Converse Shoes

Guide Note

Converse is a brand of sneakers popular among both athletes, artists, and everyday consumers. In 1923 they created the Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker, which is now considered an iconic fashion item. Until 2001, their sneakers were manufactured in the United States but once they were purchased by Nike all manufacturing moved overseas.

Fast Facts

1. American sneaker company
2. Owned by Nike
3. Best known for "Chuck Taylor All Star" line
4. Founded in 1908
5. Headquarters in North Andover, MA
6. Latest limited edition design: Kurt Cobain Sneakers

Early Days of Converse

The first converse sneaker was created in 1908 by Marquis M. Converse who supposedly slip down a flight of stairs and had the idea for a rubber soled shoe. The following year Converse started a company and by 1910 thousands of shoes were being sold. By 1915 tennis shoes were being created and by 1917 Converse ventured into basketball. But it wasn't until 1921 when the Chuck Taylor was created.

Who's Chuck Taylor?

Chuck Taylor was a basketball player named Charles H. Taylor who got a job with Converse as a salesman promoting the shoes. Because he tirelessly worked as ambassador for the shoes across the U.S. in 1923 a signature patch was added that reads All Star.

Converse Celebrity Sponsors

• • Dwyane Wade
  • Elton Brand
  • Kyle Korver
  • Maurice Evans
  • Orien Greene
  • Michael Sweetney