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

Spalding Action Footwear 1978 Vintage Sneaker Ad

Here’s an old school ad from 1978 for Spalding’s runners at Florsheim Shoe Shops. This original vintage advertisement is available over at RewindRunning.com.

Ad info is below:

Impact absorbing wedge $27.95

Flared shock absorbing heel $29.95

Lightweight, durable canvas uppers $16.95

Cushioned comfort soles $26.95

Any Way You Look at Them, They’re Champion Performers.

Introducing Spalding action footwear.

Take a good look at these new Spalding styles. Any way you look at them, they can start you on your personal path to glory. Action traction bottoms. Com-fortable, long wearing uppers. Inspired performers in a wide range of sizes. A must for every amateur professional. That's why they deserve the Spalding name. And that's why you'll only find them at our Florsheim Shoe Shops. Because we fea-ture only the finest footwear for the man-on-the-move. So come on in and walk, jog or sprint on out in ready for action

FLORSHEIM SHOE SHOPS

Minneapolis: 530 Nicollet Ave. • St. Paul: 401 Wabasha Street • Rosedale Shopping Center • • Brookdale Center • Southdale Center • Maplewood Mall • Ridgedale Center • Burnsville Center American Express cards welcome along with most major credit cards.

Nike Roadrunner 1970s vintage sneakers

Here's a cool old piece of Nike history with this ad from 1975 for the rare and awesome Nike Roadrunner shoes. Check out the old school Blue Ribbon Sports logo on the lower left hand side.

Ad info is below:

THIS SHOE IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY 

NIKE ROADRUNNER 

(IT'S ONLY FOR THOSE WHO WANT THE BEST) 

A NEW VERSION OF AN OLD FAVORITE. THE NEW NIKE ROADRUNNER IS A REAL EYE-OPENER. IT COMES IN LIME GREEN NYLON UPPERS, MOD BLUE SWOOSH STRIPE AND HEEL TAB, AND MARIGOLD YELLOW ACCENT. IT FEATURES AN EXTENDED HEEL COUNTER AND REINFORCED TOE FOR STABILITY AND DURABILITY. THE SPENCO INNERSOLE, ARCH SUPPORT, AND CUSHIONED MIDSOLE PROVIDE MILES OF COMFORT. AND THE LONG LASTING CREPE SOLE INSURES MILES OF WEAR. NOT ONLY DOES THIS SHOE HAVE EYE -OPENING COLORS, BUT IT ALSO HAS AN EYE OPENING PRICE., $19.95 

ASK YOUR LOCAL NIKE DEALER FOR THE NIKE ROADRUNNER or for information write 

BRS
6175 S.W.112 Beaverton, Oregon 97005
4 Jeffrey Ave Holliston, Mass. 01746

Adidas SL72 and SL76 vintage sneaker ad

Here's a old vintage ad for the Adidas SL72 and SL76 engineered with 'traction dynamics’…

​Ad info is below:

SL 72 &76 reborn for the ultimate in cushioned traction 

More propulsion. Extended sole area gradually stores up touch-down energy. At lift-off, this energy is released producing 20% more propulsion per step. 

Thicker. softer-grooved wedge for substantially increased overall cushioning 

More stability & cushioning Wider, flared heel for greater stability. 

More Traction. Special profile ejects grit and mud. Profile layout allow, more flexing and therefore better traction. New heel profile for more cushioned heel strike

👟👟

Trust adidas to take these great (often imitated) training shoes, build in revolutionary cushioning and traction features, and end up with a saving in weight too. It's all part of a breakthrough in Traction Dynamics at adidas— real pioneer work that has created new standards in performance and comfort. 

SL 72 & 76 are creations of Adi Dassler, the man behind the adidas name. 

adidas 

The all-sports people

AAU Front Runner 1978 vintage sneaker ad

Here's a 1978 sneaker illustration advertisement for the AAU 'Front Runner' and another old school shoe once again donning the 4 stripes. If you want to check out a couple of pairs of AAU vintage sneakers we posted them here and here.

​Ad info is below:

AAU SHOES

TRAINING SHOES
FOR MEN ON THE MOVE
The shoe that carries the emblem of the Amateur Athletic Union of the United States. 

🏃‍♂️

👟

AAU FRONT RUNNER

They're way out in front, leading with style and comfort all the way to the finish line. Shock absorbing wide flange tongue — all to make you feel more comfortable in the long runs. Durable nylon and suede leather upper. Men's, boys', youths' and child's sizes in royal blue with yellow stripes. Men's and boys' sizes in green with yellow stripes.

AVAILABLE AT FINE DEPARTMENT STORES AND SHOE STORES EVERYWHERE

Distributed by
INTERMARK SHOE COMPANY 
A Division of International Seaway Trading Corporation
1382 West 9th 9treet Cleveland, Ohio 44113

AAU Front Runner 1978 vintage sneaker ad @ The Deffest

Pro-Keds T/Racer 1979 vintage sneaker ad

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. 

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

Kinney NBA 1970s vintage sneaker ad

Here's another Kinney NBA branded sneaker ad from 1970s, this time they're going heavy on the adidas style 4 stripes theme. The first Kinney NBA ad from 1977 is here.

​Ad info is below:

Instead of one shoe with many purposes... 

we made many shoes with one purpose. 

KINNEY
NBA'S.

Kinney NBA's are made for every sport with one purpose in mind. To be everything the high-priced athletic shoes are-without the high price.

Kinney NBA's are for athletes who are serious about their sport, whether it's running, tennis, basketball, baseball, soccer, raquetball, softball, football—or any sport that moves you. We know that nothing beats winning. But, why play to win at all costs—when you can play to win for less.

Kinney NBA's. For men. For women. For everyone.

We play the game your way. $13.99-$29.99 

BASKETBALL

TRAINING 

TENNIS

SOCCER

JOGGING

SOFTBALL 

BASEBALL

RUNNING 

Kinney

The Great American Shoe Store 

Prices slightly higher outside Continental U S

Kinney NBA 1970s 4 stripe vintage sneaker ad @ The Deffest

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 Easy Rider 2019 vs 2017 style comparison