As a brand that have been making waves in the media industry for years, Converse’s history dates back to early 1908. Marquis Mills Converse was a young man with the goal to start his own rubber shoe company in Malden, Massachusetts. The brand grew modestly, shipping its shoes to the city of Boston. 

 

After five years, Converse released a catalogue with a prophetic message, ‘Our company was organised 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.’ No words could be truer. Non-conforming, Converse has remained the alternative choice for style conscious consumers.

 

Back in 1913 Converse made a decision that would seal their unorthodox brand appeal forever. Taking up the young sport basketball, Converse’s sneakers gained intense popularity for their great traction. Three years later Chuck Taylor joined the company, passionate to sell their rubber shoes to the basketball world. A few more years passed and another sports legend became a fellow namesake to the brand – James Purcell became the world badminton champion, with his sneakers retaining a strong feel for their sport.

 

Whilst rooted in sport, as a brand Converse has strong links to the music world too. The Fifties saw the birth of rock’n’roll, and Converse immediately became linked with it. Skaters, rockers and rebels alike all adopted Converse’s All Star sneakers into their uniform. As an underground cult item, Converse sneakers had made it, but by the late Nineties they were to take off even further. 

 

The creation of the All Star 2000 sneaker in 1996 became a contemporary hit, and continues today - propelling Converse into a league of its own.
 

 

When it comes to standout shoes, Converse sneakers are one of the most globally recognised out there. With their bold star logo on the side, you can easily spot a Converse shoe from all those imitations out there. Their most popular style is the hi-top, an ankle skimming sneaker that was made famous by basketball. Lo-tops and slip-on sneakers are much more casual looks, with the x-hi sneakers reaching ultimate lengths.

 

Collections by Converse include some of the brand’s biggest inspirations. The music collection features sneakers with images and prints of musical legends like Metallica, Kurt Cobain, The Clash and Blondie. Band logos, pictures and printed autographs all adorn these styles. 

 

The Product RED™ collection is a special effort by Converse, supporting The Global Fund to Fight AIDS. From a range of sneakers utilising the designs of Robert Indiana, with sneakers embroidered with the word LOVE, to the words I Heart, plain colour designs and customisable sneakers which all come with signature red eyelets – everything in the Product RED™ collection benefits the AIDS charity with a donated contribution from sales.

 

Canvas skate shoes like the CVO, Gates, Sea Star and Weapon S are all popular choices, with Converse’s Nylon Trainer and Star Player EV being similar styles. 

 

It’s not all shoes when it comes to Converse. Having so successfully become recognised for their cult sneakers, the Converse name is now being lent to a number of lifestyle products. From branded tees and shirts, to bags, sunglasses and socks – Converse is branching out to all. Colourful and unique shoe laces can even be found amongst the range. As an icon of modern pop culture, Converse’s rebellious style is one that continues to lure people in.