PONY Express VSD 1978 vintage sneaker ad

Here's a vintage sneaker ad from late in 1978 for the PONY Expresss VSD model of running shoes.

​Ad info is below:

Reserve the most advanced running shoe for 1979 now!
The PONY Express V.S.D.

The second generation of PONY VSD running shoes will be ready for delivery in early 1979. Since the Pony Express VSD and the Lady Express VSD are technically beyond any 1978 running shoe on the market, we anticipate an overwhelming demand for them. In order to help you try these extraordinary running shoes at the earliest possible moment, we have included a coupon in this ad. Simply fill it out and send it to PONY. Sometime early in January of 1979, we will send you the name and address of your nearest PONY dealer where you can try on a pair of Pony Express VSD or Lady Express VSD running shoes. Naturally, you're under no obligation to buy but by sending in this coupon, it will guarantee that the PONY dealer you visit has the VSD model you want in your size! Do it now. You'll be a step ahead tomorrow. 

(A) The upper is lightweight cushioned nylon reinforced with suede at points of stress and with arch bandages for lateral support. The upper has a unique mesh panel for true breathability preventing heat buildup and minimizing the resultant perspiration and fatigue. 

(B) The sole is slightly wider across the heel, the shock absorption studs are more numerous, wider and arranged closer together to provide greater stability and increase resistance to wear. The sole is also wider across the ball and the shock absorption studs arranged along the outside of the ball of the foot are reinforced at the base for increased stability and durability. A new molding process allows the inside ball area to be reinforced with a special rubber compound for improved traction and resistance to abrasion. 

(C) Our new seamless nylon upper is made on a moccasin construction which reduces weight, allows the toes to spread without construction and maximizes forefoot flexibility. 

PONY
A STEP AHEAD

251 Park Avenue South New York. N.Y. 10010

PONY Targa Flex and Shadow vintage sneaker ad

Closing out track coach ad week with one more from PONY and Jim Bush of UCLA. This ad is a from a few years later, in 1981, for the PONY Targa Flex, Lady Targa Flex and Shadow.

​Ad info is below:

RUNNING COMMENTARY.

FIRST IN A SERIES.

A COACH'S GUIDE TO BASIC

TRAINING TIPS FROM JIM BUSH

JIM BUSH
Head Coach—UCLA
Winningest track coach in the US; Head Pan Am Coach in 1979; Twice voted Coach of the Year; Member of the Olympic Development and International Committees; Coach of many Olympic and National Champions and world record holders; Member of the Pony Advisory Board.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

RW5-STAR
Runner’s World Magazine

THE TARGA FLEX 👟

THE LADY'S TARGA FLEX 👟

THE SHADOW 👟

1. Warm up. Before you start any workout get your body loose and get your pulse up. Remember the key areas to stretch are your lower legs, the calf muscles and Achilles tendons. Warm down. Don't just stop after a long run. . . Jog, then walk until your heartbeat is back to normal. Warming down is important because it helps get rid of the lactic acid that can cause discomfort after heavy exercise.

2. Get on a 7 day program. Be consistent in your workout. Set up a 7 day program and stick to it. I recommend alternating hard days and easy days. On hard days run a shorter distance at a faster than race pace. On easy days run a longer distance at a slower than race pace. For variety add some interval training to your schedule. Keep a training log of your daily workout.

3. Set a realistic goal. Don't try to run too fast a pace too soon. Make sure you're in the proper physical shape to reach your objectives. And look for gradual improvements instead of dramatic breakthroughs. Remember, when you achieve your goal set another. . . but make sure it's within reach.

4. A race is won in training which is why I recommend training in Pony. Pony's new 5-star running shoes are designed to give you plenty of toe room, excellent arch support and excellent heel support. They absorb a tremendous amount of shock and generally can help keep you and your feet in peak condition. In my opinion, they're the best. Which is why I recommend Pony. And why I train in Pony.

PONY SPORTS & LEISURE, INC. 251 Park Avenue South, New York, N. Y.10010

PONY Racer I VSD vintage sneaker ad

Here's another track and field coach ad, this time Jim Bush of UCLA fame in 1978, endorsing the PONY Racer I VSD.

Ad info is below:

NORTH AMERICA'S WINNINGEST TRACK AND FIELD COACH SAYS, "PONY MAKES THE BEST RUNNING SHOES FOR MY ATHLETES". 

"The hard facts are there. By every objective standard, PONY running shoes are the best I've worn, tested and approved for my athletes in 25 years." That' s Jim Bush, head track and field coach at UCLA talking about the most advanced running shoes on the market today. Anatomically and bio-mechanically developed, and scientifically tested, this new generation of PONY running shoes represents a quantum leap in safety and comfort for runners. The heart of these great new shoes is their sole. The PONY VSD sole (Patent Pending) insures optimal shock absorption, pronation and forward motion at the ball of the foot. This is achieved through specially designed nipples on heel for maximum shock absorption; special treads for increased traction and natural transfer of forward energy as runner pushes off; and specially contoured nipples designed to absorb initial shock and promote natural pronation of foot. In total, the PONY VSD sole has created a new efficiency for runners, and, unquestionably, is the standard by which other high performance shoes will be measured. 

THE PONY RACER I VSD (PATENT PENDING) Revolutionary variable sole design conceived through computerized biomechanical techniques. Ultra-cool and light weight. Excellent durability under dynamic conditions.

PONY
Canada’s Shoe