Crazy for Converse

The history of Converse

Crazy for Converse – Converse success came thanks to an American basketball player who launched the brand on stage; Marquis M. Converse. In 1908 in Malden, Massachusetts Mr. Converse founded his first company named Converse Ruberr Shoe Company, the shoes were designed for basketball players, but the canvas structure wasn´t helpful and ideal for the basketball player´s ankles.

The success of the company came in 1923 when Chuck Taylor, a professional basketball player wore the All Star Converse style on a game.

Taylor felt in love with the sneakers and asked the company
to modify the sneaker according to his needs.

Chuck Taylor´s contribution to All Star fame worldwide was the key of the brand´s success and in 1932 the company decided to name the sneaker “Chuck Taylor” adding the name on the shoe patch.

From the early 60´s rock musicians and singers began to wear Converse and Taylor’s sneakers, making Converse a fashionable and “IT” item among the mass audience. In 1992 the production of shoes moved to Asia and lost the Made in USA label.

Despite of its success in 2001, Converse Ruberr Shoe Company was on the verge of bankruptcy due to ruthless competition.

Nike saved the colossus, buying it for 305 million dollars.

Today Converse counts with a variety of models from studs, rhinestones, to the classic designed by basketball champion Chuck Taylor in black and white versio and this remains the most famous sneakers in the world.