As FN approaches its 70th year anniversary, we have been feeling quite nostalgic. Lately we’ve found ourselves reminiscing about our first pairs of jelly sandals and thumbing through yearbook pictures in which we were suited in ‘Members Only’ jackets complete with ‘Converse Weapon’ sneakers to match.
While there are a lot of old school fashion fads we’d like to soon forget—think mullets, parachute pants and shell suits—we have to admit that many of the shoes from decades past have lived on to become classics.
Throughout the years, a combination of things—peer pressure, advertising, celebrity endorsements—sent us all running to the stores for the latest ‘Reebok Pump,’ ‘L.A. Gear Light Ups’ or ‘Air Jordan’ sneakers.
On that note, join us for a look back at some of the vintage ads that helped to promote the hottest sneakers in ‘80s and ‘90s.
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First up is a ‘Reebok Pump’ commercial featuring Dominique Wilkins from the late 198os:
Check out former Chicago Bull, NBA-Star Scottie Pippen endorsing Nike Inc.’s ‘Flight Dimensions’ in 1991:
Here’s Michael Jordan and acclaimed film director Spike Lee in this “Is it the shoes?” ‘Air Jordan 3’ promo in 1988/1989:
Watch Michael Jackson promote L.A. Gear around 1991—one of the singers few endorsements in his lifetime:
Finally, see how many NBA stars you recognize in this star-studded commercial for ‘Converse Weapons.’
