LACING UP: AN UPDATE ON SHOE COMPANIES

     NIKE:  On Wednesday, Braves infielder Fred McGriff and
Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell will dedicate a new P.L.A.Y. court
made from recycled Nike shoes in Atlanta.  This is the sixth U.S.
city this year to have a court donated as part of P.L.A.Y. --
Participate in the Lives of America's Youth, Nike's national
youth sports and fitness initiative (Nike).
     CONVERSE:  The company has introduced a new TV spot created
by Houston Effler Herstek & Favat, for its new Sky Rider
basketball shoe starring Timberwolves forward Isaiah "J.R" Rider
(ADVERTISING AGE, 11/28 issue).
     REEBOK:  Today in Orlando, Reebok endorsers Shaquille
O'Neal, Emmitt Smith and Frank Thomas shoot a TV ad that will air
"globally" -- although Thomas and baseball references will not be
included in European airings (Michael Hiestand, USA TODAY,
11/29).  The company has also introduced a new line of basketball
shoes and apparel built around NBA star Shawn Kemp.  A TV spot by
Leo Burnett began running last week (ADVERTISING AGE, 11/28
issue).