Converse
In 1908 the small shoe company Converse was founded by Marquise Mills in Massachusetts. In 1917 the well-known Basketball player Chuck Taylor started to cooperate with the label and developed the legendary „ Chuck Taylor All Star“, the first signature shoe worldwide.
shop nowBefore the shoes really took off, Converse was a tire manufacturer. In time, shoes with canvas upper were also produced. In 1917 Converse launched the legendary Converse All Star. At that time, the basketball sneaker was known for the fact that the shoe produced a squeaking sound on the parquet floor. In 1923, the signature of basketball player Chuck Taylor was immortalized on the sneaker's rubber badge. The All Star was then simply called "Chucks" by many fans because of the sports star's signature. In the course of time other Converse models followed, like the One Star or the Suede Pro. But the sneaker that everyone associates with the Converse brand is clearly the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star.
Converse Chuck Taylor 70
The original Converse Chuck Taylor is just the perfect example of how magnificent and imposing a sneaker could be. These sneakers have been around for decades, worn by professional basketball players on court as well as top-notch musicians, from The Sex Pistols to Ramones to Nirvana. Nevertheless, the Converse Chuck Taylor 70 is now recrafted, nodding and celebrating the existence of the distinguished Chuck Taylor All Star from the 1970s. Visually, they look similar, however, the upper is constructed in premium double ply canvas, making them much more durable. The midsole is slightly bigger, delivered with a thick arched Ortholite insole, making them super comfortable. Extra details are spotted on the varnished toebox, allowing for that vintage feel. In addition, its reinforced stitching near the toe just wraps up these timeless Converse sneakers.
Converse Pro Leather
If there was a pair of sneakers that dominated the NBA, they were the Converse Pro Leather. Yet, they redefined style many years after their debut. Originally released in 1976 as the All Star Professional Basketball shoe, it was considered technologically more advanced than all others available, being the lightest and most durable shoe on the hardwood. Leather substituted all canvas shoes. For once, pre-molded sole units could be stitched to the bottom of the shoe. As expected, such developments allowed for the game to evolve, making it much more fast-paced. The silhouette was so important that in every single game, you would spot the Pro Leather – Julius “Dr. J” Erving and Magic Johnson worn them, just to name a few pros.
Converse One Star
It is hard to believe that the release of the One Star was considered quite a bolt move. During late 60’s / early 70s, canvas and rubber combinations started to look and feel obsolete. So, their on-court appearances did not last long. Fast forward to the 90s, the silhouette was no longer linked to the hardwood, instead to the streets. Embraced by skateboarding subculture due to their shape and durability, a new era was born, becoming an alternative style innuendo for many years to come. Though, they went quite once again. After their noticeable debut in Supreme 2014 film “Cherry”, the Converse One Star truly embedded itself within the streetwear community. From then onwards and after collaborations with Tyler, The Creator and Carhartt, for instance, the legend continues.