance, Brooks, Etonic, Reebok, Tiger, and more. Because whatever your distance, we take it as seriously as you do.
Kmart Trax vintage sneaker commercial from 1985 featuring Malcolm Marshall
Here’s a 1985 Australian Kmart Trax vintage sneaker commercial from 1985 featuring cricketer Malcolm Marshall. According to Wikipedia “Marshall is widely regarded as the greatest and most accomplished fast bowler of the modern era in Test cricket.”
Vans Breakers 80s Break Dancing High tops vintage sneaker ad
Here’s another old school vintage advertisement for Vans Breakers sneakers. For a short time in the 80s Vans went for the burgeoning breakdancing scene and nothing says hip hop quite like wing tip high tops. For more history on these we posted about these Vans high tops before and you can check out that ad here. Vans should re-issue these.
Ad info is below:
We’re BREAKING OUT
from COAST TO COAST
Man, I need VANS Breakers
Only For The Elite!
Tred2 1978 vintage sneaker ad for the Zephyr model running shoes
Today we’ve got a 1978 vintage sneaker ad from Starting Line Sports for Tred2’s Zephyr model runners. Tred 2 started out as a brand that resoled shoes in San Jose, CA before eventually starting up their own brand. If you want to learn more about their history you can see some other old ads Tred 2 advertisements here.
Ad info is below:
ZEPHYR by TRED2
An exciting new training shoe steams into the running shoe market from Tred-2, long famous for its quality tennis shoes. The Zephyr puts you on the right track with a revolutionary honeycomb-based sole that combines with waffles to reduce the instability found with most waffled soles. Durability is increased since the honeycomb foundation provides new gripping edges and wearing surface as the waffles wear away. Its sleek, seamless upper is virtually blisterproof. Blue nylon with blue trim in men's sizes 6-12 & 13. White nylon with blue trim in women's sizes 4-10. $29.95
STARTING LINE SPORTS P.O. Box 8, Mt. View, CA 94042.
Saucony Hornet 1978 vintage sneaker ad by athletic attic
Here’s a cool old 1978 vintage sneaker ad for the Saucony Hornet model running shoes. This original vintage Saucony Hornet sneaker print ad is available at our web store RewindRunning.com.
Ad info is below:
Ms. Hornet
Hornet
The ‘Attic is full of Hornets.
Athletic Attic stores are loaded with Hornets these days. These top ranked shoes from Saucony were rated #1 for rearfoot impact absorption by Runner's World Magazine — and given a 5-Star rating. We recommend them highly, and a closer look at a Hornet will tell you why:
The added tongue and quarter, thick midsole wedge and herringbone outsole design combine to create a highly comfortable durable training flat.
The Ms. Hornet provides the same kind of outstanding performance for the female runner, and both men's and women's models are available in a wide variety of sizes. But our favorite Hornet feature is the very affordable price. It really takes the sting out of buying a top-rated running shoe! Visit your nearest Athletic Attic today. Things are buzzing!
Athletic Attic
Vintage ad featuring Nike and Pro-Joggs vintage sneakers from 1984
Here’s an old vintage advertisement for Pedersens’s in Twin Falls, Idaho. This ad features Nike and Pro-Joggs running shoes from 1984.
Puma Week 1983 vintage sneaker ad featuring the Intimidator, Soft Rider, Puma Court, and Game Cat
Here’s an old school Sears advertisement from 1983 for Puma Week. the models in this ad are the Puma Intimidator, Soft Rider, Puma Court, and Game Cat.
Ad info is below:
PUMA IS MAKING TRACKS AT SEARS.
Jump to it and NOW SAVE $3-$7. save on all our Puma shoes! During Puma Week at Sears you can save on a wide variety of styles, colors and sizes for the whole family. Run, jump, jog, even walk...but don't stop until you get to Sears Shoe Department for our big Puma Sale May 22-May 28.
Available in most larger Sears retail stores. Prices and dates apply only to the Continental United States except Alaska. Sears, Roebuck and Co., 1983
YOU'RE IN FOR A CHANGE AT Sears
1975 retro running shoes survey featuring adidas, puma, tiger, nike and new balance
Here’s a vintage running shoe write up of surveys from 1975 featuring various old school sneakers. The running shoe models in the pages below are the adidas SL 72 / SL76, Puma 9190, Asics / Onitsuka Tiger Jayhawk, Nike Boston 73 and Nike Roadrunner as well as the New Balance Interval.
The Tiger Pinto model that is referred to a couple of times below is featured on the cover of the 1977 book The Complete Book of Running by James Fixx which you can see at the amazon affiliate link here.
Page info is below:
It’s hard to attack success, and the SLs arc nothing if not successful. The runners we surveyed chose them twice as often as the nearest competitor among training shoes. (While not designed as a racing flat, the SLs still are third there in popularity.) And they rank first in overall quality, as determined in the preceding section. The well-elevated, round., well-supported heel is a popular Adidas innovation. The front of the shoe still gives some runners problems, however. They complain of cramped toes in that area (a familiar complaint about all Adidas, incidentally) and of inadequate padding underneath. We've lumped the two models-72 and 76—together here because the differences are in appearance only.
Shoe: Model Nos. 3470 (SL-72) and 3473 (SL-76). Introduced in 1970 (SL-72) and 1974 (SL-76). Available in 3.-15 (one width). Single size-nine shoe weighs 10, our. Suggested October 1975 price $29.95.
Upper: Nylon. Blue with white trim (SL-72), Green/yellow (SL-76). Rigid heel counter. Padded upper rim with extra-high achilles pad. Removable arch cushion.
Use: Worn by 16.1% of surveyed runners for training, 14,5% for racing. Drop rate (users divided by quitters) 22%.
Sole: Two layers, outer 1/4th inch, inner 1/8th inch. Good sole flexibility. Flat shank. Heel lift 7/16ths inch. Rounded at heel.
2. Puma 9190
Puma, Adidas' sometimes bitter competitor in track and field shoes, hadn't made a serious bid in the road market until fairly recently. Then Puma released the 9190—an answer to the SL-72. Though the 9190 is only half as popular among the runners we surveyed, it matches its rival point for point in all other respects. We rate it a close second in overall quality. Shoe: Model No. 9190. Introduced in 1970. Available in men's sizes 3-14 (one width). Single size-nine shoe weighs II ounces. Suggested October 1975 price about $28.
Upper: Nylon. Blue with white trim, red/white, gold/black. Rigid heel counter. Padded upper rim with extra-high achilles pad. Removable arch cushion.
Sole: Two layers, outer 1/4th inch, inner 1/8th Good flexibility at ball of foot. Flat shank. Heel lift 1/2 inch. Rounded at heel.
Use: Worn by 7.8% of surveyed runners for training. Drop rate (users divided by quitters) 15%.
By our figuring, the Jayhawk is the leader in racing flats. It trails its older brother, the Tiger Pinto, by miles in popularity. But the Jayhawk measures up better in all other categories except price ($5 more) and weight (an ounce heavier per shoe). The extra dollars and ounces give a heel counter, a supported arch and three layers of rubber under the forefoot. A recurring complaint about Jayhawk is that the top rim “bites in” at the heel.
Shoe: Model No. G-5. Introduced in 1974. Available in men's sizes 4-13 (one width). Single size-nine shoe weighs eight ounces. Suggested October 1975 price $21.95.
Upper: Nylon. Gold with blue trim. Rigid heel counter. Removable arch cushion.
Sole: Three layers, outer 1/8th inch, middle 1/16th inch, inner I /8th inch. Good flexibility at ball of foot. Flat shank. Heel lift 3/8ths inch. Rounded at heel.
Use: Worn by 6.7%of surveyed runners for racing, 1.0% for training. Drop rate (users divided by quitters) 13%.
4. Nike Boston '73
The racers love it. Only one other shoe, the Tiger Pinto, has of them in it among the runners we surveyed. We rate Boston much higher than the Pinto, largely because it has better arch support inside (built-in pad) and outside (flat shank). But we place it slightly behind the similar Tiger Jayhawk because the Boston lacks a solid heel counter and its sole material is a bit less durable. The Boston, like all Nikes, comes with a Spenco insole as standard equipment.
Shoe: Model No. 2420. Available in men's sizes 3.13 (one width). Single size-nine shoe weighs eight ounces. Suggested October 1975 price $21.95.
Upper: Nylon. Blue with white and gray trim. Minimal heel counter. Built-in arch support.
Sole: Two layers, both 1/8th inch. Good flexibility at ball of foot. Flat shank. Heel lift 3/8ths inch. Rounded at heel.
Use: Worn by 16.2% of surveyed runners for racing, 1.7% for training. Drop rate (users divided by quitters) 14%.
5. N.B. Interval 3:05
After more than a decade of relying on its old standby, the ripple sole, New Balance has switched to a more standard one—the so-called "SL" with the thick heel wedge and rounded back. And the venerable New England company has joined the swing to nylon with this new all-purpose shoe (it previously had only a racing model). The Interval looks promising enough to rate fifth in our analysis. Variable width is a big plus, as is the "flared" heel (wider at the ground than ; tithe heel counter. A minus is the "lip" around the rim which tates some people's heels.
Shoe: Introduced in 1975. Available in men's sizes 31/2AA to 15EEEE. Single size-nine shoe weighs 9'/2 ounces. Suggested October 1975 price $23.95.
Upper: Nylon. Blue with white and blue trim. Rigid heel counter. Padded upper rim. Removable arch cushion.
Sole: Two layers, outer 1/4th inch, inner 1/8th inch. Good flexibility at ball of foot. Flat shank. Heel lift 3/8ths inch. Rounded at heel.
Use: All-purpose shoe. Issued too late to be surveyed.
This one has exciting possibilities. The newly-released Road Runner stands out in nearly every category of our analysis: price (less than $20), sole make up (comparable to the Cortezes), light weight (just 8 1/2 ounces), etc. It remains to be tested by large numbers of runners. Their verdict is the critical one. But our guess is that it will at least be maintaining the number six rating a year from now. One drawback, however, be a sole which feels relatively harder than most Nikes.
Shoe: Introduced in 1975. Available in men's sizes 3-13 (one width). Single size-nine shoe weighs 8 1/2 ounces. Suggested October 1975 price $19.95.
Upper: Nylon. Green with blue and yellow trim. Rigid heel counter. Extra-high achilles pad. Removable arch cushion.
Sole: Two layers, outer 1/4th inch, inner 3/8ths inch. Fair flexibility at ball of foot. Flat shank. Heel lift 7/16th inch. Rounded at heel.
Use: All-purpose shoe. Issued too late to be surveyed.
1975 retro running shoe models featuring adidas, Puma, Tiger, Nike and New Balance
New Balance Interval and Nike Roadrunner vintage running shoe models.
Asics Onitsuka Tiger 1978 vintage sneaker ad featuring the Montreal II, Corsair, Jayhawk and Enduro
Here’s a 1978 retro running shoe ad for the Asics Tiger model sneakers. This ad was put out by The Athlete’s Foot and features the Montreal II, Corsair, Jayhawk and Enduro models.
Ad info is below:
SOFT LANDINGS EVERY STEP AND STRIDE OF THE WAY
Montreal II T-35 nylon uppers
Corsair T-24 leather uppers
Jayhawk G-5 nylon
Enduro T-36 nylon mesh
TIGER SHOES AT THE ATHLETE’S FOOT STORES
Flexible. Lightweight. Well-cushioned to absorb impact with your every step and stride. Let the experienced specialists at THE ATHLETE'S FOOT put you into the right Tiger shoes for YOUR kind of running. Grass or path. Track or tough terrain. One mile. Three miles. Twenty-six miles. No one knows the athlete's foot like THE ATHLETE'S FOOT stores. Great color selection for men and women. Great price selection.
Available only at participating stores.
No one knows the athlete's foot like
The Athlete's Foot
Various vintage running shoe and retro sneaker models from 1981
This old scan is from 1981 and has some well worn distress. It looks like it survived The Great Flood. Below we have retro sneaker models from:
PONY - Targa Flex?
Etonic - Eclipse
Reebok
Vans - Serio
Osaga - KT26
New Balance - 730(?)
Saucony - Jazz?
Brookfield
Pro Wings
Pro-Specs - Marathons
Brooks
Nike
Converse
Asics Tiger
Autry - Concorde
Puma - Fast Rider
adidas
Another old school Kmart Trax commercial from 1983
Nope, not adidas. Here’s another retro 3 stripe Kmart Trax sneaker commercial from 1983. If you can make it to the 14 second marker the commercial moves from 8 bit to a regular video.
Runner's World Top-Rated Running Shoes for 1980
This is the Runner’s World magazine buyer’s guide featuring their top rated runners in 1980. It’s interesting that only two Nike shoes are featured and that Jox Roadhandlers made the cut but Asics / Onitsuka Tiger, Converse and Etonic didn’t.
Page info is below:
5-STAR SHOES AT A GLANCE
⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆
Runner's World Top-Rated Running Shoes for 1980
ADIDAS LADY MARATHON 80 WOMEN'S RACING FLAT
ADIDAS LADY MARATHON TRAINER WOMEN'S TRAINING FLAT
ADIDAS LADY TRX TRAINER WOMEN'S TRAINING FLAT
ADIDAS MARATHON 80 MEN'S RACING FLAT
ADIDAS MARATHON TRAINER MEN'S TRAINING FLAT
ADIDAS TRX TRAINER MEN'S TRAINING FLAT
AUTRY CONCORDE MEN'S TRAINING FLAT
BROOKS HUGGER GT MEN'S TRAINING FLAT
BROOKS LADY SUPER VILLANOVA WOMEN'S TRAINING FLAT
BROOKS LADY VANTAGE WOMEN'S TRAINING FLAT
BROOKS RT-1 MEN'S RACING FLAT
BROOKS SUPER VILLANOVA MEN'S TRAINING FLAT
BROOKS VANTAGE MEN'S TRAINING FLAT
BROOKS VANTAGE SUPREME MEN'S TRAINING FLAT
NIKE DAYBREAK MEN'S TRAINING FLAT
NIKE WOMEN'S LIBERATOR WOMEN'S TRAINING FLAT
NEW BALANCE 620 MEN'S TRAINING
OSAGA KT-26 FLAT MEN'S TRAINING FLAT
PUMA FAST RIDER MEN'S TRAINING FLAT
PUMA LITE RIDER MEN'S TRAINING FLAT
PUMA TRACK RIDER MEN'S RACING FLAT
REEBOK AZTEC MEN'S TRAINING FLAT
REEBOK AZTEC PRINCESS WOMEN'S TRAINING FLAT
REEBOK 10K MEN'S RACING FLAT
SAUCONY MS SILVER STREAK WOMEN'S RACING
SAUCONY MS TRAINER 1980 FLAT WOMEN'S TRAINING FLAT
SAUCONY SILVER STREAK MEN'S RACING FLAT
SAUCONY TRAINER 1980 MEN'S TRAINING FLAT
SPECS INNSBRUCK MEN'S TRAINING FLAT
THOM McAN WOMEN'S ROADHANDLER WOMEN'S TRAINING FLAT
Mitre Moscow 1977 vintage sneaker ad featuring Olympic Gold medalist Melvin Pender
Here’s a 1977 vintage ad for the Mitre Moscow running shoes featuring Olympic Gold medalist Melvin Pender. This original vintage Mitre print ad is available at our web store RewindRunning.com.
Ad info is below:
mitre
Worth its weight in gold.
Olympic gold medal winner Mel Pender is helping Mitre make tracks. Mel values fast starts. He has been rated fastest in the world out of the blocks.
Mitre has a head start in track with the recent acquisition of Kingswell Sports Company. We start with quality Kingswell manufacturing, add innovative ideas and the result is the new Mitre Moscow.
The Moscow is great looking and feeling. Its distinctive red suede and white nylon are super soft, yet the price is right. The Moscow has sole flexibility, plus strong support in the heel and shank, and is so light it's meant to move.
Mitre's on the move, too. The soccer world knows our top reputation. And our sports involvement is expanding. We believe, like Mel, that with quality equipment and encouragement a lot of you are potential gold medal winners. Ask your dealer for the Moscow and other Mitre products. And write us for a free copy of "It's Never Too Late," Mel's personal account of winning the gold at the age of 31 (quantities available to coaches). Mitre Sports, inc., 3042 Miller Road, Lithonia, Georgia 30058.
Mitre is 160 years old, but running faster than ever. Run for the gold and the Mitre Moscow
1977 K-Mart Trax Sneaker commercial
Here’s an old school 1977 vintage ad for Kmart Trax runners.