Converse
ESTABLISHED
1908
HQ
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
FOUNDER
Marquis Mills Converse
CEO
Scott Uzzell
REVENUE
$2.3 billion (2022)
PARENT GROUP
Nike Inc.
WHAT ARE THE BEST CONVERSE SHOES?
The iconic All-Star Chuck Taylor has remained relatively unchanged throughout the brand’s lifetime. An upgrade in 2015 labelled Chuck Taylor II flopped, and the brand ceased production of the new style in 2017. The Original All-Stars style came back, with a focus on quality, brand new collections, and unseen collaborations. The classic silhouette continues to be a favourite among celebrities, musicians, artists and every-man alike, now spanning generations of style icons.
HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT NEW CONVERSE RELEASES?
Converse keep an up-to-date list of upcoming collaborations and new releases on its website and email subscribers with any new announcements.
WHERE CAN I BUY CONVERSE?
Check out our Highsnobiety shop for some of the latest Converse drops.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONVERSE AND CHUCK TAYLORS?
Chuck Taylors are now called the Chuck 70. They have a different price range, aesthetic, materials, fit, and sole compared to the Converse All Star. The Converse All Star is usually cheaper, more durable, lighter, and has more colors available.
HOW TO CLEAN CONVERSE ?
According to the brand’s guideline, it is advisable not to throw your sneakers in the washing machine. Usually some mild soap and lukewarm water will be just fine. Use a damp cloth to gently rub the shoes. A toothbrush or smaller brush is perfect to scrub the toecap and rubber base of the shoe.
1908
Founded by Marquis Mills Converse as the Converse Rubber Shoe Company.
1917
Introduction of the ‘Non Skids’ basketball shoe. The rubber sole and canvas upper formed the basis of the current style.
1921
Semi-professional basketball player Charles “Chuck” Taylor is given a salesman job at Converse, bringing ideas on how increased flexibility and ankle support could improve the performance of the shoes.
1922
Within a year of his arrival, Taylor’s ideas led to the creation of the All-Star, including a circular logo patch that protected players’ ankles. Chuck Taylor’s signature is added to the patch and remains there today.
1941
Converse switches back to production of rubberized footwear throughout World War II.
1950S
The Chuck Taylor All-Star becomes the standard among basketball players across high school, collegiate and professional levels.
1970S
Converse faces competition from PUMA, adidas, Nike and Reebok in the battle for on-court footwear.
1972
Converse purchases PF Flyers, and with it the trademark Jack Purcell badminton shoe. The style continues to be produced with its classic ‘smile’ toe.
1980S-90S
The brand loses its monopoly in athletic shoes, but sees a shift towards a new breed of fans claiming All-Stars as casual, retro-style.
1993
The Converse One Star style is released, flanked on both sides with the iconic solo star and gains a cult following.
2001
Converse files for bankruptcy but is saved by investors.
2003
Nike pays an estimated $305m for the company and expands the brand across clothing and introduce new styles.
2009
Converse launches the CONS skateboarding team with Kenny Anderson, Anthony Pappalardo, Nick Trapasso and others.
Italian fashion house Missoni create an exclusive “Premium Chuck” revealed at the Milan Menswear Spring/Summer show. The duo have continued to collaborate on more collections since.
2012
Converse becomes partners in the (RED) campaign, which aims to prevent HIV transmission from mother to daughter.
2014
After years of cease and desist letters, Converse file a lawsuit against 31 companies for infringing the iconic bumper toe, striped midsole and toe cap.
2015
Converse collaborates with the Andy Warhol foundation to create a pop art-inspired collection.
The so-far unchanged Chuck Taylor is given a makeover. The Chuck Taylor II is launched, incorporating Nike technology to create a lighter shoe and boasting upgrades such as a no-slip tongue but sales begin to slide.
2017
The brand refocus on quality collections and increased comfort instead, dropping production of the short-lived Chuck Taylor II.
2019
This year has already seen the continuation of the JW Anderson collection, along with A$AP Nast and GOLF le FLEUR*. This year the brand also makes it return to basketball with the new performance inspired All Star Pro BB.
2021
Collabs are a huge part of any brand’s efforts in the industry today, and among the best Converse made this year have been with Kim Jones, GOLF WANG, Telfar, and, of course, COMME des GARÇONS. The most successful were with Rick Owens as he reworked the Chuck 70 and the Weapon.
2022
Converse returned to the skate scene with the One Star Ox Pro and Fast Break Ox Pro, in its newest collab with Carhartt WIP.
It also joined the ‘post-sneaker’ society with its newest All Star Loafer.
Converse joined the group of utilitarian sneakers with the Utility Explore Ox. And ran again into A-COLD-WALL, specifically Samuel Ross’ A-COLD-WALL* for another spin at the Chuck Taylor sneaker
