355. EDWARDSON Top Star ATHLETIC SHOES, Print Ads, 1962

BOB SOLER "Mr. Basketball", for EDWARDSON 1962

Edwardson Manufacturing Corp. (founded in Nov. 20, 1959) was the maker of EDWARDSON Athletic Shoes, which became one of the more popular sports shoe brand din the Philippines from the 1950s thru the 60s. One of their bestsellers is the EDWARDSON TOP STAR, which were recommended for the basketball hardcourt. 

Perfect for the hardcourt, thy won’t skid or slide,  while giving you speed and comfort. With the shoes’ double binding, they are guaranteed for strength and endurance. As their ads claim—“with EDWARDSON you’re ready to win!”.

EDWARDSON TOP STAR was launch using an unnamed but a rising personality—Bob Soler (Robert Ycsiar Gutierrez)—who happened to be an ace player of the sport himself, He was an NCAA basketball player from San Beda College when he was discovered for the movies.

BOB SOLER, "Mr. Basketball", Source: Video48

In 1958, he was tapped to appear in the film, “Mr. Basketball”, along with Olympian basketballer, Carlos Badion. No wonder, 4 years later, he signed a contract to appear in EDWARDSON Top Star Ads. In 1966 he would find greater fame in the film “Captain Barbell” in the title role. 

EDWARDSON athletic shoes became so popular that main competitor  Jacinto Rubber & Plastics Co., came out with a similarly-designed pair. In 1966, Edwardson Manufacturing Corp, and Converse Rubber  Corp., (maker of Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Rubber Shoes), sued Jacinto for unfair business practice. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the defendants, restraining Jacinto from making shoes with confusingly similar features as EDWARDSON and Converse’s.

 Edwardson Manufacturing Corp. closed down its business in 1983.

PHOTO SOURCE:  VIDEO 48, for the ad of the film, "Mr. Basketball', starring Bob Soler.