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:

1. Adidas SL 72 / SL76

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%.

3. Tiger Jayhawk

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.

6. Nike Road Runner

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

1975 retro running shoe models featuring adidas, Puma, Tiger, Nike and New Balance

New Balance Interval and Nike Roadrunner vintage running shoe models.

New Balance Interval and Nike Roadrunner vintage running shoe models.

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:

Pro Wings
Pro-Specs - Marathons
Brooks
Nike
Converse
Asics Tiger
Autry - Concorde
Puma - Fast Rider
adidas

Various retro vintage sneaker and running shoe models from 1981 @ The Deffest


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

Runner's World Top-Rated Running Shoes for 1980 retro sneakers @ The Deffest

Vintage Nike Pegasus ad from 1982

Here’s a great old ad for the Nike Pegasus from 1982 featuring the Nike Air-Wedge, Waffle Center-of-Pressure outsole and more cutting edge 80s technology.

Ad info is below:

NEVER WILL SO MANY OWN SO MUCH FOR SO LITTLE.

It was one of those victories that, frankly, took us by surprise. All we were after was an Air shoe with a slightly more down-to-earth price tag. The more runners who experience Air, we reasoned, the fewer will settle for anything less. That was the theory. Pegasus. That was the name. Then our R&D department proceeded to run amuck. First, they incorporated the Nike Air-Wedge. That was fine. Because it gives the kind of long-lasting cushion you just can't find in any other shoe. But then they started looking around for other innovations from some of our more specialized models. Next thing we knew, the Pegasus was sporting the Waffle Center-of-Pressure outsole. For even more cushion. And greater stability. It also made the Pegasus great for running over any number of different surfaces. From grass to asphalt, to gravel and mud. Then, they flared the heel for a touch more stability. Notched the suede at the first metatarsal for flexibility. And even went to a lighter EVA formulation in the midsole. As a result, the Pegasus is not only a great training shoe, but at roughly 10 ounces in a size 9, it's more than light enough to race in. We were stunned. And we told them—this is just too much technology, too much versatility. The Pegasus is simply more shoe than we bargained for. Then they reminded us. That's what a bargain is all about.

NIKE
Beaverton, Oregon

Nike Daybreak vintage sneaker ad from 1980

Here’s a great old distressed 1980 vintage sneaker ad for the Nike Daybreak. The Daybreak model is one of our favorite old school Nike runners and this original vintage distressed Nike advertisement is available at our RewindRunning.com web store.

Ad info is below:

THE DAWN OF THE DAYBREAK.

NIKE
Beaverton, Oregon

Vintage Nike Roadrunner sneakers ad from 1977

Here’s a great old vintage advertisement for the Nike Roadrunner model sneakers from 1977. This original vintage Nike Roadrunner print ad is available at our web store RewindRunning.com.

Ad info is below:

BUILT TO GIVE YOU BETTER MILEAGE.
We designed this shoe to come out ahead in the long run. We call it the Roadrunner because that's exactly what it's for. Long distance road running. We've given it a multi-studded sole design that's built for super traction and long wearing durability. The soles are topped off with uppers of nylon and suede that make this shoe as light as road dust. We also give you reinforced toes and heels. Cushioned mid soles. And an extended heel counter for solid support. You'll find Roadrunners at your nearest Nike dealer. Waiting to give you a long distance run for your money.

Nike
8285 S.W. Nimbus Ave., Suite 115, Beaverton, Oregon 97005. Also available in Canada through Pacific Athletic Supplies Ltd.. 2433 Beta Avenue. Burnaby. B.C. Canada V5C 5NI (604) 294.5307

Nike Roadrunner 1970s vintage sneakers

Here's a cool old piece of Nike history with this ad from 1975 for the rare and awesome Nike Roadrunner shoes. Check out the old school Blue Ribbon Sports logo on the lower left hand side.

Ad info is below:

THIS SHOE IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY 

NIKE ROADRUNNER 

(IT'S ONLY FOR THOSE WHO WANT THE BEST) 

A NEW VERSION OF AN OLD FAVORITE. THE NEW NIKE ROADRUNNER IS A REAL EYE-OPENER. IT COMES IN LIME GREEN NYLON UPPERS, MOD BLUE SWOOSH STRIPE AND HEEL TAB, AND MARIGOLD YELLOW ACCENT. IT FEATURES AN EXTENDED HEEL COUNTER AND REINFORCED TOE FOR STABILITY AND DURABILITY. THE SPENCO INNERSOLE, ARCH SUPPORT, AND CUSHIONED MIDSOLE PROVIDE MILES OF COMFORT. AND THE LONG LASTING CREPE SOLE INSURES MILES OF WEAR. NOT ONLY DOES THIS SHOE HAVE EYE -OPENING COLORS, BUT IT ALSO HAS AN EYE OPENING PRICE., $19.95 

ASK YOUR LOCAL NIKE DEALER FOR THE NIKE ROADRUNNER or for information write 

BRS
6175 S.W.112 Beaverton, Oregon 97005
4 Jeffrey Ave Holliston, Mass. 01746

Vintage Nike LD-1000, Sting, Waffle trainer and Le Village 1977 sneaker ad

Here's another vintage 1977 ad featuring the Nike LD-1000, Sting, Waffle trainer and Le Village model sneakers.

Ad info is below:

SEND FOR A NIKE MAIL BOX.

As soon as we receive your order it's processed and shipped —usually the same day it arrives. Simply pick out the sportswear you want, fill in the coupon, and mail your order. Then, sit back and wait for the postman to arrive.

The LD-1000 $39.95
This is the shoe for you if you're looking for a super trainer. The revolutionary design helps reduce twist and shock. The patented waffle sole gives you better traction, and the wide flared heel gives you better running stability. Lightweight uppers of nylon mesh and suede. Comes in blue and yellow.

Nike Sting $34.95
Nike's lightweight marathon shoe features nylon mesh for strength, yet cool running. Suede leather toe reinforcing gives snug, comfortable fit. Unique suction sole delivers great traction on all road conditions. A big step forward in marathon shoes from Nike.

Athletic Dept Warmups $14.95
These comfortable nylon and cotton warmups are available in green with blue stripes, or blue with yellow stripes. Great style, great fit, great price.

Waffle Trainer $29.95
The Waffle Trainer features patented waffle sole for cushior: traction, yet minimum weight. Flat outer sole, beveled heel, tough nylon upper and the new bluer,' with bright yellow "swoosh'

Le Village $28.95
A beautiful stylish casual shoe with an athletic look. Soft, antique brown leather uppers. Cushier mid soles. As comfortable as they are long wearing.