Here’s a couple of vintage ads from 1987 and 1988 for James Worthy’s New Balance basketball high top sneakers. The models featured in this ad are the P600, P700 and P800.
Ad info is below:
THE INCREDIBLE DRIVING MACHINE.
P600 P700 P800
NB
new balance
Worthy Express
And another similar ad from 1988.
Ad info is below:
NO WONDER HE WAS MVP OF THE FINALS.
LOOK WHAT HE DRIVES IN.
P600 P700 P800
NB
new balance
Worthy Express
Brooks is known for running but in the 1980’s they put together a legit group of high tops. This ad is for ‘The Transition’ model retro high tops from 1983 featuring an ankle support system called ‘feetbelts.’
Ad info is below:
Fasten your feetbelts.
The Transition's feetbelt system wraps your ankles for support and protection.
The higher you fly and the harder you play, the more your feet need feetbelts. The ultimate support system that pro-tects your ankles with two self-adhesive straps on the outside. Plus two reinforced nylon bands on the inside.
Together they act just like a trainer's tape.
Feetbelts aren't just a showy sub-stitute for lacing. They're an integral part of the new Brooks 'Transition. A shoe created to cope with today's harder run-ning, higher jumping player. A lightweight shoe with a more flex-ible sole and incredible gripping power. On wood, on asphalt, or whatever surface you play on.
A tougher shoe with a rugged leather upper that supports your foot at all the key stress points. In short, a shoe that plays the game the way you play the game. To win. So make the transition and fasten your feetbelts. For smoother take-offs, safer. landings.
Ask for the new Brooks 'fransition wherever the best athletic footwear is sold.
The Transition
BROOKS
High performance from the ground up.
Here’s an old school ad for the Asics Tiger ‘The Meridian’ model basketball high tops.
Ad info is below:
WE’VE GONE THROUGH HOOPS TO BRING YOU THIS SHOE.
THE MERIDIAN
We slipped. We slid. We came up with a molded heel cup for stability. Then we got a real jump on the competition with a one piece EVA midsole. All to bring you durability and comfort that stands up in court.
BORN TO PERFORM.
ASICS TIGER
For more information write: ASICS TIGER CORP., 3030 S. Susan Street, Santa Ana, CA 92704
Here’s a cool old ad for Converse featuring Dr. J’s 1984 StarTech model basketball high tops.
Ad info is below:
JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED.
The new Converse StarTech. It's biomechanically designed to have what one of the hardest-playing pros needs most— unyielding protection and long-lasting construction. Converse's uni-saddle design has extra lateral support for safer side-to-side moves and ankle-twisting pivots. The advanced shell sole and All Step insole have super shock absorption for jumping on rebounds and going up for high-flying slam dunks. Plus, it's designed the way we design all our athletic shoes. By working with top athletes and coming up with improved biomechanical designs to satisfy their needs. That's why Dr. J wouldn't even think of taking the court before taking two Converse StarTechs for his feet.
The Converse Star Tech mid-cut
CONVERSE
Reach for the stars. Reach for Converse.
1984 Converse Inc. The Official Athletic Shoe of the 1984 Olympic Games.
The Puma 1986 released Sky LX gets respect from sneakerhead legend Bobbito Garcia and has been named as possibly Puma's best basketball shoe ever.
Ad info is below:
SURE, IT’S A GAME OF INCHES.
BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN NEGLECT THE FEET.
The Sky LX basketball shoe.
PUMA
Because if you’re not the predator, you’re the prey.
Today we’ve got an old school 1979 vintage advertisement for the adidas ‘Top 10’ high tops. These sneakers were one of the first pairs of basketball related shoes to move away from plimsolls. Here’s a little history from Esquire:
“starting in the late 1970s with the Adidas Top Ten, players, trainers, and sneaker makers all began to assume that a high-top was an essential tool of high-level basketball, primarily for reasons of ankle support.”
This ad features basketball Hall of Famer Rick Barry who is considered one of the top 50 greatest players in NBA history.
Ad info is below:
Rick Barry, Inventor.
When Rick Barry helped us create the adidas Top Ten basketball shoe, he knew it would have the severest critics of all: the U.S. "Top Ten" players. Rick pressed for every advantage. He insisted we develop the upper with a special Foreflex' cut that lets the foot flex easily and in the correct position. And had us add an Ankle Saver"' support system for increased protection. He had us remove a semi-circle from the heel-counter to prevent heel irritation. He watched as we perforated the toe area to ensure proper ventilation. And he demanded we build the deep herring-bone sole with a turning disc and a serrated edge for softness, traction and flex. Then Rick tested our adidas Top Ten on the "Top Ten". They all gave it their seal of approval. Now all we need is yours.
The adidas Top Ten is worn by "Top Ten" players Doug Collins, Marques Johnson, Kermit Washington, Adrian Dantley, Bob Lanier, Bobby Jones, Billy Knight, Sidney Wicks, Mitch Kupchak and Kevin Grevey.
adidas
The science of sport
Here’s another old school print ad from Osaga. This ad is from 1977 for the Moscow 80 running shoes.
UPDATE: They’re Back! In 2025, the iconic Osaga brand makes its long-awaited comeback. Now under the care of the founders’ grandkids, Osaga has faithfully reissued beloved classics like the KT-26 and Moscow 80.
👟 Get your pair of Osaga retro runners here
Affiliate Disclosure: If you buy Osaga shoes through the link above, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us continue researching and sharing the history of iconic running shoes like the KT-26.
Ad info is below:
"…a shoe that is among the best in sole cushioning and comfort."
— Runner’s World
Osaga’s Moscow 80
Think about it.
Uncomfortable shoes make for uncomfortable running, and you know how discomfort affects your performance. Bad fit or inadequate cushioning can have more effect on a runner’s health, pleasure and performance than any other factor.
Osaga believes that if your feet feel good, chances are that you’ll perform more efficiently. And that’s what Moscow 80 is all about; a superbly designed running flat suitable for both racing and training.
Nylon mesh with suede trim. Studded sole. 4 colors and sizes 6–16 in widths.
Osaga… for the human race.
🚨 Attention 🚨 We posted a pair of old school Pro Wings sneakers for sale by auction now at our eBay shop! The auction opened at .99 cents and will run until 6/19/2023!
Here’s an old Payless ad featuring the infamous XJ-900 high tops and some 4 stripe adidas superstar style sneakers.
Today we’ve got a vintage ad for Etonic’s Eclipse running shoes from 1981. These running shoes featured Dr. Rob Roy McGregor' foot-cradle cushions and Etonic’s patented rear-foot lacing system°.
Ad info is below:
The Etonic reaction
Eclipse' Trainer
That Winning Feeling. That special satisfaction when you know you've done what you set out to do. Etonic knows the feeling. That's why Etonic designs sports footwear around the sports foot. Like the Etonic Eclipse® Trainer.
Remarkably light (men's 8.3 oz. in size 9, women's 7.2 oz. in size 7) and comfortable (featuring breathable oxi-mesh nylon). Our exclusive advanced generation Dr. Rob Roy McGregor' foot-cradle cushions your foot naturally. And our patented rear-foot lacing system° allows you to adjust your Eclipse Trainers for a better fit and extra support in the long run. The Eclipse Trainer from Etonic. Designed to give you that winning feeling, every step you take.
RW5-STAR
★★★★★
Runner’s World Magazine
Etonic. Winning never felt better.
Etonic Inc.. Brockton, MA 02403. A member of the Colgate Sports Group of Companies 'Patent Pending
Here’s a vintage 1977 sneaker ad for Jaclar featuring their joggers, basketball shoe, basketball sneakers and sport shoe. Jaclar has been revived in recent years and you can check out their gear here.
Ad info is below:
TOP SECRET
The Sportables
THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN TOWN!
A Jaclar Guide to a Briefcase Full of Sportable Secrets!
THE JACLAR NYLON JOGGER, deceptively different from the competition, but the differences are cleverly hidden within for value and comfort.
THE JACLAR BREATHABLE NYLON JOGGER, laces faster and stays cooler for emergency situations and dangerous assignments.
THE JACLAR SUEDE-ON-SUEDE with a flair for the dramatic that brings you in from the cold.
THE JACLAR SUEDE BASKETBALL SHOE, guaranteed to make your counterpart think you're in as good shape as your feet look.
THE JACLAR LEATHER TENNIS SHOE, to let the people you serve know your on your toes.
THE JACLAR SPORT SHOE, to match your trenchcoat and create the perfect cover.
We can't keep our Sportables hidden any longer, the secret is out, so we're coming out in the open, and you're going to hear a lot about us from now on. We're going to give the people what they want, real value for their money - visible value. That's what Jaclar stands for - value for your customers, profits for you, and the in-stock delivery you've always wanted. Call us at our not-so-secret number (617) 344-1113; write us at Jaclar, P.O. Box 383, Stoughton, Massachusetts 02072.
jaclar
One of Life’s Leisure Pleasures!
Here’s an old school ad from 1977 for New Balance featuring their 220, 305, Trackster III and Supercomp model running shoes.
Ad info is below:
RATED NUMBER 1
Runner's World Magazine recently rated the New Balance 320 first among all training shoes on the market. In fact, New Balance placed three models in the top seven. That's because our running shoes keep you fit. Our unique width sizes fit virtually every foot and provide maximum lateral support. Our instep saddle adds longitudinal support and eliminates the need for constrictive lacing to the toe. Our flared heel adds solid stability, and our beveled midsole provides a more natural rolling motion, midsole to toe. And our soft, lined uppers and fully protective soles give all the comfort you need to enhance performance.
Even before Runner's World confirmed it, running experts were already calling our 320 "the best training shoe ever made.” Designed by runners for runners, the 320 has a wedge/midsole combination of thick Softee cushioning, a flared heel and molded plastic counter for maximum cushioning and great lateral stability, our super-protective Achilles tendon pad, and a leather-reinforced nylon upper to encase your foot in a nearly frictionless environment. It's the ultimate training shoe. Men and women, 3' AA to 1SEEE, in Royal blue with white trim or gold with blue trim.
220 Rated seventh by Runner's World. our 220 features a unique wedge incorporating two 18-Iron layers of Softee cushioning. The rounded heel provides maximum cushioning on heel strike, and the full midsole protects both the ball of the foot and the metatarsal head area. Maximum traction on all surfaces comes from our lightweight, extremely durable "octopus" sole. Men and women. 31/2AA to I5EEE. in Royal blue with while trim.
305 Rated third by Runners World is our tough but lightweight 305. It’s just as solidly put together and durable as the 320. but we've reduced the protective cushioning a bit to make the 305 light enough for racing too…. perfect fit and comfort features as the 320. same flared heel and Achilles tendon pad. Same heel-elevating Softee wedge and "sprint" sole for maximum traction. Our ideal combination shoe. the 305 works for training and competition both. Men and women. 31/2AA to 15 EEE. in Royal blue with yellow trim. (New sole and cosmetics available late spring.)
Trackster III The most protective of all training shoes, our Trackster has been a favorite more than a decade. Its molded Ripple sole absorbs up to … percent of road shock, while the unique foxing construction provides better lateral stability. Our Achilles tendon pad prevents strain and chafing it … another way, our foot-conforming soft suede upper Men and Women AAA to EEE, in Royal blue with white trim.
SuperComp Our hot new bright-colored SuperComp looks and performs better than ever. The soft, ultra-comfortable upper and exceptional light weight (under 7 ounces) combine with our unique width sizing to give you a glovelike perfect fit. Maximum performance is assured with out traction-enhancing -*brush" sore and solidly protective wedge/midsote combination and full cushioning under the ball of the foot. Our SuperComp is a feast for the eyes and a treat for your feet. Men and women. 31/4AA to 15EEE, in sunburst yellow, burnt orange and flare red (Available late spring )
NB
new balance athletic shoes usa
38-42 Everett Street Boston. Massachusetts 02134
Nope, not adidas. In our last post we posted some 3 stripe vintage Sears the Winner II sneakers and today we're back with another 3 stripe pair of runners, this time from Saucony. This ad is from 1977 for their Scat and Dove model Women's running and track shoes. This original vintage Saucony print ad is available at our web store Rewind Running.
Ad info is below:
Ladies’ First.
SCAT women's track shoe, rated first by Runner's World in 1977.
DOVE women's training shoe, rated first by Runner's World in 1976.
Saucony Scat is the top-ranked women's spiked shoe because it's specifically designed for the woman runner. It's not just an adaptation of our popular men's Speedstar, or any other model in our full line of men's track shoes. The Scat's uppers are soft, well-padded blue nylon. The bottom, with a small heel lift, is suited for both sprints and distance running. Heel and ankle collars are well-padded for comfort. And the chevron-claw spike plate with seven receptacles is a Saucony exclusive. Dove, the top-ranked women's training shoe for 1976, has a flared heel and suction cup traction sole. The tongue and quarter are fully padded. The Dove's uppers are lightweight, soft, white nylon with color-coordinated blue trim. You know how important good shoes are for comfort and performance. So remember the name. Saucony. Top-ranked women's shoes for training and competition at a lower price than any ranked shoe, regardless of category.
We're out in front. And we're going to stay there.
saucony
SHOE MFG. CO., INC
A Subsidiary of Hyde Athletic Industries, Inc. 12 Peach St., Kutztown, PA 19530 (215) 683-8711
Here’s a page out of the 1979 Sears Spring catalog featuring the The Winner II 1979 sneakers.
Catalog info is below:
SPORTS SHOES FOR THE WHOLE
The W1nner II
IMPORTED SPORTS SHOES
• Uppers reinforced with sturdy sueded split-leather and lined with soft, absorbent nylon tricot
• Thick sponge rubber insole with contoured arch to support foot
In your choice of nylon uppers in 5 colors with contrasting trim or white vinyl with blue trim
Men’s, Women’s Big Boy sizes $16.49
Children’s sizes $15.49
UPPERS: Choose lightweight nylon or vinyl uppers. Both have sueded split leather toe caps, counter, and eyelet area. Tongue is lined with cushioned nylon tricot_ Padded topline. Peaked back. Shoes are imported. See Note on facing page.
SOLES AND HEELS: Traction treaded, high rise rubber sole. Cushioned insole. Extra padding at arch.
SIZES. COLORS, ORDERING INFORMATION: Available in medium sizes. Please state size as listed when placing your order.
Nope, not adidas. Last year we posted a vintage commercial for Koby’s vintage shoe shop. Here’s a second ad for the same store featuring $6.44 faux 3 stripe adidas sneakers.
Here’s a vintage 1980 running shoe ad for the New Balance 420 which was a protective training shoe. This shoe featured the ‘Lunaris Pillow’ technology and Evazote foam to stabilize the ride.
Ad info is below:
THE NEW BALANCE 420 WAS DESIGNED TO PROTECT RUNNERS 6 DAYS OUT OF 7.
The New Balance 420 is the most protective training shoe we've ever made. And as every runner knows, training is 99% of running. So how come we're only recommending that you wear it 85% of the time?
TWO DIFFERENT GOALS.
TWO DIFFERENT SHOES.
Training is the means to two important ends: improved endurance ( strength and fitness) and improved performance (speed over distance). Obvious, right? And yet it seems we're the first running shoe company to recognize that the pursuit of these goals is best served by two different training shoes. We designed our remarkably lightweight 620 training flat for that one or two days of running a week when time is key: e.g., when you're doing speed work or running in a road race. It's for all the other days of the week that we developed our new 420.
On the 7th day, we recommend our highly regarded 620 training flat.
HOW THE 420 PROTECTS.
The natural position of the foot at rest and in motion is called the neutral plane. When you engage in motion outside this range, you not only waste energy, but invite injury. Isn't it odd, then, that in the guise of cushioning, some running shoes in effect encourage deviations beyond the neutral plane? Following orthopedic principles, we designed the 420 in such a way to keep your foot in the neutral plane throughout your gait cycle. Extended along the medial side of the arch, the 420's heel counter provides maximum rear-foot stability while allowing you your full range of motion. Our Extended Saddle' pro-vides support along the longitudinal arch and, together with our unique straight last construction, encourages an efficient straight-line running motion. Finally, our exciting new Lunaris Pillow, a pre-molded Evazote and memory-foam insert, serves to stabilize your foot in the neutral plane and helps to provide unprecedented shock absorption. Indeed, the 420 delivers up to an astonishing 70% shock attenuation experience. And given the structure of the human body, that's as good as you can get.
The neutral plane. Deviations outside of it waste energy and invite injury.
WE COULD RUN ON AND ON....
As you might have gathered, to fully describe all the features of the 420 would take more space than we have here. So we'll simpl3 conclude with the following observation: No other training shoe offers more protection. And that's a statement we'll stand behind seven days of the week. New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., Boston, MA 02134, U.S.A., which is where our shoes are made.
Women's sizes 4-10 (widths AA, B and D). Men's sizes 6-13 (widths B, D, EE and EEEE).
NEW BALANCE
WE'RE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
Here’s an old 1978 vintage sneaker ad for Brooks Villanova men’s and women’s model running shoes from back in the day. This original vintage Brooks running print ad is available at our web store Rewind Running.
Ad info is below:
BROOKS
Villanova
Training Flats
Designed to give you comfort, style and value.
401 Villanova (Men's)
Runner's World has placed this model among its top choices for the past 2 years and it continues to be one of the most popular training flats in America today! Nylon upper with suede leather tip and counter pocket, full padded heel, terry cloth sock lining with support, 3 tier octopus sole flared and and wrapped, shock ab-sorbing crepe heel wedge.
402 Villanova (Men's)
Incorporates the exact features of the highly ranked 401 with a tan nylon and suede upper, dark brown trim and heel wedge.
214 Villanova (Women's)
Identical to the 210B except with tan nylon and suede uppers, chocolate brown trim and shock absorbing heel wedge in mocha.
210B Villanova (Women's)
Stylish, comfortable, a great value plus excellent ratings by Runner's World. Nylon and suede upper, full padded heel, terry cloth sock lining with arch support, shock absorbing crepe heel wedge with flared and wrapped outsole. Considered one of the best values available.
It's how you rate our shoes that counts...thanks for choosing Brooks.
BROOKS
SHOE MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. HANOVER, PA. 17331
We’re back with one more page out of the vintage Bob Wolf 1978-79 catalog. These 4 stripe sneakers have that caramel tobacco color that was popular in the late 70s and early 80s.
Catalog info is below:
SPORTS CASUALS
Bob Wolf's sport casual shoes are for kicking back and enjoying life. The relaxed look of suede goes with the relaxed fed of the pillow tongue, padded ankle collar and terry cloth inner sole. Thick gum rubber soles with rounded heel sections give long and comfortable wear.
SUPER PRO® SPORTS CASUAL SHOES
AP-904, brown suede with chocolate trim, AP-906, blue suede with white trim. Sizes. Boys 2 1/2-6, Men's 6 1/2-12, 13, 14. AP-908, maroon suede with white trim. Sizes: Men's 616-12, 13, 14.
CLEATED-MULTI SPORT Coaches and pbyers alike will appreciate these light weight shoes designed specifically for field sports. The cleated Super Pro® XL!. has all the benefits of the Xl!"^ running shoe coupled with hard rubber cleats. All XLs have padded ankle collars, pillow tongues and tricot linings. Super Pro® XL, SXL-494, black nylon and leather with yellow trim. Sizes: Boys 2 1/2-6, Men's 6 1/2-12, 13, 14. SC-409, black vinyl with white trim and hard rubber cleats. Sizes: Youth's 11-2 Boys 21h-6, Men's 61/2-12
*available for spring delivery
Here’s an old school ad for Saucony and the second vintage Saucony ad we’ve posted featuring Olympic medalist Edwin Roberts, the other one is here. The Pacesetters have the Tufcrepe soles and both pairs were made in the U.S.A. This original vintage Saucony print ad is available at our web store Rewind Running.
Ad info is below:
Bullet (Model No. 8832) .. blue with gold trim, and a tough Gumtred sole in basketweave design. Features padded quarter and Achilles tendon protector. and weighs a feather-light five ounces.
"Saucony's two new track shoes look great, feel great and weigh practically nothing."
-Edwin Roberts, Olympic Medalist and Track Coach at Temple University
Introducing two topflight additions to the Saucony line of racing shoes—Bullet for sprint events, and Pacesetter for the distances.
Both have nylon oxford uppers with suede trim ... one-piece seamless toe construction . . . and versatile 7-position nylon tap with interchangeable spike positions. Saucony offers a full line of racing shoes and training flats for men and women. Edwin Roberts calls these two new Saucony shoes, "the best available for runners at every level of competition. They are attractive, comfortable, durable, and very light in weight. And they are reasonably priced! After all, why should you pay $40 for a shoe because some celebrity got his for nothing?"
Pacesetter (Model No. 8834) ... gold with blue trim, and an extremely high-abrasion Tufcrepe. sole in Caprice design. The sole is flared and rolled, and the heel wedge assures maximum shock absorption. Pacesetter's sock liner is 2-way-stretch nylon on rubber.
saucony
SHOE MFG. Co. INC
A Subsidiary of Hyde Athletic Industries. Inc 12 Peach St . Kutztown. PA 19530 (215) 683-8711
All Saucony shoes are made in the U.S.A.
Here’s a 1980 vintage ad for Osaga who was burnishing their credentials as the official shoes of the Montreal Invitational Marathon and supplier to the World Cup II.
UPDATE: Osaga 2.0 for the Human Race! In 2025, the brand’s next chapter begins. The grandchildren of Osaga’s original owners have brought back legendary runners like the KT-26 and Moscow 80 - built with the same care as the originals.
Affiliate Disclosure: If you buy Osaga shoes through the link above, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us continue researching and sharing the history of iconic running shoes like the KT-26.
Ad info is below:
OSAGA
The Official Shoe of the Montreal Invitational Marathon.
OSAGA
Official supplier to World Cup II, Montreal.
OSAGA
For The Human race
For more information contact: Corporate Headquarters OSAGA, Incorporated, 2468 West 11th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97402„ Phone (503) 484-1344
Eastern Distr. Osaga East 444 N. 4th Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 (215) 627-2200
Canadian Distr. Nielsen Distributors 1000 Parker St. Vancouver, B.C. (604) 253-5221
Australian Distr. Dunlop Footwear P.O. Box 268 Bankstown, Australia 2200
This ad is one of the more unusual 1970’s collabs we’ve seen - this time between Etonic and Bonne Bell for their Ten-O-Six lotion….
Ad info is below:
The Dynamic Duo.
Bonne Bell 10K Running Shoe by Etonic.
Exercise your body. Ten-O-Six your face.
If you think running does great things for your skin, add Ten-O-Six Lotion to your daily habit and get ready for a beautiful surprise. Ten-O-Six is the antiseptic deep pore cleanser that tones, firms, conditions, sloughs, revs up circulation and revitalizes your skin. Twice a day, every day. Ten-O-Six Lotion. Ok? Notice the shoe on this page? It's the Bonne Bell 10K Running Shoe. Made by Etonic, it combines beauty, function and comfort. Stick with us, we'll keep you lookin' good all the way. BONNE BELL Lakewood, Ohio 44107
