Image via Complex Original
As much as we all remember and revere Nike's classic sneaker models, their ads — many done by Oregon's Wieden & Kennedy — should be just as memorable. But how many do you really remember? Even some of the most notable ones (Spike and Mike, Griffey for President, Lil Penny) had their heyday going on 20 years ago now. And the earlier ones, which brashly pushed their running shoe advances, forget it. Your dad might not even remember those. And while sites like Classic Kicks and Defy. New York have collected many of these amongst their virtual galleries (check them out too if you have a spare week or two), we figured we'd do a little filtering for you. Here's 40 Awesome Vintage Nike Sneaker Ads You Don't Remember. Or do you?
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Air Freight
Sneaker: Nike Air Force Series
Air Freight sounds like a retro-inspired remake coming soon.
Michael Jordan Flight School
Sneaker: Air Jordan VI
Dazzling defenders, Money. Dazzling.
The [Bo] Jackson 5
Sneaker: Nike Air Trainer SC II
Bo knows. And we know Bo.
Zero Gravity
Sneaker: Nike Solo Flight, Nike Air Flight
You can almost taste the retro potential.
Who, You? #9
Sneaker: Air Jordan IX
In English, please.
The Meek May Inherit The Earth
Sneaker: Nike Air Force II
Tell 'em, Chuck.
Dream To Fly
Sneaker: Various
Yes, every time we lace up.
Women Who Wanna Get Back on Their Feet
Sneaker: Nike Air Control
Specifically for women. Coveted by men.
34th Street Dynasty
Sneaker: Nike Dynasty
From Watts to Boston, that's where dynasties are born.
Barefoot Samburu In the 21st Century
Sneaker: Nike Air Lava High, Son of Lava
And you thought this whole "son of" trend was a new thing?
Hawaiian Shirts For Your Feet
Sneaker: Nike Aqua Socks
Vacation time!
But Do It Right
Sneaker: Various
Just Do It.
Nike Air Trainer SC
Sneaker: Nike Air Trainer SC II
12 out of 13 ain't bad at all.
Nike Air Pegasus - This Wide.
Sneaker: Nike Air Pegasus
Nike stepping into New Balance territory.
The Training Glove
Sneaker: Nike Vendetta T/C
V for vendetta, that is.
Still Crazy
Sneaker: Nike Sock Racer
My how times have changed.
Smoke 'Em
Sneaker: Various
New additions to the "wish they would retro" list.
Nike Running
Sneaker: Nike Running
Shit-talking at its finest. Well played.
Griffey In '96
Sneaker: Nike Air Griffey Max
We'd still vote for Griffey in 2013.
Nike Air Footscape
Sneaker: Nike Air Footscape
Abstract art in the form of an advertisement. You win, Nike. You always do.
Oregon Waffle
Sneaker: Nike Oregon Waffle
Not just for breakfast anymore.
Nike Cortez - Class Act
Sneaker: Nike Cortez
So much for Cortez and footsie socks.
Nike Air Structure
Sneaker: Nike Air Structure
"Even larger than the Air Stab." Plus one for the Air Structure.
Nike Air Sock
Sneaker: Nike Air Sock
Invisible set.
Eat Our Dust
Sneaker: Various
Retros before the term retro.
Mars Blackmon in IIIs
Sneaker: Air Jordan III
Spike must be weighing in at about 45 pounds back then?
Nike Air Play - Forget What A Tennis Shoe Used To Be
Sneaker: Nike Air Play
File this one under "shit, we could go for a retro."
Re-Run - Nike Daybreak
Sneaker: Nike Daybreak
Don't call it a comeback.
Just [Do] It
Sneaker: Various Nikes
This must be from the smack it up, flip it, rub it down era. Word to Bell Biv Devoe.
Do You Know?
Sneaker: Air Jordan III
Do you know who the best in the game is? Mars Blackmon.
Mars Blackmon - Stay in School
Sneaker: Air Jordan VI
Yes, please. Stay in school.
Nike Air Flight Huarache
Sneaker: Nike Air Flight Huarache
Shit just got real.
Nike Air Trainer Max
Sneaker: Nike Air Trainer Max
Lethargy will be the death of us then.
Make It Feel Like The Garden
Sneaker: Nike Air Force II
Nike always does a good job with making us feel like we can be athletes. These damn Internets be holding us back, though.
Serious Road Running
Sneaker: Nike Terra Trainer
Beep, beep!
Nike Air Mariah & Nike Duelist
Sneaker: Nike Air Mariah & Nike Duelist
We're just waiting for them to comeback and kick butt again.
Nike Wind Runner
Sneaker: Nike Wind Runner
Everyone loves affordable sweat.
Welcome to Portland
Sneaker: Air Jordan VI
Sure, but do we really need those shades in Portland, MJ?
