Over a Century of Style from Converse
Converse trainers have the enviable position of transcending genres, styles and trends to become the favourite footwear of everyone from punks and sports people to smart city types. This popularity is down to the brand’s sheer creativity and constant reinventing of their classic styles of trainers so there is literally a pair of shoes for every person’s tastes. Since 1908, Converse trainers have been synonymous with American leisurewear and have become as much a part of American clothing as college hoodies, leather jackets and faded jeans. So how did these American icons come to be and how did their world domination take place? We take a look at the Converse phenomenon below.
The beginning
All good success stories have a humble beginning and the Converse story is no different. In 1908 Marquis Mills Converse set up a rubber shoe company and created the Converse factory in Malden, Massachusetts. Converse’s independent thinking was clear from the outset and in 1913 the brand produced a catalogue which featured the phrase, “Our company was organized in 1908 fully believing that there was an earnest demand from the retail shoe dealer for a rubber shoe company that would be independent enough not to follow every other company in everything they do.”
The sporting connection
Converse’s innovation and eye for upcoming trends first came into play when the company decided to partner up with a fledgling sport and create shoes specifically designed for Basketball players. Basketball star Chuck Taylor suggested making changes to the shoe to increase the flexibility and support, suggestions which Converse took on and by 1923 Chuck had his signature on the legendary Converse logo. In 1935 Canadian badminton champion Jack Purcell lent his name to the range of signature badminton shoes and Converse cemented their association with the sporting world.
The movie connection
Chuck Taylor and Jack Purcell Converse trainers are even more popular today than ever, thanks mainly to Converse refusing to compromise on creating classic and no nonsense trainers but also partly down to Converse trainers having constant exposure in TV and film. Celebrities in shoe form, Converse trains have starred in hundreds of films including Trainspotting, Sin City, The Shining, The Goonies, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and loads more. Movie stars such as Daniel Craig, Adam Brody, Robert Pattinson and Hayden Christensen are just a few of the many celebrities who are regularly spotted wearing these iconic trainers.
The music connection
In the 1950s rock and roll was born and this new music needed a new uniform and Converse high tops were on hand to create the rebellious and super cool look of Converse trainers, leather jacket, white t-shirt and faded jeans. To this day Converse’s association with music continues and the brand have a dedicated music website which showcases the latest tunes from upcoming bands. Rock and rollers including Nirvana, Green Day, Fugazi, The Cribs and tons more artists have all chosen Converse as their favourite footwear.
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