Puma, Converse, Trax and PONY 1984 Vintage Sneaker ad

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.

Hoop Stars: Converse StarTech Dr. J vintage 1984 High Top Shoes Basketball Sneakers

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.

Sears 1983 Converse vintage sneaker ad

Today we have a vintage 1983 sneaker ad for Sears which features four Converse models from the time. This ad has a similar vibe to an earlier Sears - Puma ad that we posted.

Ad info is below:

RUN INTO SEARS FOR SAVINGS ON CONVERSE.

NOW SAVE $4-$8 ON THE OFFICIAL SHOE OF THE 1984 OLYMPICS. Right now, select Converse Shoes in jogging, court and basketball styles. There's a variety of colors and sizes for the whole family. But you only have from Sept. 4-10, so get on your mark, get set... and go to Sears!

Available in most larger Sears retail stores

Sears, Roebuck and Co., 1983.

CONVERSE
The Official Athletic Shoe of the 1984 Olympic Games.

There’s more for your life at Sears.

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…

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.

Converse Coach 3 stripe vintage sneakers ad from 1972

Nope, not adidas. Here’s another Converse ad featuring a similar-to-adidas style 3 stripe logo. This 1972 ad for the Coach model sneakers mentions that they will hold up well under all conditions including... mowing the lawn.

Ad info is below:

Converse Coach in suede and canvas
the basketball shoe that keeps going… on and off the court. It’s a quality basketball shoe … it’s a rugged, handsome all around athletic shoe. In suede, canvas and sharp new team colors, the Converse Coach performs like a pro on the court and keeps going … off the court, on any surface hard or soft, for a game of touch, mowing the lawn, jogging, you name it. The new suede Coach is in cool, supple, napped glove leather for beautiful, long-lasting comfort, and it boasts a padded tongue and ankle collar for snug, foot-hug-ging fit. Both the suede and canvas models offer full heel and arch cushion and comfortable sponge insole. Plus the special Converse sole design and compound for a sure grip and extra long wear. Suede Coach in natural, blue, gold and black Oxford. Canvas Coach in black and white Hi-Top and Oxford. More sports heroes from Converse.

See the Converse dealer nearest you – listed on the left.

*converse

Converse Pacers 1970 3 stripe vintage sneakers ad

A while back I alluded to the many 3 stripe brands of the 1970s and 80s. Today we're going way, way back to 1970 when Converse was the three stripe brand… or at least one of them. These rare sneakers were made with Clarino which is a synthetic leather material and is still used in athletic shoes 50 years later.

Ad info is below:

Converse Pacers that play hard talk it up for Clarino.

I'm the 'Pacer,' an all-purpose athletic shoe made by Converse. Made with Clarino, a remarkable new shoe material that a shoe can appreciate. I know what it's like to get buried in mud up to the eyelets on a wet, sloppy ballfield. And how easy it is to get battered and bruised, even in a 'touch' foot-ball game with the kids. And while jogging may be a great way for a guy to keep in shape, it can make his shoes look old long before their time. Unless they're made with Clarino. Clarino won't crack or peel, no matter how hard the going. It ignores the weather. It wipes clean with a swipe of a cloth. It breaks in with the first step and conforms to your every movement perfectly. And what a baseball wouldn't give to resist scuffs and scratches the way Clarino does! And since I never look like I've seen any action, you can wear me with slacks and a sports jacket. Clarino. The new man-made shoe material that has all us Converse Pacers talking. And other shoes, too.

Clarino
The material difference

Vintage Converse 1979 ad for the World Class Trainer II, World Class Marathoner II and Invitational

We had someone email the blog to ID some 1970’s Converse today and I was able to dig up a 1979 ad for them. They had the World Class Trainer II and this ad also features the World Class Marathoner II and World Class Invitational.

Ad info is below:

CONVERSE INVITES YOU TO COMMIT YOURSELF.

Buy a pair of Converse World Class Running Shoes and get this one-of-a-kind Progress Plan free.

The final step to serious running is serious self-appraisal. If you are ready for that step, or if you have already taken it but don't have a day-to-day system, we would like to present you with a unique opportunity.

We have put together The World Class Progress Plan. It features the most comprehensive personal logs ever compiled, complete before-and-after stretching instructions by Bob Anderson: author of the book Stretching, and an introduction explaining the value of self-appraisal by Rory Donaldson, editor of Guidelines For Successful Jogging.

To get The World Class Progress Plan first buy either the Trainer II, the Marathoner II or the Invitational. The Trainer II and the Marathoner II are the only shoes that offer the unique combination of lace-to-toe design and variable width sizing to insure proper shoe fit. The result: a more even distribution of stress and a more comfortable shoe.

The Invitational is in a class by itself. No other shoe gives you a combination of rolled outersole and flared heel. The result: maximum stability on uneven surfaces.

These shoes were rated in the 1979 Runner's World shoe survey. The Trainer II and Invitational were awarded the highest five-star ratings while the Marathoner II earned a full four-stars. So if you are ready to make the commitment to serious running, commit yourself to a pair of Converse World Class Running Shoes. To receive a free World Class Progress Plan, tear off the end panel with the size and stock number from any World Class shoe box and send it with your return address to: Converse World Class Progress Plan, P.O. Box 9566. St. Paul. Minn. 55195

*CONVERSE
THE SHOES OF THE STARS
An Eltra Company

WORLD CLASS MARATHONER II
WORLD CLASS INVITATIONAL
WORLD CLASS TRAINER II

Vintage Converse Arizona sneaker ad from 1980

Here’s an old 1980 Converse ad for the Arizona model runners. If you want to learn more we previously posted another ad for this model here.

Ad info is below:

INTRODUCING THE PERFECT SHOE FOR AN IMPERFECT WORLD. THE NEW CONVERSE ARIZONA:
Wherever you run, there's a surface out to get you...hard, unyielding pavement; rough, uneven dirt; soft, unpredictable turf. The pounding, twisting punishment you absorb on these surfaces is incredible. Now, Converse has a shoe that puts the odds in your favor.

The Converse Arizona, A Totally Integrated Running System
At Converse we believe that a high-performance training shoe should combine stability, shock absorption and traction. The Arizona features an Integrated Running System* engineered with precisely this in mind.

Stability
Over-pronation, the leading cause of runners' injuries, is minimized through the unique Heel Lock System', which wraps the counter snugly around the heel and literally locks it in place. This feature combined with a rein-forced nylon mesh upper and molded insole provides a degree of stability you just can't get in any other shoe.

Shock Absorption
Hard surfaces shouldn't be hard on your legs. That's why the Arizona features a midsole layer of Sport Cell', a highly shock absorbent material designed exclusively for Converse. This substance not only dissipates the initial impact of heel-strike, but also effectively directs residual shock out the side of the sole.

Superior Traction — On Every Surface
Because man does not run on pavement alone, the new Arizona is designed with extra traction features. Our Toe Propulsion Ridge maximizes traction on toeoff. The scientifically designed outsole studs reinforce critical wear areas... a must for all-surface running. And our Heel Wear Bar reinforces the primary impact area... helping the Arizona, and you, last miles longer. Converse believes all these features work together to make the Arizona a fast, safe, comfortable training shoe over any surface. Whether you run on the pavement, through the park, or on country roads, we're confident that the new Arizona will make a good hard run easier on your legs.

⋆ CONVERSE an ELTRA company
*Patent Pending Converse 1979

Converse Arizona 1980 vintage sneaker ad

Here's an old school 1980 vintage sneaker ad for the Converse Arizona. According to the ad they teamed up with a NASA engineer to help design it and this sneaker is loaded with tech for traction, shock absorption and stability.

Ad info is below:

HIGH TECH OR YOUR FEET THE CONVERSE ARIZONA 

The new Converse Arizona' was developed in consultation with a NASA contractor. The result is an Integrated Running System (patents pending) that offers runners new levels of stability, shock protection, and traction on every surface.

The Sportcell mid-sole, created from a new high-technology material, provides extra protection by actually dissipating shock. Converse took the question of sole configuration out of the hands of clothing designers, and put it into the hands of engineers. The result is a sole that grabs hold of virtually anything —even loose dirt — to provide solid footing on any surface. The Toe Propulsion Ridge maximizes traction on toeoff. Outsole Studs and Heel Wear Bar keep traction high even as the shoe wears. The Heel Lock System provides state-of-the-art stability. When the shoe is laced, this newly developed "passive seatbelt system" locks the heel into place. This means over-pronation, the leading cause of runners' injuries, is minimized.

Man's feet, his legs, his knees — all his body parts are limited. His mind is not. He can create high technology to compensate for his limitations —technology to help him run faster, safer, more comfortably. He can create the Converse Arizona. For a free poster of this ad, write Converse Customer Service, 55 Fordham Rd., Wilmington, MA 01887. CONVERSE 

Converse Odessa 1985 vintage sneaker ad

The year was 1985. Ronald Reagan was president. "New Coke" was an released by Coca Cola in a marketing blunder. Nintendo released the NES in North America. Michael Jordan is named as the NBA's "Rookie of the Year." and Converse design team brought us the side way lace system and futuristic outsole of the Odessa running shoes. According to the ad is "the most technically advanced shoe" of it's day.

Ad info is below:

NO, IT'S NOT A FACTORY SECOND. IT'S AN INDUSTRY FIRST. 

The heel counter stabilizer keeps your foot remarkably stable throughout your stride. 

The Dual Density removable insole gives you out-standing shock absorption.

The side lacing-system works to keep your foot stable.

The cushioned Dual Density Midsole provides cushioning, stability and flexibility where you need it most. 

At first glance, the lacing on this shoe might strike you as a manufacturing error, or a blatant attempt at gimmickry. But make no mistake. The new Converse Odessa is the most technologically advanced shoe a dedicated runner can wear.

Why the side lacing? Simple. Through biomechanical research, we proved it gives you more stability throughout the shoe. But the lacing is just one reason Odessa is an industry first. It's got three features that, together, give you an unprecedented combination of motion control and cushioning. In fact, the Odessa provides 15% more stability and 13% more cushioning than any other running shoe.

The extended heel counter keeps your foot remarkably stable through-out your stride. The dual density mid-sole and urethane wedge work to cushion your foot better than any shoe in its class.

And finally, our center-of-pressure outsole provides cushioning and stability, and centers your foot during your stride. But while it's heavy on features, this shoe is incredibly light on your feet.

So if you're a dedicated runner who thinks of Converse strictly as a great basketball shoe company, see the Odessa at your Converse dealer. You'll immediately think of us as a great running shoe company.

CONVERSE
Reach for the stars. 

The Dual Density Center-of-Pressure outsole is made of Vibram Infinity® for long-lasting durability. The outsole helps center your foot during your stride, without sacrificing cushioning.​

Converse "Energy Wave" vintage sneaker ad

RUN! We're going to fast forward up to 1988 and the Converse "Energy Wave" kicks. These shoes were supposed to have a longer lasting cushion and be cooler (temperature-wise) than their competition. I think in this scenario I might rather have a surf board 🏄‍♂️🤙 than a pair of sneakers, but that's just me. 🌊🏃

​Ad info is below:

THE ENERGY WAVE WILL TAKE YOU HIGHER

RUN!

Introducing the Converse Energy Wave And our new AB'" Series With 77% better energy return than Nike Air. Cushioning that lasts longer than EVA. And Wave shoes are cooler for maximum comfort. All so you can run farther, faster. Repeat, farther, faster.

Converse
Results are based on direct material tests of the Converse Energy Wave, Nike Air, and EVA. Look for the blue-on-blue Energy Wave.

Converse Thunderbolt & Equinox Arthur Lydiard vintage sneaker ad ​

Converse "The Art of Running" 1984 Arthur Lydiard Thunderbolt and Equinox vintage sneaker ad. Another popular theme of these old 80s running shoe ads is the “track coach sponsorship.” After the success of Nike and Bill Bowerman there was a long line of track coach endorsers that came out to promote different brands and lines of running shoes.

Arthur Lydiard was well known and prior to these runners with Converse he sponsored a pair of sneakers by the EB Brütting company in Germany called the Lydiard EB Brütting Road Runner. Lydiard also taught Bill Bowerman how to jog. After that he designed these Thunderbolt and Equinox shoes for Converse. Converse re-issued the Thunderbolt and these sneakers have a really cool, unique style to them.

Ad info is below:

THE ART OF RUNNING
Arthur Lydiard, the world's greatest distance coach and designer of the new Converse Lydiard Equinox and Lydiard Thunderbolt.
“As a distance coach, I don't base my running methods solely on strength. Running's a science. That's why I chose to work with Converse. Converse is dedicated to biomechanical research. And together we've developed innovative design features that provide major benefits to the serious runner. We built the new Equinox' and Thunderbolt- on my own last... a curved, contoured and balanced last...the first of its kind. Special features include the extremely lightweight, yet durable Indy 500 outsole. A removable conformal footbed. And a molded mid-sole that keeps its resilience mile after mile. We also designed the Equinox"' in widths.

The results? Shoes that fit your foot and at the same time are lightweight and flexible. Three musts for any shoe you're going a long distance on. I strongly recommend serious runners train in the new Converse Lydiard Equinox and race in the Lydiard Thunderbolt. Like I tell all my runners, being good isn't luck. It's a science. Resign yourself to that and you'll go far"

Lydiard Equinox Training

Men’s widths B, D, EE and Women’s AA, B, C.

Lydiard Thunderbolt Racing Flat

CONVERSE
Reach for the stars. Reach for Converse.
1984 Converse Inc
The Official Athletic Shoe of the 1984 Olympic Games.

Converse 1975 All Star International Track shoe ad

Here's a 1975 vintage sneaker ad by Converse for the All Star International Track shoe ad

To the rigors of training, we’ve brought the style of champions. Converse All Star Training shoes. They color the action.

International track shoe design, Converse All Star quality and three different styles in suede or smooth leather with uppers of white, red, gold or blue combine to make a fine, tough, good looking athletic shoe for use in the most rigorous conditioning ... warm-ups, jogging, calisthenics, or plain casual wear. See your Converse sporting goods dealer and let him show you these beautifully made, colorful training shoes.

★ Converse an Eltra company

Selected for use by the U.S.team for the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.