Here’s a couple of vintage ads from 1987 and 1988 for James Worthy’s New Balance basketball high top sneakers. The models featured in this ad are the P600, P700 and P800.
Ad info is below:
THE INCREDIBLE DRIVING MACHINE.
P600 P700 P800
NB
new balance
Worthy Express
And another similar ad from 1988.
Ad info is below:
NO WONDER HE WAS MVP OF THE FINALS.
LOOK WHAT HE DRIVES IN.
P600 P700 P800
NB
new balance
Worthy Express
Here’s a vintage 1980 running shoe ad for the New Balance 420 which was a protective training shoe. This shoe featured the ‘Lunaris Pillow’ technology and Evazote foam to stabilize the ride.
Ad info is below:
THE NEW BALANCE 420 WAS DESIGNED TO PROTECT RUNNERS 6 DAYS OUT OF 7.
The New Balance 420 is the most protective training shoe we've ever made. And as every runner knows, training is 99% of running. So how come we're only recommending that you wear it 85% of the time?
TWO DIFFERENT GOALS.
TWO DIFFERENT SHOES.
Training is the means to two important ends: improved endurance ( strength and fitness) and improved performance (speed over distance). Obvious, right? And yet it seems we're the first running shoe company to recognize that the pursuit of these goals is best served by two different training shoes. We designed our remarkably lightweight 620 training flat for that one or two days of running a week when time is key: e.g., when you're doing speed work or running in a road race. It's for all the other days of the week that we developed our new 420.
On the 7th day, we recommend our highly regarded 620 training flat.
HOW THE 420 PROTECTS.
The natural position of the foot at rest and in motion is called the neutral plane. When you engage in motion outside this range, you not only waste energy, but invite injury. Isn't it odd, then, that in the guise of cushioning, some running shoes in effect encourage deviations beyond the neutral plane? Following orthopedic principles, we designed the 420 in such a way to keep your foot in the neutral plane throughout your gait cycle. Extended along the medial side of the arch, the 420's heel counter provides maximum rear-foot stability while allowing you your full range of motion. Our Extended Saddle' pro-vides support along the longitudinal arch and, together with our unique straight last construction, encourages an efficient straight-line running motion. Finally, our exciting new Lunaris Pillow, a pre-molded Evazote and memory-foam insert, serves to stabilize your foot in the neutral plane and helps to provide unprecedented shock absorption. Indeed, the 420 delivers up to an astonishing 70% shock attenuation experience. And given the structure of the human body, that's as good as you can get.
The neutral plane. Deviations outside of it waste energy and invite injury.
WE COULD RUN ON AND ON....
As you might have gathered, to fully describe all the features of the 420 would take more space than we have here. So we'll simpl3 conclude with the following observation: No other training shoe offers more protection. And that's a statement we'll stand behind seven days of the week. New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., Boston, MA 02134, U.S.A., which is where our shoes are made.
Women's sizes 4-10 (widths AA, B and D). Men's sizes 6-13 (widths B, D, EE and EEEE).
NEW BALANCE
WE'RE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
Here’s a 1978 vintage ad for Starting Line Sports featuring various 1970s running shoes including the Nike Elite, Adidas SL76 Runner, New Balance SuperComp, Brooks Vantage, Adidas TRX, Adistar 200-L and Tiger Spartan B. This original vintage Starting Line Sports print ad is available at our web store Rewind Running.
Ad info is below:
Step Up to the Starting Line in Our Shoes
A Nike Elite. A combination of lightness, sup-port and comfort make this shoe the most popular racing flat in America. Blue nylon with yellow trim. Sizes 6-12. $33.95
B Adidas Runner. Thick outer sole and flexible mid-sole make this training flat a partic-ularly good choice for the heavier runner. Yellow nylon mesh upper, blue stripes. Sizes 6-13. $37.95
C New Balance Super Comp. This racing flat has one of the best tread designs for com-bined traction and cushioning on wet and dry surfaces. Yellow/red/orange mesh with suede trim. Sizes 6-12, D width. $29.95 D Adidas TRX. An outstanding training flat with excellent cushioning in its molded poly-urethane mid-sole. Blue nylon uppers with yellow trim. Sizes 7-12. $29.95
E Brooks Vantage. The number 1 training flat features the varus wedge and self-molding in-sole for support and stability. Blue mesh ny-lon upper with white trim. Sizes 4-12 & 13, D width; Sizes 8-11, B & EE width. $28.95
F Adidas Adistar 2000-L. Quality construc-tion and lightness earned this distance spike the number 1 rating. Blue suede uppers with yellow stripes. Sizes 6-12. $56.95
G Tiger Spartan B. A long-standing favorite among racers with its flexible spike plate and light, comfortable nylon uppers. Gold with navy stripes. Sizes 7-13. $43.95
ORDER NOW!
STARTING LINE SPORTS
Box 8, Mountain View, CA 94042
Today we’ve got a vintage 1978 ad by Athletic Attic for New Balance featuring the Trail 355 runners. This original vintage Athletic Attic New Balance print ad is available at our web store Rewind Running.
Ad info is below:
The dirt-kicking, grass-grabbing mud-slinging, New Balance Trail.
The New Balance Trail 355 is one of the best cross-country shoes to come down the path in a long time. The rounded stud design of the unique Alpha-crepe sole sheds dirt and and mud easily without sacrificing traction on wet or sandy surfaces. One of the latest additions to the top-ranked New Balance line, the Trail is designed to meet the performance and durability requirements of both road training and trail or cross-country work. A mid/sole wedge combination of Softcrepe pro-vides anti-shock cushioning; EF and the polyester-mesh upper is backed with tricot foam for maximum comfort and breathability. So the next time you head for the country — start off right with the New Balance Trail. From Athletic Attic.
Athletic Attic
Here’s a great old ad for the New Balance 320 model. This original vintage NB 320 print ad is available at our web store RewindRunning.com.
Ad info is below:
320 1976-77's number one rated trainer — tough, comfortable, fully protective. This year's 320 has a one-piece upper with padded tongue, a fuller, boxier toe (from a last with broader toe design), a lightweight outer sole with flared heel and wrapped toe for greater durability, and a foam-backed tricot heel cup that fits snugly all around for improved support. Men's 31/2AA-15EEEE, in Royal Blue with White.
See your local authorized New Balance dealer, or send for our free color catalog. 38 Everett Street Boston, Massachusetts 02134
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:
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%.
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.
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.
I've been on hiatus for a while to work on projects but am back today with a vintage New Balance ad. Here's an ad from 1978 for featuring their Cross Country trainer. All about the Alphacrepe sole. This original vintage New Balance CrossCountry print ad is available at our web store RewindRunning.com.
Ad info is below:
CrossCountry Off-road competition shoe that's durable and cushioned enough for roadwork on hard surfaces. The light, flexible flared Alphacrepe sole has a studded configuration that maximizes traction while minimizing dirt pick-up; and the soft, comfortable upper with padded tongue incorporates New Balance's new broader and higher toe design. Men and women, 31/2AA-15EEEE, in Orange with White.
See your local authorized New Balance dealer, or send for our free color catalog. 38 Everett Street Boston, Massachusetts 02134
NB
new balance
athletic
shoes
usa
Back again with another 1979 ad from New Balance featuring their W320 and W355 women’s trainers.
Ad info is below:
Two new road softeners for women.
Don't let the pavement pound your feet mercilessly. New Balance's top-rated W320 and W355 trainers for women provide superior protection and comfort, a precision fit in widths as well as lengths, and total performance. Both shoes are designed on a special woman's athletic combination last with box toe and two-sizes-narrower heel.
The new vinyl Achilles tendon pads and heel strips prevent slippage; the one-piece, foam-backed uppers provide glove-like comfort; the arch-support saddles cinch your feet snugly and firmly; and the tough, well-cushioned sole/wedge/midsole materials give durable protection. Both shoes display stylish new colors too — Cal Blue with White for the W320, and Cal Blue with Yellow for the W355 — and both come in women's sizes 4-10 and widths AA-D. (Sizes 11-12 avail-able at addition-al cost.)
By special request today we've got a 1982 vintage ad for New Balance featuring the 375/376, 390, 420, 555, 660, 730, 990, and Comps models. I’d be curious to see what’s going down in the New Balance “gait lab” these days.
Ad info is below:
Runners aren't normal.
It’s not that we're crazy. It's just that we're, well ... different. In fact, there's not a typical or average one of us in the whole bunch. And the bunch now numbers some 25,000,000 people.
Imagine: 25 million runners, each with a different running style, training pattem, lifestyle. A different physical construction and emotional make-up. A 'different level of commitment to the sport. And each given these other variables, with different needs. Needs the New Balance Running Shoe System is designed to satisfy.
A SHOE FOR EVERY RUNNER.
The New Balance Running Shoe System is the product of our on-going efforts to better understand the relationship between running and the human body. It has come about through our involvement in three specific areas:
Sports medicine. Through association with orthopedists, podiatrists and the gait lab of one of Boston's leading hospitals.
Manufacturing technology. The key to our ability to be technologically innovative.
Runners themselves. World-class athletes like Dick Beardsley, Kevin Ryan, Lorraine Moller and Francie Larrieu. The result is a system of running shoes that accommodates variations in weight, size, gait, speed, agility and more. And enables individual runners to "match" their personal styles and preferences to performance footwear designed to meet their needs. We even make our shoes in different widths. So that no one has to run in shoes designed to fit someone else.
THE INDIVIDUAL SHOES.
This will briefly introduce you to the shoes in the System. Naturally, you can find out more about them first-hand at better athletic footwear stores. The 375/376. Excellent values, the NB 375 and 376 for women are impressive examples of what we're able to accomplish within strict economic limits. With all-leather side supports and an extended sway bar tip for superior control, they offer more performance features than any other $35 running shoes. The 390. A reasonably priced training shoe, the 390 is equally at home on the road or trail. The key to its versatility is its outersole—a New Balance-exclusive carbon rub-ber houndstooth outersole, anatomi-cally contoured for exceptional wear.
The 420/420 W. The NB 420 is the single biggest selling running shoe in Amenca above $40, and comfort is the reason. With its EVA wedge and midsole, Vibram® Morflex outersole and Lunaris Pillow footbed, the 420 offers a level of comfort that's simply without parallel.
The 555/555 W. A shoe designed specifically for people who are murder on running shoes, or who do their running in areas that are rough on shoes, the 555 is our most durable training shoe. It's also extremely versatile—thanks in part to a carbon rubber houndstooth sole and combination-lasting construction.
The 660/660 W. Light and firm, the NB 660 is designed for runners who like to feel the road when they run. Factors contributing to its firmer feel are a Fethalite wedge and mid-sole, a firm version of our Lunaris Pillow and a double-extended 60-weight Surlyn counter.
The 730/730 W. An impressive combination of comfort and stability, the NB 730 is designed for runners who seek a stable, but for-giving, training shoe. Three different materials in the sole unit—an EVA midsole, high density EVA wedge and Morflex outersole—combine to make this the most cushioned run-ning shoe on the road today. The 990. More than three years in the making, the NB 990 is the most technologically advanced running shoe on the market today. No other training shoe ever built offers a more thoroughly sophisticated combination o protection, comfort and motion control—achieved with-out the slightest inhibition of the foot's natural range of motion. Comps. Our Spike 100, Spike 200 and Comp 200 racing shoes are designed with three criteria in mind—minimal weight, optimum protection, maximum feel of the road or track The results are apparent in race results throughout the world. IF YOU'D LIKE TO READ MORE, WRITE US. We'll send you a brochure describing in greater detail the New Balance Running Shoe System. A System that by satisfying the needs of all different kinds of runners makes New Balance different, too. New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., 38 Everett St., Boston, MA 02134.
375/376 Recommended for price-conscious runners who seek a comfort-able training shoe that can also be worn for casual wear.
390 Recommended for price-conscious runners who seek a versatile on-road/off-road training shoe.
420 Recommended for runners who seek the ultimate in comfort.
555 Recommended for runners who wear through shoes quickly; also, for larger runners.
660 Recommended for serious runners who run middle and long distances and like a firmer feeling shoe.
730 Recommended for medium and higher mileage runners who can benefit from exceptional cushioning.
990 Recommended for devoted runners seeking the optimal combination of flexibility and motion control.
COMPS Recommended solely for the competitive runner
new balance NB
Today's vintage sneaker ad is for the New Balance Trail 355 running shoes. These are from 1979 and pretty similar in style to the New Balance 320 shoes, the difference is that these feature the Nora-Tuff sole. 💪👟
Ad info is below:
Trail 355 New trainer designed for road training as well as trail or cross-country work, with high-quality carbon rubber sole of Nora-Tuff for guaranteed road-flat durability. An earlier version was rated number one in cushioning (both ball and heel) during Runner's World lab tests, and this new sole has that maximum shock absorption combined now with the durability of a radial tire. The flat-head studs provide excellent traction on all surfaces, and the foam-backed polyester-mesh upper adds great comfort and breathability. Men's sizes 6-13; widths A,B,C,D,E, EE and EEE. (Sizes 131/2-15 and widths AA and EEEE new available at additional cost.)
See your local authorized New Balance dealer, or send for our free color catalog.
New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc 36 Everett Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02134.
new balance
athletic
shoes
usa
Today we've got a 1979 vintage sneaker ad for the New Balance 100 & W100 running shoe racing flats. The majority of New Balance shoes today are really good about hanging on to their history and resemble many of the shoes they were making back in the 70s. That said I've never come across a pair of these 100's and I don't think they've ever been re-issued.
Ad info is below:
COMP
100
W100
new extended saddle and width sizing:
the critical fit that compeition requires
New ultra-light men's / women's racing flats made on a competition last. Worn by 7 of top 10 finishers at Labatt's. All-new features include Extended Saddle for snugger fit, heel-counter lock, Morflex outsole, E.V.A. fluff midsole.
👟
👟
Here’s a cool old sneaker advertisement for the New Balance SuperComp runners from 1978.
Ad info is below:
SuperComp Solid, lightweight competition flat with durable airspring sole of Lydec®. The stretch foam insole minimizes friction and heat build-up, while the breathable polyester-mesh upper maximizes ventilation. With snug heel counter, soft tricot-lined Achilles tendon pad, and brush configuration sole for excellent traction on roads and synthetic tracks. Men and women, 31/2AA-I5EEEE, in Yellow/Orange/Red with White trim.
Width sizing means fit, comfort and performance.
See your local authorized New Balance dealer, or send for our free color catalog. 38 Everett Street Boston, Massachusetts 02134
new balance athletic shoes usa