The Converse Shoe Company was started in 1908 by Marquis Mills Converse in Malden, Massachussetts who had previously managed a footwear manufacturing firm.
The Converse company focused on providing winterized rubber soled footwear to men, women, and children.
In 1921 a shoe salesman that worked for the company by the name of Charles "Chuck" Taylor also joined a basketball team sponsored by the Converse Company called The Converse All Stars. This led to "Chuck" redesigning the shoe, and selling the shoes while holding basketball clinics all over the country which led to popularizing the brand.
Taylor went on to make imporvements ot the shoes that he loved. His ideas were to provide enhanced flexibility and support. The added patch was incorporated to protect the ankle. The shoes were soon worn by many professional basketball players and became the desired shoe for the up and coming basketball players.
It wasnt long before the All Stars were being worn by athletes in the Olympics and also American Soldiers during WWII training.
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| Emelie Sande in her Chucks |
In the 60's thebrand took off and could be seen worn by 90 percent of professional and college basketball players. Since the 60's the shoe has gained even more popularity with subcultures.
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| Cassie in her Chucks |
Click Here for Converse All Star Popularity Chart
Sources:
Coverse Archives
Chuck Taylor's on Pinterest
Wikipedia-Chuck Taylors
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