The Country was introduced in 1973 as an all around running shoe, more attuned to the changing ideas about Running Shoes versus Training Shoes. The foxing, a manufacturing staple more for aesthetics, was removed and a midsole wedge was added. This gave the shoe a bit more rebound and cushioning. The outersole was a grippy gum rubber, that provided traction as well as reasonable durability. The chromed leather upper continued the familiar look of earlier trainers, though the ankle collar provided no additional cushioning. I developed a blister on the achilles tendon, so to alleviate future suffering, I took them to a cobbler who installed a thin sueded lining in the heel which made the fit about as perfect as could be possible. Later versions of the shoe alleviated the problem with a heel tab and ankle collar cushioning (as pictured here). Many comfortable training miles were run in the shoe preparing for cross country and track.
