Here’s a vintage 1980s catalog for REI featuring some great 1980s sneakers. The shoes featured in this catalog are the Nike Pegasus Running Shoes, Nike New Internationalists, Nike Intrepid, REI Junior Winds, REI Equalizers, Adidas Oregon Trainers, Adidas Seattle, Adidas Tennis Champ, Reebok T.D., Reebok Victory G, Reebok Hurricane, New Balance 460 & W460, and Reebok Aerobic Energizers.
Here’s a 1983 vintage Consumer Reports “Penny Power” magazine featuring articles on sneaker testing kids retro runners. This article compares Nike, adidas, Sears and Kinney NBA vintage sneakers.
Article info is below:
APRIL / MAY 1983 A Consumer Reports Publication for young People
PENNY POWER
TESTING SNEAKERS
Part Three: THE TESTS
In order to pick which brands to test, Penny Power used two kinds of "experts." First, an experienced runner looked at many pairs of running shoes sold in children's sizes, and told us which ones were sturdy and well made. Second, junior-high students weeded out the "dorky-looking" pairs from a group of good quality sneakers. They liked the four models you see in the "before" picture below. These ranged in price from $14 to $25.
Before
NIKE ($25)
KINNEY'S NBA ($20)
ADIDAS ($20)
SEARS ($14)
We decided to put these sneakers through the toughest test of all—a "kid" test. The 8-to-13-year-olds you see on these pages were each fitted with two different brands. All wore both pairs through an entire summer and into the fall. One pair was worn one day, the other pair the next day, so that each pair received the same amount of wear— at camp, on the beach and in the country. Running, jumping and skidding would show up differences among the sneakers, we thought. We were wrong! When we gathered in the 20 pairs of sneakers at the end of the test, a few were slightly shabbier or a bit more worn. But, as the "after" picture shows, most came through the test in about the same condition. One reason they were still in good shape was that the testers were switching between two different pairs. Changing your sneakers every day gives them a chance to dry out between wearings, and that's good for all shoes. It's also better for your feet. The testers were asked to choose the more comfortable of the two pairs they had worn. No one brand proved to be more comfortable than the others. Some testers liked one feature (such as the Sears's thinner sole or the NBA's cushioning), some another. We then washed a few pairs of each brand to see how well they would clean up. Again, all four brands washed pretty much the same. Only the light-colored sneakers were hard to get clean. The dark suede trim faded in the wash, however. (Turn to the back cover to see the results of our sneaker spruce-up.)
After
NIKE
ADIDAS
SEARS
KINNEY'S NBA
What did The Sneaker Project teach us? Since no brand stood out in durability or over-all comfort, you should look for a well-made model that fits your particular pair of feet. While you're looking, don't ignore some of the well-made but less-famous brands. Some of our testers were firm Nike or Adidas fans until they discovered the fit and comfort of a less-expensive brand. They were surprised. Maybe you will be too!
Here’s a 1980s vintage sneaker ad for Kmart featuring the Puma Cyclone II, Converse and Trax runners and Pony high top shoes.
Ad info is below:
LOOK WHO JUST MARCHED IN
Puma, Converse, Trax and Pony are now sporting Kmart prices.
For the first time, these famous first quality athletic shoes have all assembled at Kmart. Each fine line of footwear offers a variety of styles and colors for men and women. Each is a proven competitor, Each performs with style. Each has made a proud name for itself. Now, whatever your game, Kmart has the name and the price.
KMART
We've got it good.
Here’s a pair of old school 1980s vintage sneakers by Thom McAn’s Jox brand.
Ad info is below:
RUN INTO THOM MCAN.
RUN OUT WITH A FREE GIFT.*
Thom McAn
JOX
GENUINE VIBRAM SOLE
Get a free cool can caddie just for taking a test run in our newest Jox® with genuine Vibram® soles. Buy a pair and get a sensational 30"×25" poster, free.
Just try on our newest Jox with Vibram soles and we'll give you a free, cool can caddie. And when you buy a pair, we'll even give you an exciting poster, free. Run into Thom McAn for a test run and run out with a free gift.
Thom McAn
*While supplies last. Limit one per customer.
TEST RUN FALL1982
GENUINE VIBRAM SOLE
Here’s another cool 1980s print ad for the Saucony Jazz vintage running shoes. These vintage runners featured a Deceleration Plug and "Indy 500" rubber. This original vintage sneaker ad is available over at the Rewind Running web store.
Ad info is below:
ENCORE PERFORMANCE: JAZZ PLUS.
Saucony continues the quality, craftsmanship and innovation of the Jazz with the Jazz Plus.
Another Saucony first: the biomechanically designed Deceleration Plug. An asymetrical wedge that works during the deceleration phase of a step; enhancing natural pronation and stabilizing rear and mid-foot stride.
Jazz Plus upper utilizes 400 denier nylon mesh for evaporation and new split tip pattern for flexibility. Jazz Plus also features the revolu-tionary Magic outersole of "Indy 500" rubber and diamond shaped stud design. The diamond pattern provides cushioning and shock absorption; center plug in each diamond stabilizes impact.
Jazz Plus from Saucony . . . and Lady Jazz Plus. Listen to your feet. Try on a pair. At better running shops and sporting goods dealers everywhere.
Saucony
The Mark of Innovation.
Div. of Hyde Athletic Industries, Inc., 432 Columbia Street, Cambridge, MA 02141
Here’s an old school 1980s print ad for the Saucony Magic vintage running shoes. This MAGIC runner incorporates the "Indy 500" rubber sole and the Saucony "Dutchman" design that distributed the force of impact over the entire heel area in order to reduce the tendency to pronate. This original vintage sneaker ad is available over at the Rewind Running web store.
Ad info is below:
At Saucony, the innovations keep on coming ...like Magic.
A shoe specifically engineered for increased stability and superior cushioning on heel strike. Our revolutionary new Magic outersole composed of durable "Indy 500" rubber features a unique diamond shaped stud design. It provides cushioning to absorb shock, while the center plug in each diamond adds stability on impact. Contact is smoother and quicker; stability and traction are increased. The heel and the inner plug of each diamond are ribbed to inhibit wear, thus increasing the life of the sole.
Saucony Magic: new from the ground up. From outersole to midsole to new, removable sock insert, Magic means innovation. Fitted into every Magic sock insert is our new Wingfoor XL heel strike cushion. A virtually "bounceless" high technology rubber compound, it is 30% lighter and 15% more shock absorbent than conventional compounds. Extra protection from compression injuries without added weight. What's more, "transition bars" on each cushion distribute force evenly, so you're protected regardless of where your heel strikes.
The new Magic upper has serious running miles built in by design: a new 420 denier nylon mesh is trimmed in durable pigskin, the new multi-flex lacing pattern and eyestay afford snug tying and freedom of flex in the forefoot area. The ScotchliteTM heel tab provides visibility at night. The "Magic Cush-ion" EVA material used in the mid-sole and heel wedge is superior to earlier formula-tions: it has less compression set, improved rebound qualities and higher tear strength.
Magic also incorporates the Saucony "Dutchman" to distribute the force of impact over the entire heel area, and reducing the tendency to pronate.
Think of it as another innovation in running shoes from Saucony, but ask for it by name: Magic or Lady Magic.
See Saucony shoes and Saucony Magic running clothes at better running shops and sporting goods dealers.
Saucony MAGIC
Div. of Hyde Athletic Industries, Inc.
432 Columbia Street, Cambridge, MA 02141
Today we’ve got a vintage sneaker ad from the pride of Jonesboro, AR - AMBI brand. This ad is from 1980 featuring the 'Warrior' model vintage running shoes. If you’re interested in buyhing this vintage advertisement it is available over at RewindRunning.com.
Ad info is below:
A STEP AHEAD IN SAFETY
* That was the Ambi ambition when its first shoe was made — safety and protection of the runner.
* That's what Ambi has quietly accomplished (according to the recent tests sponsored by Runner's World magazine)
AMBI THE AMERICAN SPIRIT
COMPARE THE 1980 TEST RESULTS FOR YOURSELF
Rearfoot Impact
Forefoot Impact
Traction
Rearfoot Control
TOTALS
(The lower the number, the better the test results)
AMBI, PO BOX 249, JONESBORO, AR 72401
This vintage print advertisement is available at the Rewind Running web store.
Here’s a strange ad for the Jox 500 sneakers collab with Coronet paper products. Save $3 when you buy four rolls of toilet paper. 🤣 What a deal.
Ad info is below:
Now you can take advantage of one of the greatest shoe offers ever run. Because to get a $3 discount on any pair of Jox' sport shoes, all you have to do is collect four Quality Seals from any Coronet' quality paper products. From Coronet paper towels, bath tissue, nap-kins or facial tissue. Once you've collected the Seals, just mail them to the address shown below. In return, we'll send you a $3 certificate
which you can redeem at any Thom McAn shoe store. (Limit: one certi-ficate per each purchase of Jox.) You can send away for as many certificates as you wish, but each request must be mailed in a separate envelope. So if you're looking for a bargain on shoes, don't walk all over town. Just walk over to your supermarket. Georgia Pacific
Coronet shows you how to walk away with a $3 discount on Jox at Thom Mcan.
Gentlemen: Herewith are my 4 Coronet Quality Seals, which I am sending you to obtain a certificate for $3.00 toward the purchase of a pair of Jon at Thom McAn.
Here’s another Jox ad from 1983 featuring vibram soles.
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
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 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. That’s some pretty bad smog...
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
Here’s an old ad for the Nike Eagle running shoes from 1980 which at the time were the lightest racing shoes Nike had made.
Ad info is below:
THE EAGLE GIVES YOU ALMOST NOTHING TO BE EXCITED ABOUT.
When it comes to road racing flats, 5.1 ounces* is almost nothing. Each one weighs less than the box it comes in. That's the lightest racing flat we've ever made. As far as we know, it's the lightest production model ever made by anybody. And we think that's exciting. Especially when you consider this shoe has already clocked a 2:10 marathon. It's definitely not a training shoe. The Eagle is made to be worn on race day, like wearing your best pair of competition spikes. It combines an unusual spike-like design through the shank, a PermaFoam sockliner and a Variable Width Lacing System' to give you the best fitting performance shoe we've ever devised. And also the lightest. The Eagle, feather-weight champion of the road.
NIKE
Beaverton, Oregon
Here’s an old school ad for one of our favorite retro runners, The Saucony Jazz. Following up on our Etonic post from a few days ago one common thread from the late 70’s and early 80’s was that nearly every running shoe brand had to shout out a Boston podiatrist in their advertisements. In this example it is Dr. Frank Santopietro. Also the Maxitrac outsole has the triangular lugs.
Ad info is below:
SAUCONY AGAIN!
Saucony Jazz! The next evolutionary step in running shoes. A new high in performance and comfort for the serious runner. In the Jazz we've introduced new ideas and materials, and designed them into a superior new shoe. Our Maxitrac outersole, Butterfly Bal lacing design, and Saucony sock in-sert, combine to make the Saucony Jazz the finest shoe for your feet. Jazz. And Lady Jazz. Designed in co-operation with noted Boston sports podiatrist Dr. Frank Santopietro, who understands as we do how healthy feet make for happy runners. Slip into a pair and see. Your feet'll know the difference.
JAZZ
Saucony
A Division of Hyde Athletic Industries Inc.
Here’s a 1979 vintage sneaker ad for Saucony for the Hornet and Trainer 1980 running shoe models. This is from back in the day when sneakers were made in the USA. This original vintage Saucony print ad is available at our web store RewindRunning.com.
Ad info is below:
Share the road with a runner! Saucony
Its no accident runners wear Saucony shoes!
RW5-Star ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆
You can see why our "Share the road..:' bumper sticker is such a favorite with runners. Runners also know when Runners World Magazine gives shoes a "5 Star Rating" they have to be good. Saucony running shoes are. Another thing. You'll find Saucony priced well below other popular running shoes. That's because they're made by third and fourth generation American shoemakers. Craftsmen who know how to put a perfect running shoe together without charging run-away prices. Top quality at sensible prices. That's why it's no accident runners prefer Saucony running shoes. Try them. (For a FREE "Share the road..:' bumper sticker talk to your local sporting goods dealer or favorite running shop.)
HORNET New features include a seamless toe pattern and tighter fitting heel counter for better foot control. Still a tremendous value. Ranked #1 for rearfoot impact absorption. Available in widths. A,
TRAINER 1980 TRAINER 1980 The top of our line, designed for the serious runner. Unique slip-lasted construction means soft foam replaces the insole board. Extremely lightweight. Features grip-fit heel counter, seamless toe construction and stud-type sole. Ranked #1 for flexibility. In blue or tan.
Saucony
...performance you can't outrun.
A product of Hyde Athletic Industries, Inc.
432 Columbia Street, Cambridge, MA 02141
Here’s another old school ad from Puma in 1980 for the Vilas Pro model tennis shoes. These vintage tennies were names after Argentine tennis star Guillermo Vilas.
Ad info is below:
PUMA. OUR STORY IS ON THE BOX.
It's a strong statement — Puma is quality. And because we mean it, because we believe in it, because we can back it up, we put that claim on every box. When professional Guillermo Vilas wanted a great shoe, he chose Puma. We put his name on the shoe he selected — the Vilas Pro. Made of full grain leather with tough, natural rubber sole, this outstanding shoe provides the comfort, performance and durability tennis players expect and appreciate. So go to your favorite sporting goods store today and look for our claim on the box. Puma is quality. We stand on it.
PUMA
Closing out this week with this rare vintage sneaker ad for NY Street Action brand high tops. In this ad they call out Nike Air. Bold move.
NY Street Action brand is long gone but they were owned by E.S. Originals who still owns or licenses brands today including Avia, Nautica and And1.
Ad info is below:
NY STREET ACTION
ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN AIR.
Take action over high prices. NEW YORK STREET ACTION: Our high-performance athletic shoes cost you a lot less than NIKE AIR" or REEBOK: Our quality is uncompromised. Our construction is unsurpassed. Compare us to AIR. Rate us against REEBOK: Then take to the streets with style, comfort and money in your pocket. NEW YORK STREET ACTION from E.S.O.
TAKE ACTION. IT PAYS.
Reebok is a registered trademark of Reebok International Limited. Nike and Nike Air are registered trademarks of Nike. Inc. New York Street Action and E.S.O. are trademarks of ES. Originals inc.
1988 E.S. Originals inc.
Here’s a couple of vintage ads for the Trainer 1980 and Ms. Trainer 1980 where Saucony is celebrating their RW5-Star rating. The original Trainer 1980 and Ms. Trainer vintage print advertisement is available over at our RewindRunning.com web store.
Ad info is below:
SAUCONY AGAIN...
Last year Saucony won recognition with 5-Star Ratings from Runner's World. This year it's Saucony again. And Saucony is a top competitor with seven shoes winning lop ratings. So, Trainer 1980® is just the start of 5-Star Winners! TRAINER 1980 HAS QUALITY PLUS
• Slip lasted construction improves cushioning and flexibility.
• High quality carbon rubber sole with heel plug for long wear and better traction.
• Long, firm heel counter for added foot control. Get a good run for your money.
Get the 5-Star Trainer 1980!
Saucony
…the shoes for serious runners!
Ad 2 info is below:
SAUCONY AGAIN...
One of the seven Saucony shoes to win the top rating was this beauty. The Ms. Trainer 1980'. A top quality running shoe for women that is priced to deliver top value. Look at the features. THE UNIQUE FEATURES OF MS. TRAINER 1980
• High quality carbon rubber sole with heel plug for long wear and better traction.
• Hinged Insole strip for ultimate flexibility.
See the Ms. Trainer 1980 and other top-rated Saucony shoes for women at your 16. favorite running shop!
Saucony
…the shoes for serious runners!
Here’s an old 1985 vintage sneaker ad for Avia’s runners.
Ad info is below:
The HIGH PERFORMANCE Shoes!
"BUILT FOR YOUR BODY!"
AVIA
HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETIC FOOTWEAR
&
The Athete’s Foot
Here’s another 1980 vintage sneaker ad, this time for the Brooks 1980 Super Villanova running shoes.
Ad info is below:
LESS SHOE FOR YOUR MONEY.
The suggested list price of our new Super Villanova lightweight trainer is only $29.95. Now, a lot of training shoes sell for roughly that price. But the Super Villanova weighs in at a mere 270.3 grams in size 9. Which is pretty amazing, when you compare it with these other training shoes:
Shoe Weight Suggested Retail Price
Brooks Super Villanova 270.3g $29.95
Nike Daybreak 306.1g $42.95
Adidas Marathon Trainer 289.2g $39.90
Etonic Stabilizer
Osaga KT-26 326A8 327.7g $39.95 $39.95
Source October 1979, Runner, World
But just because the new Super Villanova is light, doesn't mean it's less comfortable. There's a mildly flared heel and a My/T/ Lite' midsole, which help to make the new Super Villanova comfortable and 10% more shock absorbent than it was before. The sole wears twice as long, too. That's because it's made of a new rubber compound called Brooks B-10, and it's triple reinforced at the critical heel strike point. (No wonder the Super Villanova earned a 5-Star Rating for 1980.)
MEN'S/WOMEN'S SUPER VILLANOVA
MEN'S SUPER VILLANOVA So if you're looking for a durable, lightweight training shoe at a reasonable price, try on the Brooks Super Villanova, It's a lot less shoe for the money.
WOMEN'S SUPER VILLANOVA
BROOKS
1980 Brooks Shoe Mfg.Co.,Inc., Hanover, PA 17331
