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Here’s a 1983 vintage Consumer Reports “Penny Power” magazine featuring articles on sneaker testing kids retro runners. This article compares Nike, adidas, Sears and Kinney NBA vintage sneakers.

Article info is below:

APRIL / MAY 1983 A Consumer Reports Publication for young People

PENNY POWER

TESTING SNEAKERS

Part Three: THE TESTS

In order to pick which brands to test, Penny Power used two kinds of "experts." First, an experienced runner looked at many pairs of running shoes sold in children's sizes, and told us which ones were sturdy and well made. Second, junior-high students weeded out the "dorky-looking" pairs from a group of good quality sneakers. They liked the four models you see in the "before" picture below. These ranged in price from $14 to $25.

Before

NIKE ($25)

KINNEY'S NBA ($20)

ADIDAS ($20)

SEARS ($14)

We decided to put these sneakers through the toughest test of all—a "kid" test. The 8-to-13-year-olds you see on these pages were each fitted with two different brands. All wore both pairs through an entire summer and into the fall. One pair was worn one day, the other pair the next day, so that each pair received the same amount of wear— at camp, on the beach and in the country. Running, jumping and skidding would show up differences among the sneakers, we thought. We were wrong! When we gathered in the 20 pairs of sneakers at the end of the test, a few were slightly shabbier or a bit more worn. But, as the "after" picture shows, most came through the test in about the same condition. One reason they were still in good shape was that the testers were switching between two different pairs. Changing your sneakers every day gives them a chance to dry out between wearings, and that's good for all shoes. It's also better for your feet. The testers were asked to choose the more comfortable of the two pairs they had worn. No one brand proved to be more comfortable than the others. Some testers liked one feature (such as the Sears's thinner sole or the NBA's cushioning), some another. We then washed a few pairs of each brand to see how well they would clean up. Again, all four brands washed pretty much the same. Only the light-colored sneakers were hard to get clean. The dark suede trim faded in the wash, however. (Turn to the back cover to see the results of our sneaker spruce-up.)

After

NIKE

ADIDAS

SEARS

KINNEY'S NBA

What did The Sneaker Project teach us? Since no brand stood out in durability or over-all comfort, you should look for a well-made model that fits your particular pair of feet. While you're looking, don't ignore some of the well-made but less-famous brands. Some of our testers were firm Nike or Adidas fans until they discovered the fit and comfort of a less-expensive brand. They were surprised. Maybe you will be too!

Penny Power Vintage April-May 1983 Consumer Reports 1980s Sneaker Testing magazine

Penny Power Vintage April-May 1983 Consumer Reports 1983 Sneaker Testing magazine

Penny Power Vintage April-May 1983 Consumer Reports 1980s Sneaker Testing magazine rear cover

Here's a 1981 vintage sneaker ad for the Sears 440 running shoes. The 440 was likely named for the 440-yard dash which is a quarter-mile sprint race in track and field. Between these sneakers and "The Winner" II series Sears made some pretty alright sneakers back in the day.

Ad info is below:

You can count on Sears to look at a new product from every angle

"First we tested 16 top-rated running shoes—and the bare foot," says Sears buyer. Not many companies have the luxury of starting from scratch, but Sears spent nearly two years developing The 440. Here's why:

Sears knew it took more than a good factory to make a good running shoe—one that would fit comfortably and help reduce the foot, ankle, and knee problems that runners sometimes encounter.

They went to experts: Northwestern University Medical School Center for Sports Medicine. The doctors kept a sharp eye on stress points and suggested possible ways The 440 Running Shoe could aid in helping to prevent the problems that plague runners. The buyers and Sears own lab worked closely with these nationally-known orthopedic surgeons and the manufacturer. Prototype after prototype was discarded as not good enough.

Not good enough because Sears wanted more than a shoe that would fit comfortably and minimize problems—they also wanted one that would look attractive, wear well, and sell at a fair price. They got one. The 440 Running Shoe pleased all concerned with its innovative features.

Finding a better way of doing things is virtually a policy at Sears. Each year, Sears lab tests over ten thousand products and, along with the buyers, keeps up a running dialogue with manufacturers with this aim: How can we make it better? But there is one thing Sears hasn't had to improve on in over half a century. Its famous promise: Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back

Sears
Sean Roebuck and Co. 1981

The quest for the ideal running shoe led to critical considerations like these:
1. Superb flexibility 2. Removable insole 3. Molded back part to cup heel and aid stability 4. Shoe base that absorbs shock 5. Roomy toe area to avoid discomfort.