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 very 80s style ad from Jordache for their limited edition running shoes.
Ad info is below:
Another Jordache Breakthrough!
Now you can have it all…
fit, function and style.
The Jordache Limited Edition running shoe is leaving the competition behind. Now, you don't have to sacrifice a great fashion look for comfort or endurance. The Jordache LTD lets you have it all. Make a break-through of your own with the Limited Edition Running Shoe from Jordache.
JORDACHE ATHLETIC WEAR LTD.
Look 'for the Jordache LTD Running Shoe in fine stores.
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
Here's an old school 1977 vintage sneaker ad for the World Ten, Cougar and Marathon model kicks by Reebok. The bullet points say that the World Ten has the "The green kid upper" and I'm trying to figure out what in the world that means. I like this retro Reebok font, it reminds me of old school Atari video game fonts from back in the day, and it's also interesting that their side profile logo only had a single stripe back then and it looks like the Cougar model has no stripe at all. If you want to check out a couple of other vintage Reebok models I posted some ads here and here.
Ad info is below:
Reebok
MADE IN ENGLAND
REINTRODUCING THE FAMOUS
WORLD TEN
Probably the World's most exclusive Marathon shoe. (Average shoe weight 5 oz.).
• Boston winner in record time
• Olympic, European and Commonwealth Gold, Silver and Bronze medal winner
• The green kid upper is fully lined and strengthened with anti-roll side patches The World Ten has a cushion mid-sole and long wear outer cover with cushion heel wedge and is beautifully balanced with glove-like fitting.
$32.25
Plus $1.00 Handling
MARATHON
Super soft white cow hide trimmed in blue / orange with anti-roll side patches. deep cushion mid-sole. heel wedge and high traction long wearing outersole. A go anywhere shoe that gives a smooth eventread.
$26.75
Plus $1.00 Handling
COUGAR
Blue nylon 3/4 lined with suede support at toe and around the heel. A superb nylon trainer flat with the same sole as the Marathon. Both shoes are fitted with arch supports and long wear innersocks.
$25.60
Plus $1.00 Handling
STEP INTO BRITAINS LEADING ATHLETIC SHOE SEND FOR YOURS TODAY
BRADFORD DISTRIBUTORS CORP. P.O.BOX 356
HUNTINGDON VALLEY P.A. 19006
AREA DISTRIBUTORS
We Require Distributors in The South, Midwest, Northwest. and Southwest States. For Full Details Write To Reebok International Ltd. Bolton Rd. Bury, Lancs. England.
This post is technically not a sneaker ad but is a scan of the 1979 Wilson by Bata sneaker catalog. These sneakers are called the 'Mesa' running shoes. These have a cool style with the unique front toe cap on them. For more information on the old Wilson by Bata shoes you can see their Force Five vintage sneakers here, and an old ad for the Force Five here.
Here's an old school 1984 ad for KangaRoos K-1 'Special Edition' sneaker.
Ad info is below:
ANY WAY YOU CUT IT KANGAROOS' K-1 "SPECIAL EDITION" IS BUILT TO PERFORM.
The inside story on how a half-century of shoe-making experience put it all together.
1. K-Frame. Unique biomechanical heel construction for maximum motion control and shock absorption. Also assists in proper alignment and balance of the foot with superior rear foot control and less strain on the lower limbs.
2. LMF Platform. High-density EVA insert for optimum lateral stabilization.
3. Poron." 4000. Non-collapsing cellular urethane. Exceptional shock absorption. Retains 95% resiliency during life of shoe.
5. Polyurethane, contoured, full-cushioned, removable insole.
5. Power and slip-lasted insole for enhanced flexibility.
6. Friction-resistant, padded collar.
7. Micro-cellular cushioned rubber sole. Long-wearing, high-density rubber heel-strike plate.
8. Two-piece EVA midsole. Grooved air corridor for forefoot flexibility.
9. Special selection, Full-Grain Leather upper with ballistic mesh.
10. Unique, hidden pocket in tongue.
11. KangaROOS exclusive foot-cradling Comfort Zone.
12. 3M Scotchlite reflective heel safety trim on tongue, heel, and side. Narrow, medium, and wide widths.
The "Special Edition". . . available nationwide.
👟
Look for this tag 3M
©1984 KangaROOS U.S.A., Inc. St. Louis, Missouri
Shoes With Pockets
U.S./Foreign Patents pending.
Here's a 1981 ad for some old school Mizuno running shoes featuring the RB midsole which supposedly had a longer life span. According to this ad "Laboratory tests show that it retains its strength and resiliency when other materials have lost theirs."
Ad info is below:
There are two ways to pick a running shoe: With your feet, or with your head.
Your feet can tell you a lot about a running shoe. But if you're a serious runner, you need to know more. You need to know how well a shoe protects you from injury. You need to know how well it will stand up to your running program. And you need to know how it will feel once you start running in it.
That's why you also need to use your head. And that's why Mizuno has created a line of running shoes unlike any other in the world. Mizuno is one of the world's leading manufacturers of baseball, volleyball, and all-purpose athletic shoes. This experience has helped us develop uniquely durable materials and incorporate them into a new line of technologically advanced running shoes.
In the store they'll impress you. Down the road they'll amaze you. For example, only Mizuno shoes have the exclusive RB* midsole. Laboratory tests show that it retains its strength and resiliency when other materials have lost theirs. So the shock absorption you feel when you first run in a pair of Mizunos stays with you after other shoes have gone flat. Mizuno has specially designed features to protect you from injury. Like an extended medial heel counter of extra-firm leather board material. A removable conformal footbed cup insole. And a carbon black compounded rubber outsole.
In addition, an 8° last design in the sole guides your foot to its most natural position each time it lands. The result is a shoe with lightweight flexibility, exceptional fit, outstanding cushioning, and protection from the kinds of injuries that can be caused by improper shoe design. One other reason to use your head when buying running shoes is price. While Mizuno shoes are not inexpensive, they are priced to compete with shoes that we believe offer you far less. We hope we convinced you that Mizuno is an outstanding new running shoe. And if so, we hope you'll see your Mizuno dealer—and let us convince your feet.
Marketed and Distributed exclusively by Curley-Bates Co., 860 Stanton Road, Burlingante, CA 94010 • (415) 697-6420 .
*RB sole not available in beginner model MZ TR-50
👟👟👟👟
The Exclusive RB Midsole
After equal wear, cells of the RB midsole stand up far better than cells of the less expensive EVA midsoles which are used by many leading manufacturers.
The Impact Life of a Running Shoe / Impact Force Resiliency
While the average training shoe has a "prime" life of about 350 miles, you can expect that Mizuno shoes will retain their superior impact characteristics and give you many more miles of wear. Quality you would expect from Mizuno, one of the world's leading suppliers of athletic footwear
Here's an old vintage sneaker ad for Braun Bilt’s running shoes. According to this ad "Braun Bilt stands up there among the giants." This original vintage Braun Bilt print ad is available at our web store RewindRunning.com.
Ad info is below:
👟
There's always pressure to give it your best, most of it from within. From you. Runners are a special breed of competitors. Great inner drive, and a mania for the best. Consider Braun Bilt. If you know anything about training flats, you know how the competition is among shoe manufacturers. We're a new name, but an old company, with a reputation for making the best. Braun Bilt stands up there among the giants. Our very first, and only, shoe in the line at the time got four stars from Runner's World. "Watch out for this company,' they said. We're our own toughest competition. We can't worry about what the other companies are doing. We've got some of the best wear, best flexibility, best shock absorption and weight. And we're always making it better. As a runner, you should understand that attitude. Even when you're running alone, you want to come in first. Braun Bilt, designed and built in America, by New England craftsmen.
When your toughest competition is yourself.
🏃♂️
braun bilt
Brookfield Athletic Shoe Company E. Brookfield, MA 01515
Braun Bilt shoes for men, women, and children. You'll find Braun Bilt shoes at the dealers listed.
CA: los Angeles/UCLA Student Association; Unit. Merchandising/All Stores, CO: Oenyer/Daye Cook Sporting Goods Co.: CT: Bridgeport/T. Bike Shop: East Norwalk/Mole Bros.; Notwalk/Hanssoo Sports; IL: Chicago/Morrie Meves. Unto Sports Store, Sport Mart/all stores, Eyanston/Verters At.tic Skies; Forest Park/Trim* Post Ski and Sports; Springfield/Springfield Rime. Cooler; IN Indianapolis/Atbbte's Foot Soper Shoes; KY: louisville/Brendentenes, ME: Rumford/Mackie, Ski Shop; Bethesda/Attibte's Foot; MA: Boston/Mickey Firm, The Ski Medial; lechmere Sales/All stores: North Plymouth/Factory Shoe Outlet; Salem/Life Sporu; MN: Willetnie/The Spottaboet; NH: Manchester/Loam. Sales; NJ: Bound .00k/Efinmeis Sporting Goods: Paramus/Polly Bros., Ramey Outdoors; NY: Herkimer/Sports Corner; Hopewell Jct./Hopewell Sporting Goods; Rome/Herb Pllipsoo's Army.Nayy; Utica/Khsin's AMSports, Sports Vlach; OH: Cincinnati/Bre...es, Sporting Foot A Things; Columbus/Athlete's Foot; Clayton/Ettendarnones. Paxton Spacing Goods; LooBoyle Inc.; OK: Tulsa/LooBoyfe Inc.; PA: Erie/Erie Sports Ste.; Newcastle/City Sports Center; Philadelphia/HU Bros. fall stores, VA: Fairfax/Olympic Sporting Goods; USA: Montgomery Ward/All stores
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.
Here's an old vintage sneaker ad from 1979 for the Pro-Keds T/Racer back when they made running shoes. We just posted these vintage Pro-Keds sneakers for sale over at RewindRunning.com. The original vintage advertisement is available here as well.
Ad info is below:
DOES YOUR RUNNING SHOE STAND UP TO OUR NEW T/RACER?
Introducing the PRO-Keds T/Racer. The shock absorption and durability of a training shoe combined with the lightness and flexibility of a racing flat. A shoe so new, you won't be able to buy it until early 1979. It will be available in men's and women's sizes that were specially developed on separate lasts to scientifically conform to the foot structure of each sex. And to ensure a more accurate fit, were making it available in men's half sizes 5-12, 13 in slim, medium and wide; and women's half sizes 4-10 in slim and medium.
Sturdy, thermo-formed heel counter around a cuboid-shaped heel area to reduce lateral "wobble."
Soft cellocrepe heel wedge for superior shock absorption on heel strike, mile after mile.
Fully contoured insole support system featuring extra-firm arch support.
Foam-padded Royalon covered collar and tongue, with a high-rise back to cushion and protect your. Achilles tendon, the lifeline of the running foot.
Longer-wearing steep-grade outsole featuring high-traction cleated bar design and built-in heavy wear points.
Uppers of breathable nylon with suede at high-stress abrasion areas. For increased comfort and protection.
Exclusive patented light-weight Ensolite' shock absorbent insole to cushion the entire length of the foot for the life of the shoe.
Wider and higher toe box to reduce abrasion, blistering and toenail blackening.
PRO-KEDS
FOR ALL THOSE MOMENTS YOU FEEL LIKE A PRO.
Here's an old Saucony 1985 vintage ad for the Dixon trainers featuring New Zealander and NYC marathon winner Rod Dixon. The shoe featured the "Dixon Mattress" and the "Dixon Window." According to this ad the "Dixon Mattress" was an EVA midsole wedge that had tiny holes drilled in it for extra cushioning on impact. The "Dixon Window" was a collapsible backtab that would relieve nagging tension on your Achilles tendon over long runs. There was also a "supersoft protective insert under the metatarsal" (where the red stripe is) was supposed to provide a springy trampoline effect. Saucony still makes these shoes as the DXN trainer.
Ad info is below:
Rod Dixon wasn't satisfied until we put a mattress, a window and a trampoline in these shoes.
Before Rod Dixon let us put his name on these trainers, he took them for a run. And another. And another. And he came back with a few suggestions. First, he said, how about an EVA midsole wedge with tiny holes drilled in it. For extra cushioning on impact. We suggested the name Dixon Mattress. He said that would be just fine. Then, Rod said, how about a feature in the backtab that would relieve nagging tension on your Achilles tendon over long runs. We designed a collapsible backtab, suggested the name Dixon Window, and Rod said that would be just fine. Then, he said, it sure would be nice to build in a trampoline effect that adds spring during the toeing-off phase. Perhaps, he went on, a supersoft protective insert under the metatarsal head coupled with a flatter outsole. We agreed that would be just fine. Now, Rod Dixon is a world class runner. A New York Marathon winner. And a tough customer to satisfy. So when he said our Dixon Trainers were good enough to wear his name—that was good enough for us. Just one question remains: Are they good enough for you?
Saucony.
Division of Hyde Athletic Industries. 432 Columbia Street, Cambridge. Mass. 02141
Here's a 1984 vintage Kangaroos sneaker ad for the "Awesome Aussie." This running shoe featured the Goodyear Indy 500 compound sole. The tread on that sole was based on the same tread that was also used on the 1984 Corvette. It's a bummer that 'Roos got picked up by Payless shoes as their distributor in the Unites States since they had a good brand back in the day.
Ad info is below:
1984 Jacksonville River Run
FRONT-RUNNER:
The Awesome Aussie
KangaROOS and Goodyear pioneer
the incredible "Indy 500"
Compound Sole.
Total teamwork: The footwork is jetfast and the footwear is KangaROOS' incomparable new star, "Aussie".... with Goodyear's "Indy 500" compound sole for extended mileage and unique tread design for improved traction. The "H" block tread was developed based on Goodyear's Eagle VR50 radial for the 1984 Corvette.
"Aussie", also features Poron °4000 for superior shock absorption, variable lacing, PU removable insole, stay-put polyamid laces, K-Lite compound midsole and wedge. Team KangaROOS wears "Aussie”. Because "Aussie”, runs to win. Team KangaROOS, champions at Jacksonville River Run and Gasparilla Distance Classic.
KangaROOS
1984 KangaROOS U.S.A., Inc.
St. Louis, Missouri
Shoes With Pockets.
U.S., Foreign Patents pending.
Today we're going to switch it up for a minute and post an old school 1983 vintage sneaker ad for Allsport basketball shoes. These sneakers apparently featured the " innovative Royalaire* vented construction." The other 2 shoes are the Allsport "Royal Edge" running shoes and their "Cool Cleats." Tom Heinsohn, who is also in the ad, coached the Boston Celtics to 2 championships in the 1970s and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame (twice) as a player and as a coach.
Ad info is below:
Allsport 360 is a basketball revolution.
LIGHTER, COOLER, MORE SHOCK-ABSORBENT.
"The basketball shoe of the future is here today—the new Allsport 360;" with double-mesh and leather upper on a durable EVA/rubber compound sole. AIlsport's innovative Royalaire* vented construction allows air to circulate freely through the shoe, providing a greater cushion and a cooler, lighter feel. Take it from a pro: nothing goes to the hoop like the Allsportt 360
*Pat. pending.
Tom Heinsohn
"Two-time World Championship Coach
S5 REBATE. Buy a pair of 360s before June 30 and Allsport will send you a $5 rebate.
SPECIAL BONUS. Purchase a pair of 360s now, and receive a $2 coupon on any pair of Allsport Royal Edge running shoes or all-purpose Cool Cleats.
For purchasing information. call loll free: 1-800-932-4000
ALLSPORT
BUILT TO COMPETE
PRICED TO WIN
Here's a 1982 vintage ad for a brand called Amfit from Silicon Valley. This ad maybe hard to read but it says they would take foot impressions of each of your feet and custom fit shoes for each customer. I like the overall idea of this but you can see how it would've been hard make a sustainable business model of this during the mail order days. Hersey Custom Shoe seems to be one of the few brands left custom fitting running shoes.
2021 UPDATE:
A reader of the blog shared this link to AmFit’s website. They are still in business and have become a leader in orthotic manufacturing.
Ad info is below:
Amfit
THE FIRST PERSONALIZED TRAINING SHOE TO PROVIDE AN INDIVIDUALIZED ENVIRONMENT, AND TO FIT YOUR SPECIFIC FOOT. THE AMFIT SHOE CONCEPT CONSISTS OF TAKING IMPRESSIONS OF EACH ONE OF YOUR FEET. AND AT TIME OF PURCHASE CUSTOM-MACHINE-MAKING A FOOT BED THAT WILL FIT INTO AN AMFIT DESIGNED SHOE. YOUR CUSTOMIZED FOOT BED WILL BALANCE YOUR FOOT IN ITS WEIGHT-BEARING POSITION AND THEREFORE HELP TO PREVENT YOU FROM OVER-PRONATING. TO SEE FOR YOURSELF. VISIT OUR AMFIT STORE AT 39 TOWN & COUNTRY VILLAGE, PALO ALTO. CA 94301 OR WRITE JAN ERIK FRIBERG, PRESIDENT, FOR A FREE BROCHURE OR CALL (415) 329-0560.
ADDITIONAL AMFIT LOCATIONS WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Here's a 1982 vintage ad for the Reebok "Victory G" runner featuring Gore-Tex. As "the most technically advanced foul weather shoe ever made" it apparently enabled you to be able to run through swamps while maintaining a dry foot. 🌾💦👟
Ad info is below:
Reebok Victory G
Dry inside when it's wet outside
Reebok Victory G has a special Gore-Tex inner liner, a shoe within the shoe, that repels water, yet allows fresh air in. Gore-Tex is a remarkable microporous film sandwiched between the layers of fabric of the inner liner. This film contains while letting shoe breathe nine billion pores per square inch, each pore being 700 times larger than a molecule of perspiration vapor, but 20,000 times smaller than a drop of liquid water.
A sealed bellows inner tongue blocks water to secure a dry, comfortable run. Victory G features a strong new support system, the Foster Cradle, which is designed to support the subtalus joint where most pronation problems begin. But to appreciate all Sealant Tape its advances in cushioning and support, you need to see a Reebok Victory G Dealer. We think it's the most technically advanced foul weather shoe ever made. But more than that it's built to help you do your best. Which is the biggest Victory after all.
Here's an old school 1975 vintage sneaker ad for Patrick brand Training shoes.
Ad info is below:
Flexible padding here guards your Achilles tendon.
Contoured construction. rubber insert. help boost your speed.
Light-weight nylon uppers let the breeze through, cool your feet.
Non-slip sole grips for speed outdoors, indoors or on synthetic tracks. Helps provide marathon durability.
Reinforced suede supports-your foot all-around.
RUN FASTER, SAFER, EASIER WITH PATRICK TRAINING SHOES
A Patrick training shoe weighs just 6-1/2 ounces—not much more than sweat socks. When you try a pair on, you see how well they fit. When you jog with them, you notice what good traction they give. Run on any surface, any distance, and you find out how sturdy Patrick shoes are and how long they last. Training becomes more of a pleasure, less of a chore. Patrick shoes are made in France, and have been known in Europe for over 25 years. For their workmanship, styling, reliability. Try a pair soon.
ACTION & LEISURE INC
45 East 30 Street, New York, N.Y. 10016 Tel. (212) 686-8052
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.
Here's an old school 1970s vintage sneaker ad for Bata Jogging shoes styles 96, 56, and 04. They are "Dashingly stylish" according to the ad.
Ad info is below:
To jog, or not to jog:
That is your option.
Style 96 👟
Style 56 👟
Style 04 👟
Your new Bata jogging shoes. Do you jog in them? Or exercise? Wear them to the beach? Or on the street? Or for tennis?
You'll find your own answers. Bata just offers you great shoes. Sturdily designed in supple "Nubuck" leather, washable vinyl or canvas. Super-traction soles.
Luxurious cushion insoles. Dashingly stylish.
Bata
Sports Division of Bata Shoe Company
Belcamp, Maryland 21017
Available at all fine shoe, sporting goods, and department stores. Men's, ladies' and boys'.
Here's a 1978 vintage ad for Hush Puppies Jogging Shoes. Not much to say on this ad except that we're always down for the old school sneaker colorways.
Ad info is below:
Run as comfortable as you walk
New Hush Puppies Jogging Shoes for men and women. Hush Puppies has taken jogging comfortably in stride. With these lightweight. long-enduring shoes from America's longest-running name in comfortable footwear. High performance models in pigskin and pigskin-nylon. Plenty of toe room. Fully padded collar. Tough traction soles that won't quit. Even the price feels good.
Hush Puppies Jogging Shoes.
1978 Wolverine World Wide. Inc.. Rockford. Michigan 49351
Here's a 1982 vintage ad for Avia featuring their president at the time Jerry Stubblefield. The side profile logo on these ✈️ remind me a little of the current W6YZ shoes. If you want to see another old ad with the same running shoes there is one here.
Ad info is below:
Think of him as the Leonardo of running.
Perhaps it's unfair to compare our own Jerry Stubblefield with the world's most prolific and innovative designer. Because, while Mr. da Vinci had designs on most everything he saw, he apparently wasn't interested in running shoes. Jerry Stubblefield is. Passionately so. The fact is, Jerry Stubblefield was a champion athlete, Olympic Trials finalist. and university track and cross country coach. He's a designer and journeyman mold and pattern maker. He holds no less than eight patents pending for athletic shoe designs. He's also our company president. When he has an idea for improving our Avia line of running shoes, it doesn't wait for approval from Upstairs. He is Upstairs. He's downstairs, too. No one in the place works harder or longer than Jerry. And that's good news for serious runners. Because there may be no other designer in America with his knowledge of biomechanics and his experience in high performance athletic competition. The result is a line of running shoes unlike any other on the market. Take our (or Jerry's) patented, cantilevered outsole, the most striking feature of the Avia line. The wing-like design dissipates shock, deflecting it outward — not back up the leg. The kinetic ribs spread out upon impact, absorbing shock and increasing stability at the same moment. This same unique feature also minimizes ankle pronation and eases foot and leg strain. So the runner achieves greater performance with less fatigue or stress. That's the rationale behind Avia. But, because you are a runner, you must feel Avia. Feel something totally new A fluidity of motion. It's this indescribable feeling that is converting more and more serious runners from waffles and wiggles — to the wings of Avia. Ask the next runner you see wearing the distinctive lightning bolt of Avia. See for yourself. The fit, the feel, the quality of the materials. They're all there in one superbly crafted shoe. Then, run for yourself. And reach new levels of performance. Perhaps a new PR. You will, you know. Thanks to a very hard working and brilliant fellow. Our Renaissance man, Jerry Stubblefield. Ask for Avia at the best sport shops in your area. For information on Avia footwear for basketball, racquetball, running and roadracing, write to: Jerry Stubblefield, President Avia 7080 S.W. Fir Loop Tigard, OR 97223 Innovative By Design
Cross section of heel — noncompressed
Cross section of heel —fully compressed
AVIA
Innovative By Design
