Painting may be considered the most popular media found in art collections globally, but advertising has been recognized as an art for decades as well. In fact, one of the giants of American advertising in the 1960s and 1970s, William Bernbach, famously said of the industry, “Advertising is fundamentally persuasion and persuasion happens to be not a science, but an art.” Well-known ads throughout history have found a place in museums and galleries. In 2017, the Museum of Advertising in New York City became the first museum dedicated to celebrating the global advertising industry. And though it officially closed its doors in 2004, the American Advertising Museum was located in downtown Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1986, the museum showcased American advertising from the 18th century to the present day.

The marketing and advertising industry has changed dramatically over the years. Traditionally, marketing efforts relied upon four channels to connect with customers: print, mail, television, and telephone. As we entered the 21st century, however, marketing strategies have evolved to account for the rise of the internet. Let's take a look at how two of America's favorite footwear brands have shifted their advertising and marketing strategies since the mid-20th century.

Keds

In 1916, when Keds hit the market, women could not vote, serve in the military or, in most parts of the U.S., serve on juries. Neither did women have access to a comfortable shoe that allowed them to move around freely or stay on their feet for extended periods of time without serious discomfort. Twenty years later, in 1936, Keds began targeting the female consumer, aiming to relieve their orthopaedic woes. They launched a new product, "Kedettes," a washable heeled shoe that offered the same comfort level as a sneaker. Ads were prominently featured in magazines, promoting not only sneakers, but also espadrilles, oxfords, and sandals. You might say Keds' marketing took on a life of its own as female celebrities throughout the 20th century were seen sporting these comfy white sneakers: Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Jackie O. truly made them a fashion statement, and Yoko Ono could be seen wearing a pair of flawless white Keds at her wedding to John Lennon in 1969.

To commemorate Keds' 100th birthday, the company really ramped up their marketing efforts, selecting Taylor Swift as the face of their multi-channel marketing and ad campaign. Acting as the brand's Global Ambassador, Swift also has also designed capsule collections for Keds. On the brand's birthday, July 14, 2016, Keds leaned heavily into social media marketing, posting on Twitter and other social media platforms, "a beautiful feed of every single type of white shoe that we make," CMO Emily Culp told Adweek.

What makes Keds an incredible case study for footwear marketing and advertising? Decades before athletic shoes were even a consideration for women, Keds found lasting success by marketing primarily to the female consumer. It's an unlikely niche-marketing success story.

Nike 


Few brands are as iconic and recognizable as Nike. The American sportswear company was founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports, but it launched the Nike brand shoe in 1972 and officially changed its name to Nike, Inc. in 1978. The illustrious "swoosh" may have been a staple of the brand from the very beginning, making its debut on the shoes in the spring of 1972, but the now universally recognized slogan of "Just Do It" wasn't coined until 1988. In fact, Nike ran through a number of slogans and taglines throughout the years, starting with their earliest "There is no finish line" campaign.

Nike is also a brand that is no stranger to controversy. In fact, even their "Just Do It" slogan comes from not-so-wholesome beginnings. The slogan was inspired by the last words of Utah killer Gary Gilmore, a man sentenced to death in 1977 for robbery and murder. Gilmore allegedly said, “Let’s do it” when he faced his execution.

"I like the 'do it' part of it," Dan Wieden, the head of ad-agency Wieden & Kennedy told filmmaker Doug Pray in his 2009 documentary "Art & Copy".

Nike is also known for its celebrity endorsements. The most recent "controversial" celebrity ad featured NFL player Colin Kaepernick (known for his silent, peaceful protest by kneeling during the national anthem) and the tagline, "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” But Nike's history with celebrity endorsements started decades ago. The first professional athlete to endorse the brad was Ilie Natase, a Romanian tennis player. But perhaps the most important sponsorship signing in Nike's history was that of NBA star Michael Jordan in 1984. Nike went on to feature some of the biggest names sports, including LeBron James, Charles Barkley, Ken Griffey Jr, Roy Jones Jr, Lance Armstrong, Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, and Ronaldinho.

While such an iconic brand as Nike has the loyal following of athletes and consumers across the U.S. and the world, they're still branching out to make good use of newer marketing techniques these days. One example of Nike's experimentation with digital marketing methods is the collaboration between Nike Air Jordan and Facebook Messenger bot. They're using the conversational AI platform Snaps to deliver content from the Air Jordan blog, Jordan.com, and Jordan News to users. Messenger bots offer two-way conversations, giving users a unique opportunity to connect with the Nike brand.

Footwear advertising and marketing has been around for centuries, but the transformation it's made just over the past 100 years is simply outstanding. Keds, Nike, and many others are turning to digital marketing as the online landscape expands and evolves. And why wouldn't they? Studies show that SEO leads have a 14.6% close rate, while outbound leads (such as direct mail or print advertising) have a 1.7% close rate, demonstrating just how powerful digital marketing strategies can be for all industries.

Since we are in the season of rosé wines, what better time than to highlight a shoe that's pink, bubbly, and sparkles. The Keds Double Decker Pinwheel Sequin Sneakers does just that. These slip-on sneakers feature a tonal pink sequin upper, natural canvas lining, tonal elastic gussets, a cushioned Ortholite insole, and a thick yet flexible, textured rubber outsole. Not a fan of being "in the pink"? This shining sneaker is also available in black. The style usually goes for $57.95, but you can get it on sale now for $44.95. This price won't last long though, so we suggest you hurry.Grab either colors on www.keds.com.

It's shopping time! Aside from sample sales, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the perfect time to get some great deals on things you need and want. It's the perfect time to try the new shoe trend, gift yourself with your favorite style in another color, or do something wonderful for someone in need and gift them with a new pair of casual, or work shoes. No matter if you're treating yourself or helping to make someone else's day, this is the time to snag a great deal or two. Today we're sharing wonderful deals from Coolway Shoes, Keds, Puma, and ShoeDazzle

COOLWAY SHOES


Coolway Shoes is offering a Buy One Get One 50% Off promotion that is automatically applied to your shopping cart when you click through from this link. No promo code is needed at checkout. Promo is valid from 11/23/16 - 11/28/16.

KEDS


Keds is offering great deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Use Code TGIBF to receive 30% off all full priced items and 10% off all sale items for U.S. orders placed on Keds.com between 11/22/2016 and 11/28/2016. For Cyber Monday, enjoy 30% off all full priced styles with no exclusions, 10% of sale styles, and $10 off your next purchase with any purchase made on Cyber Monday (11/28). This offer valid from 11/22-11/29.

PUMA


Receive additional 30% off your entire purchase at PUMA.com with shipments to the US and Canada only, and at The PUMA Store (US locations only); not valid at PUMA Outlet Stores. Valid 3:00am Eastern Time, November 23, 2016 through 11:59pm Pacific Time, November 27, 2016. Some exclusions apply, including but not limited to all FENTY products, Holiday Deals and 2-for T-Shirt pricing.

SHOEDAZZLE


This offer is valid to new VIP Members only. Get 75% off the first item ordered when you join VIP membership at checkout. The $9.99 order total is valid on select available styles only; styles regularly priced above $39.95 may total more during this offer. Free shipping on VIP Member orders totaling $39 or more only in the contiguous US.

CHINESE LAUNDRY


*Valid through 11:59 PM PST on 11/27/2016. Discount given at checkout with code BIGWEEKEND.

Welcome back fellow shoe lovers. Are you ready to officially dive into fall footwear? We hope so because today we're sharing some of the cool fall color palette and limited edition fall styles from the Keds Fall 2016 Footwear Collection. This season, we see Keds classic lace ups, slip-ons, mid tops, hi-tops, and boots in muted shades of burgundy, chartreuse, dusty blue, charcoal, as well as the traditional tones of red, blue, tan, and lots of metallics and prints. The fall collection is teeming with footwear styles in nylon, tweed, wool, twill, suede, leather, and of course, canvas. We're very excited for the latest limited edition collections with Kate Spade New York, Liberty Art Fabrics, the MLB, and textile creators, Malhia Kent.


What can you expect from the classics collection? Kick it old school with a 70's inspired floral print, original and inspiring prints and patterns, brushed denim, sleek silhouettes in smooth leathers, cozy jersey knits, and cool textures. We wish we could show you all but this would be a never-ending post, so here's a peak at some favorites.


Baseball fans will adore the styles from the MLB Collection. Available in both leather and canvas, these footwear styles look exactly like MLB baseballs. They feature everything from the team logo to the baseball stitching detail. Get ready to root for the home team in style.


The variety in the Keds X Kate Spade New York collection is outstanding. There's something for everyone whether you like subtle details and understated footwear styles, or bold, fashion forward details. From glitter, plaid, polka dot, and more prints, to ribbon laces and velvet styles, the Keds x kate spade new york takes your look to another level.


Last and certainly never least is the stunning colors and patterns from the limited edition Keds X Malhia Kent Collection. The collection of colorful tweed shoes distinctively amazing and completely unmatched in uniqueness. Are you ready for a power punch of color and texture?


Whether you go for the triple decker or champion Keds styles in this collection, you won't be disappointed with its look. We love the fact that because thee textures are hand woven, no two shoes will ever be alike, so even if you and a friend get the same shoe style, both will have their own unique details.

Are you loving what we're showing you from the Keds Fall 2016 Footwear Collection? Check out a few more colors and styles in our slideshow

Keds Chillax Sneaker

Sometimes you want to keep it simple with a dash of character.  This Keds Chillax Sneaker is testament to this.  Boasting a simple canvas upper, this sneaker features a laceless throat and a camouflage green pattern.  Easy to slip on and off, 'lazy days of summer' cool, comfortable enough to wear all day and affordable enough to let them take a beating.  Available now at Keds.com in this color way and a bevy of colors to choose from.

Effortless style is easy to achieve when you have the right tools, and by right tools we mean shoes. This summer, why not step out in new chic and stylish footwear with the summer offerings from Keds. Whether you're ready to shine, keep it casual, or show off your crazier side, Keds has the shoe styles you need to look effortlessly cool from day to night.


Add a little glitz and glamour to your day with the glittery, lace up or slip-on styles that boasts a metallic leather or glitter upper. These shimmering shoe styles are perfect for any date night.


Heading to the beach this summer? keep things crisp with all-white Keds. Whether you choose a classic canvas, or heathered, perforated pattern, laces or no laces, you'll achieve great style with ease.


For those of you who love a summer filled with wild rides, a bold color or quirky print is a must. We love the edgy prints from the Keds Style Project Exclusive collection.


If your summer will be filled with backyard barbecues and picnics in the park, top your look with a cool pastel, subtle tone, or print to celebrate the season of get-togethers. With seasonal favorites like linen, raffia, twill, jute, and fruity prints, you'll definitely kick off the season in style.

 From work to play, and everything in between, Keds has you covered for chic and stylish footwear. Grab one of the above Keds shoe styles, and so much more, for your summer footwear needs on www.keds.com. Styles range from $45.00 - $95.00.

Calling all shoe lovers and Taylor Swift fans! Zappos is giving you the chance to win big this back-to-school season. The online retail giant is teaming up with Keds to offer two very lucky Taylor Swift fans the chance to win a signed pair of Keds by Taylor Swift! This very exciting sweepstakes is being held exclusively on Zappos.com and is live from now through Sunday, August 25th, 2013 (there's not much time left so enter quickly).

Want to enter to win this amazing prize? Just go to http://zapwow.me/kZtm, enter all the required information on the official entry form, and hit the submit. All entrants must provide their full name, home address, telephone number, date of birth, and e-mail address. All entries must be sent in between August 18, 2013 and August 25, 2013 and received by September 3, 2013.

If you love Keds, and want to see more of their latest hot styles, check them out on Zappos's Glance App, a must-have for any show lover.Good luck and can't wait to see who wins.

Mark McNairy X Keds Triumph Canvas

Clean and Fresh.  The summer months can generally mean that you don't want to worry about bells and whistles, only what time the barbecue starts.  The Mark McNairy X Keds Triumph sneaker leaves room for a lot more summer fun without worrying about a bell nor a whistle.  Get them dirty, dress them up or down and stay comfortable in this easy no-brainer style sneaker conveniently priced at only $75.  Available now at select Keds retailers.

Keds Champion Seersucker Sneaker

Of course it's an American classic.  However, don't be dismayed if GQ didn't rally behind it this season as "the" suit fabric to swath yourself in for the summer.  Keds has got the perfect balance to the colored denim, slim khakis and trim cotton sport coats for the your summer season in the offering of their classic Champion sneaker model in seersucker.  Channel your inner barbershop or candy cane fantasies in the red & white, channel your Americana apple pie with classic blue & white or wax a neutral eastside to westside vibe with the grey & white.  Updated for your liking yet still classic for your understanding and available April 15th at Keds.com.

How adorable are these cotton crochet laced Slip-ons from Keds? I know I tend to feature more heels on Shoeography but that doesn't mean I don't come across several very notewworthy flats and these cuties are worthy. The uber comfy and lightweight Keds Too Cute Crochet Slip-Ons are flexible, feature a textured rubber outsole and can be spot cleaned and will air dry. You'll have no worries about your feet being hot in these as the crochet upper lets lovely breeze after lovely breeze to pass through the shoe allowing your entire foot to breathe.

The Too Cute Slip-ons are available online and in stores now and come in Lime, White, Fuschia (shown above) and black.