Puma Lite Riders vintage sneaker ad from 1978

Here's a great old school 1970s sneaker ad for Puma Lite Riders vintage running shoes. This original vintage ad is from 1978 and is available over at our Rewind Running web shop.

Puma’s new Lite Riders. 

It's a long, uphill pull beginning at the six-mile mark. You want to flow up the grade, flatten it out, drive hard at the finish. You've trained hard. You're fit. You've done everything you can do. Now give yourself the best of it. Go for a PR in PUMA's Lite Riders, a revolutionary new racing shoe.

Built to minimize stress and the shock of impact over all distances, Lite Rider is a product of the superior technology which produced the famous Easy Rider training shoe series. Light as a feather but steel-tough to with-stand the pressure of racing, Lite Rider stresses durability, comfort and a remarkable new sole featuring shock-absorbing rows of angled cones. Footstrike brings Lite Rider's angled cones against the pavement edge first and their angles allow them to move more efficiently than thick, straight cones. A one-piece upper holds the foot comfortably and securely. A thick, tough wedge supplies extra support.

Lite Rider is a moccasin-type shoe with no hard insole. The heel is built on a track last. And a heavily reinforced toe area consists of a tough rubber lip bonded to suede leather.

Those who have worn it say it's the finest, most comfortable racing shoe they have ever tried. We're not surprised. That's the way we built it.

You'll see what we mean when you run in it. 

The Sole Secret. 
PUMA designers, searching for a more efficient method of absorbing the shock of footstrike, have created a sole featuring angled rows of small rubber cones. Angling allows impact to be softened by the sharp edges of the cones. In addition, the angle creates extra shock-absorbing movement by the cones. The cushioning effect of more than 150 of the 1/4 inch cones under the power stress of racing provides a floating effect and unsurpassed traction. Because of more efficient shock-resisting qualities PUMA can make the Lite Rider with harder, longer-wearing rubber. The secret is in the sole. 

Lite Rider from PUMA The Great Cat Family. Meowww. 

PUMA
🐆
The Great Cat Family

Hoop Stars: Vintage Puma SKY LX 1980s High Top Shoes Basketball Sneakers

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.

Puma 1980 Vilas Pro vintage sneaker ad

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

Puma Fast Rider, Easy Rider II, and Track Rider 1980 vintage sneaker ad

We’re back today with our second The Athlete’s Foot vintage ad in a row, this time with the 1980 runner models from Puma including the Puma Fast Rider, Easy Rider II, and Track Rider. This original vintage Puma sneaker print ad is available at our web store Rewind Running.

Ad info is below:

HOW MUCH TOTAL WEIGHT DO YOU PUT ON EACH FOOT EVERY TIME YOU RUN? HERE'S HOW TO FIGURE IT OUT

(3WxnxM)/2,000/2

Take your weight (W) and multiply by 3. Then mul-tiply by the number of steps (n) you take in each mile. (An average running step is three feet, so you take 1,760 steps per mile.) Next, multiply by the number of miles (M) you run, and divide by 2,000 for the number of tons put on your feet. Finally, divide by 2 for the total number of tons on each foot. Tons. Now you can see why it's important to wear the right shoe. Which is where The Athlete's Foot® comes in. We're the stores that specialize in athletic foot-wear —for just about any sport you can name. To start with, we sell only shoes from top manufacturers. We know that the materials used in soles and uppers, the last, the construction, are all-important when it comes

PUMA
Fast Rider / Easy Rider II / Track Rider

to keeping you out of trouble and helping you run in top form. So come in now and see why the slogan fits: Nobody knows the athlete's foot like The Athlete's Foot. Runners all over the world respect Puma shoes. Like the Fast Rider in a special, supportive last with narrow heel and wider forefront—a light, comfort-able moccasin-type shoe for training, jogging, or racing. Or the Easy Rider II, with sturdy nylon uppers and excellent rear-foot stability for heavy training or heavier-weight runners. Or the Track Rider, an extra-lightweight model for light training or racing. All three reflect Puma's commitment to quality for meeting your needs in a running shoe.

Nobody knows the athlete's foot like The Athlete's Foot
354 stores nationwide

Famous Footwear 1979 commercial

Here’s a 1979 Famous Footwear commercial from back in the day when families used to wear matching track suits and Puma runners were $14.87. We need a time machine NOW.

Puma TX-3 running shoes 1985 vintage sneaker ad

Here’s an old 1985 vintage Athletic Attic sneaker ad for the Puma TX-3 runners.

Ad info is below:

STABILITY
The New Puma TX-3 Running Shoe

Puma announces the TX-3, the only running shoe for the serious athlete. Puma engineered the TX-3 to give you lightweight stability and superior traction. The TX-3 combines all the most wanted features to give you the safest running shoe available. The Puma TX-3 can be found at your Athletic Attic store where you'll find the most complete selection of top-of-the-line athletic wear. Athletic Attic —the footwear store and so much more. Stop by today.

Specifications
• External heel stabilizer provides motion control and protects against over pronation
• Extended medial heel counter for rear foot stability
• Metatarsal cushion absorbs shock from vertical pressure at the forefoot and adds to flexibility
• Dual Density heel cushion absorbs shock upon initial impact

Athletic Attic

Puma Bananas 1973 vintage sneaker and ski boot ad

Here’s a 1973 vintage sneaker and ski boot ad for Puma ‘Bananas’ by Beconta. This original vintage Puma ‘Bananas’ print ad is available at our web store RewindRunning.com. 🍌

Ad info is below:

One good banana
deserves another.

Puma Bananas from Beconta.

For free catalog write Dept. P-l, Beconta, Inc., 50 Executive Blvd., Elmsford, N.Y. 10523 or 340 Oyster Pt. Blvd., South San Francisco, Calif. 94080.

Puma Week 1983 vintage sneaker ad featuring the Intimidator, Soft Rider, Puma Court, and Game Cat

Here’s an old school Sears advertisement from 1983 for Puma Week. the models in this ad are the Puma Intimidator, Soft Rider, Puma Court, and Game Cat.

Ad info is below:

PUMA IS MAKING TRACKS AT SEARS.
Jump to it and NOW SAVE $3-$7. save on all our Puma shoes! During Puma Week at Sears you can save on a wide variety of styles, colors and sizes for the whole family. Run, jump, jog, even walk...but don't stop until you get to Sears Shoe Department for our big Puma Sale May 22-May 28.
Available in most larger Sears retail stores. Prices and dates apply only to the Continental United States except Alaska. Sears, Roebuck and Co., 1983

PUMA

YOU'RE IN FOR A CHANGE AT Sears

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

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:

PONY - Targa Flex?
Etonic - Eclipse
Reebok
Vans - Serio
Osaga - KT26
New Balance - 730(?)
Saucony - Jazz?
Brookfield

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

Vintage Puma Easy Rider 1981 sneaker ad

Here’s an old school vintage ad for the 1981 Puma Easy Rider model running shoes. In this ad Puma takes you through the importance of the shoe last construction. This original vintage Puma Easy Rider sneaker print ad is available at our web store Rewind Running.

Ad info is below:

ARE RUNNING INJURIES NECESSARY?

Nobody has to tell a serious runner that his feet and legs (and hips and back) take a beating. Nobody has to tell him or her that ifs important to have good shoes. But PUMA thinks it's time someone told the serious runner about an elemental and crucial step in the building of running shoes that running shoe companies have been hesitant to discuss.

Running's Best Kept Secret: The Last. Every shoe starts with the last. It's also called a mold. But it would be better to think of it as the blueprint for the shoe, because every-thing that comes after depends on how it is designed. The stress points peculiar to a running shoe. as opposed to a tennis shoe or basketball shoe, are built into the last.

If The Last Is Important, Why Is It Neglected? Far, far away in the Far East many of the top running shoes are made in the same factory, side by side, with a standard last. A last, by the way, that is not specifically designed for a running shoe. Why would they do such a thing, you might ask.

It Takes A Lot To Build A Last. It took PUMA thousands of feet of film showing what happens to every part of the foot in training and racing situations. It took PUMA hundreds of exact-dimension measurements of hundreds of runners' feet. When we were finally ready to build our running lasts, we knew exactly where the stress points were for training and racing, and we knew the dimensions and proportions of the feet we were making shoes for. Then we made five different lasts. Four for running, and one for racing. (They are considered so valuable, by the way, that only a few people know where they are kept.)

Only A Running Last Can Give Running Support And Running Fit. PUMA lasts were designed according to the unique stresses of long distance running and racing, and according to true averages of foot dimensions. Our lasts tell us exactly where the uppers should give support. We know exactly where there should be lateral and medial stability, and where there should be flexibility. The differences in our lasts and others may, in some cases, seem subtle. But when one is talking about 35 or more miles of running a week, these differences are magnified many times. Almost every serious runner is familiar with the slight nag that becomes a chronic injury.

A PUMA Running Last Bends Where The Running Foot Bends. Here you see a simple demonstration you can verify for your-self. A running foot bends precisely at the ball of the foot, at a precise angle! Press any PUMA between your hands as shown, and it will bend at precisely the same place, and at the same degree of angle. Now press another running shoe and see what you get.

PUMA Is One Of Only Two Companies That Absolutely Controls How Its Shoes Are Made. PUMA and one other company try to use factories that make shoes for them alone. As we mentioned before, many running shoes start out in one factory in the Far East. We're willing to pay to see that our design specs are carried out exactly; and to keep a tight rein on quality control via our own PUMA inspectors.

PUMA Believes Running Injuries Can Be Prevented. Dr. Donald Riggs is PUMAS Chief Technical Consultant in the USA. When he was the distance running coach at San Jose State, he never had a shoe-related injury. He attributes this to thoughtful conditioning of his athletes, and to PUMA running shoes, which were the only running shoe worn at San Jose State. There is a wealth of information today on how to condition oneself properly, and run so as to prevent injuries. And we know there is at least one shoe that is thoughtfully designed, down to the fast detail, so as to prevent injuries. Injuries don't have to happen. Let's all pass the word.

PUMA

Foot Locker 1979 vintage sneaker ad featuring Nike, Adidas, Puma, Saucony, Converse, Tiger, Etonic, New Balance and Brooks

Here’s a 1979 vintage Foot Locker ad featuring old school running shoes from Nike, Adidas, Puma, Saucony, Converse, Tiger, Etonic, New Balance and Brooks.

Ad info is below:

as seriously as you take running

At Foot Locker, we have the perfect shoes for people who run. Both for men people. And for women people. Because we not only carry the most complete line of men's running shoes in America. We also carry the most complete about every size. women's running shoe collection. In stock. Some are shown below, many Right now. more aren't shown. We even have accessories and But we have them. Every major style from every major manufacturer. In just about every size. In stock. Right now. We even have accessories and clothing. We have it all. All under one roof.

Adidas TRX Comp, Converse World Class Trainer II, Brooks Vantage Supreme, Adidas Lady Dragon, Nike LDV, Brooks Lady Vantage, Tiger Corsair, Etonic Womens Street Fighter, Puma Womens Easy Rider, Adidas Orion, Nike Tailwind, Saucony 1980 Trainer, Nike Lady Waffle Trainer, New Balance 320

Foot Locker
America’s most complete athletic Footwear store.

Puma Swinger 1973 vintage sneaker ad featuring Joe Namath

Here’s a retro vintage sneaker ad from 1973 for the Puma ‘Swinger’ model leisure sneakers which were promoted by hall of fame quarterback and ladies’ man Joe Namath.

Ad info is below:

Joe Namath Scores in Pumas.

On or off the field Joe Namath appreciates the comfort and support of Puma's full line of leisure and football shoes. Like the comfortable Joe Namath shoe shown here. All available at your sporting goods store or shoe store or write Sports Beconta, Inc., 50 Executive Blvd., Elmsford, N.Y. 10523. Or 340 Oys-ter Pt. Blvd., So. San Francisco, Calif. 94080.

PUMA from Beconta.

Footsies Friday - vintage sneaker ads for Converse Jack Purcell and Puma Fast Rider

This double feature blog post goes out to all of the ladies playing under the table games. The ads below were made 7 years apart and more than anything this probably speaks to the cyclical nature of advertising.

We’ll kick it off in 1973 with a vintage sneaker ad featuring the Converse Coach and Jack Purcell model sneakers.

7 years later she was back playing foot games in this ad featuring Puma’s Power Cat and Fast Rider runners…

In 2020 she is likely now at a retirement home playing footsies with someones Hush Puppies sporting granddad .🤣

Converse ad info is below:

Converse Coach and Jack Purcell: For guys who want to keep playing after the game is over.

Converse has built a reputation for making great athletic shoes for the greatest athletes in the world. And that's the idea behind our Converse Coach and Jack Purcell. Great performers. But they look great, too. A terrific all-around athletic shoe like Coach (right), that looks good enough to play the field off the field, too. And a great tennis shoe like Jack Purcell, that feels just as at home partying as playing tennis. Two tough-playing, sharp-looking leisure time shoes from Converse. Because some guys are out to build a reputation for themselves. Converse Coach and Jack Purcell.

*converse

Puma ad info is below:

PUMA-SOFTEST TOUCH IN RUNNING!
It's easier to experience Puma than you think. In fact, we're the softest touch in running. Puma people know Puma shoes give something beyond 5-Star performance, finest quality and innovative design—something wild and free. You can capture it today at your favorite running store.

PUMA

Puma Great Cat Family 1979 vintage sneaker ad

Here’s an old school 1979 vintage sneaker ad for Puma featuring their Easy Rider, Whirlwind, Sky Rider, Rocket trainer, Joy Rider and Rockette model runners.

Ad info is below:

THE GREAT CAT FAMILY

PUMA's Easy Rider has spawned a generation of great cats for training and racing. All of the Easy Rider features — sturdy heel counter, improved foot support system, shock absorbing cones and thick, tough wedge — are found in its bold new family.

Easy Rider and its offspring are built to cushion the foot, minimizing stress on the ankle, heel and surrounding tendons. all cones on the soles of some models cushion the shock of impact while shorter cones cut down wear by checking compression of the taller ones. Reinforced uppers provide comfort and foot-gripping support.

The Great Cat Family is designed for mile after mile of injury-free, pleasurable running using the same superior technology that outfitted nine of eleven starters on Argentina's World Cup soccer champions. PUMA — The Great Cat Family. Grrrr.

PUMA
A pride of PUMAS: Top. Rocket trainer. Middle row, from left, Joy Rider women's trainer; Rockette women's trainer:

Puma SAAS1 and LA Rider 1982 vintage sneaker ad

Here’s a 1982 vintage sneaker ad for Puma featuring the SAAS1 and LA Rider model sneakers.

Ad info is below:

You can carry your warm-up suit, accessories, anything in this versatile runner's duffel from Puma. At $3, it's a great deal that goes along with your next purchase of Puma running shoes. Run down to your nearest Puma dealer soon, because the offer ends September 30, 1982.

Bag-a-Puma. Put yourself in Bill Rodgers' shoes and save $7 on this runner's duffel.

Puma. In a class by itself. World Class.

Puma 1980 vintage ad featuring the Fast Rider, Lite Rider and Track Rider

Here’s a 1980 vintage sneaker ad for Puma's Fast Rider, Lite Rider and Track Rider model kicks. They're all about the 'Federbein sole' in this ad which is an inverted V-shaped pattern to cushion impact. This original vintage running shoe ad is available at our RewindRunning.com web store.

Ad info is below:

PUMA BUILDS QUALITY.

ALWAYS HAS.

ALWAYS WILL.

RW5-STAR
Runner's World Magazine

👟 Fast Rider

👟 Lite Rider

👟 Track Rider

Puma produces running shoes that are clearly superior. The sport's largest publication agrees.

"If one company can be singled out for its advances in a year, it would have to be Puma ... Puma has been doing its homework:. wrote Runner's World Magazine in its 1980 Shoe Survey issue.

Runner's World gave 5-Star Ratings to the following Puma running shoes:

Fast Rider: This new men's trainer weighs only 278.7 grams. A revolutionary development, the Federbein sole, features studs arranged in inverted "V" patterns that spread to cushion impact. It's one of the most com-fortable shoes Puma has ever produced.

Lite Rider: Built for racing, this shoe offers good impact protec-tion front and rear plus excellent sole wear. Removable and wash-able insoles form to your feet.

Track Rider: Slip-last construc-tion makes this trainer-racer fit like a glove, while micro-soft rubber midsoles and the new Federbein sole combine for an excellent ride. This shoe ranked 1st in sole wear among men's racing flats.

The rest of the shoes in Puma's new running line are crafted with the same deliberate care and workmanship because Puma builds quality—and always will. 

PUMA

Puma Super Long Distance vintage sneaker ad

Today we've got another old school ad from 1975, this time for the Puma "Super Long Distance Shoe."

Ad info is below:

PUMA 🐅

...made to go the distance.

When you run 100 miles or more a week in all kinds of tough terrain you need a top quality shoe that can really take it. The Super Long Distance Shoe by Puma. Thick foam wedge tapering from heel to toe cushions your foot, soaks up shocks. Ankle and achilles tendon pads. Uppers made of nylon, leather reinforced. Soles are tough rubber with special long wearing treads. Comes in blue, red and yellow with Puma stripe. Next time you run for distance, treat your feet to a pair of Puma Super Long Distance Shoes. At your nearest sporting goods dealer or write: Beconta, Inc., Sports Division, 50 Executive Blvd., Elmsford, N.Y. 10523 or 340 Oyster Point Blvd., So. San Francisco, California 94080.

PUMA from BECONTA

Puma Easy Rider 1977 vintage sneaker ad

This week I'll post some of the 'Track Coach endorsement' ads. After Nike and Bill Bowerman became a model of success other footwear brands began finding track coaches to use as part of their marketing and advertising materials. This ad for the Puma Easy Rider running shoe is from 1977 and features Don Riggs who was the distance running coach at San Jose State University. Don is all about the 'toe-off' advantage in this ad.

​Ad info is below:

Who makes the best jogging shoe? 

by Don Riggs The distance-running coach at San Jose State University examines the new Puma® 'Easy Rider: 

Distance-running coach Don Riggs.

A startling find.

I've tested every major brand of jogging shoe and I've come to a pretty startling discovery: Puma is the only one that toes-off properly— that bends the right way under the ball of your foot. Only one other brand comes even close. Is this important? You'd better know it! Improper toe-off can lead to all kinds of foot and leg problems. But don't take my word for the way Puma toes-off. You can test it for yourself. Grab hold of the new 'Easy Rider' and bend the sole (see photo-graph). The bend is exactly where the foot bends, at the head of the metatarsal, and it's rounded the way your foot is rounded. Now try the same thing with other shoes. Some bend too sharply. Some bend in the wrong place altogether. I've even found shoes that bend right in the middle, which can tear the heck out of your metatarsal. 

Puma is the only big-name shoe that toes-off properly, says Riggs. 

A 1,000-mile sole?

The sole on the new 'Easy Rider' is going to make a few people sit up and take notice. Look closely and you'll see it's covered with rows of truncated cones— in two different heights. The tall cones give you traction and help to cushion impact and insulate your foot from surface heat. The comfort is fantastic, but that's only half the story. When you run, the tall cones are squashed down. This is when the short cones come into play. They're placed where the greatest wear occurs in a shoe — at the heel. They act like firm little bumpers to keep the tall cones from mashing down and wearing out too fast. Going by the three years of testing I've done — and this depends, of course, on weight, running surface, and how hard you run — don't be surprised if you rack up a thousand miles on this sole. 

The 'Easy Rider' sole. Note the two different heights of the cones. 

Beware of mushy counters.

Another way to spot a first-class jogging shoe is by checking the counter— which is what they call the part that surrounds your heel. You take a poor shoe and push against the side or back of the counter with your thumb. You'll find it's soft and mushy. When it breaks down, your heel is going to start wobbling around in there, which can cause anything from shinsplints to knee problems. Avoid this kind of shoe like the plague. Now try the same test with the 'Easy Rider: The counter is strong, firm (like the photograph shows ). It holds and protects the cal-caneus (or heel bone) and its muscle group all the way down. I like the way Puma pays careful attention to details like this. 

The 'Easy Rider' stays firm when you push here. A poor shoe is soft and mushy. 

Should you wear Puma?

Run your hand around the inside of an 'Easy Rider' and you won't find a rough edge anywhere. Look at the nylon outside and you'll see why the rate of breakdown is so phenomenally low on Puma: all the stretch points are reinforced with leather. That kind of careful thinking goes into all the other new Puma jogging-running shoes: the soft-leather `Stud' with its ventilating holes... the less-expensive `Rocket:.. the 9191 'Pavement Jogger' with its tradi-tional herringbone sole ...and the 'Whirlwind: built on the Puma spike last for cross-country competition and interval training. I'll tell you the same thing I tell my athletes: A good shoe can make a difference in how you run. If you take pride in what you're doing, you've earned the right to wear Puma. You've earned your stripe. 

The new Puma Easy Rider: 

PUMA
You've earned your stripe

UPDATE:

We recently covered the style changes to the Puma Easy Rider model in our Le Coq Sportif blog post because their Quartz model sneaker is along the same lines as the Easy Riders in this ad. You can see the differences here:

Puma vintage 1983 sneaker ad for the Lab-1 model

Here’s a 1983 vintage sneaker ad for the Puma 'Lab-1' shoes. “A new breed of laboratory animal"