Category Archives: Running

Retro Ad From October 1985, The Evolution Of The Saucony Shadow

“Our Shadow proves the theory of evolution.”

This is an ad featuring the Saucony Shadow. The Shadow adapted features of some of Saucony’s other shoes, such as the Jazz and the Freedom Trainer.

Saucony Shadow Circa October 1985
Saucony Shadow Circa October 1985

Also, look at those socks. I’m sure at some point crew length socks will get popular again, but at this point its hard to get someone to wear anything taller than a no-show.

Leave a comment if you enjoyed the ad.

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Retro Ad From March 1989, New Balance Lineup

“To Indicate Which Kind Of Runner You Are, Check One Of These Boxes.”

“To Make Sure You Get The Right Running Shoe, Pick Up The Box You Checked.”

New Balance Circa March 1989
New Balance Circa March 1989

I always like the ads that have several shoes in them, because it gives you a larger picture of what running shoe lines were like back then. The emergence of new technologies was nearly as prolific as it is today. Leave a comment!

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Retro Ad From October 1985, The Converse Athena

“Until now, serious women runners really didn’t fit anywhere.”

This just goes to show you that running shoe brands have been making women’s specific fits for a long time, even though certain brands advertise otherwise.

Converse Athena Circa October 1985
Converse Athena Circa October 1985

It’s interesting to see that Converse had a serious approach to technical running footwear in the past. Converse is of course better known for Chuck Taylors. Leave a comment!

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Retro Ad From August 1987, The Turntec Invincible

“Runners are not squares.”

The Turntec Invincible was one of the only running shoes I know of that used polyurethane cushioning instead of EVA. As the ad states, polyurethane is more durable, but it doesn’t mention the fact that it is generally firmer as well.

Turntec Invincible Circa 1987
Turntec Invincible Circa 1987

Jerry Turner, the owner of Turntec, had some pretty good ideas for shoes, but Turntec is no more. Leave a comment!

 

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Retro Ad From October 1985, Kaepa Two-Lace System

Here is a novel concept, featuring two sets of laces per shoe for individual adjustment. There are several lacing tricks that can mimic this effect, but this system made it easy without any relacing of the shoes.

Kaepa Circa October 1985
Kaepa Circa October 1985

Kaepa is still around today, but they don’t seem to be making running shoes. Also, I wonder if it was worth it for them to pay for that extra page with almost nothing on it. Leave a comment!

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Retro Ad From September 1984, The Kangaroos “Aussie”

‘FRONT-RUNNER: The Awesome “Aussie”. KangaROOS and Goodyear pioneer the incredible “Indy 500” Compound Sole.’

The tire-inspired outsole was intended to increase durability and traction. The “Aussie” had tread based on that of the Goodyear VR50 which came on Corvettes in 1984.

Kangaroos "Aussie" Circa September 1984
Kangaroos "Aussie" Circa September 1984

KangaROOS has a pretty cool thing going with Goodyear. I remember one of the shoes even had Aquatred just like the tires. Leave a comment if you enjoyed the ad!

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