CFOs Take Center Stage at Global Fashion Summit
Converse
- Founded
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February 1908
- Founder(s):
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Marquis Mills Converse
- Headquarters:
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Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Converse was founded by Massachusetts businessman Marquis Mills Converse. He created the Converse Rubber Shoe Company in February 1908, and on April 30, 1909, debuted the company’s first pair of rubber galoshes. It wasn’t until the mid-1910s that Converse entered the athletic market. To cater to the new but growing sport of basketball, it created the Non-Skid shoe, which in 1919 would be renamed the All-Star and eventually evolve into the Chuck Taylor All-Star (named after one of its most devoted salesmen and ambassadors).
The history of Converse is deeply intertwined with the sport of basketball. By 1955, Chucks were the No. 1 basketball shoe in America and the brand owned 80 percent of the entire sneaker industry. Throughout the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, its sneakers were worn by the majority of pro and college teams, including legendary players like Dr. J, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan (before signing his deal with Nike). Speaking of the Swoosh, Converse was acquired by Nike on Sept. 4, 2003, for $305 million. Though Converse shoes are no longer a staple of basketball courts, they’ve become synonymous with youth culture — and counterculture — worn by artists and musicians across the globe.
Converse
Converse and Eric Emanuel Apply Denim and Leather to Chuck 70 and Weapon Ox
The Nike Inc.-owned brand and sportswear designer first collaborated in 2025.
As Converse Continues to Struggle, Nike CEO Elliott Hill Shrugs Off Sale Speculation
The CEO said on Tuesday that the brand will "remain an important part of the Nike, Inc. family."
Can Ryan Gosling and ‘Project Hail Mary’ Give Struggling Converse a Boost?
As Nike explores a possible sale of Converse, Gosling's on-screen sneakers could offer the heritage brand an…
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Converse Sneaker Gets a Camo Takeover
Marking the first time the Shai 001 features a print.
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Amid Sale Speculation, Converse Layoffs, Restructuring Appear Imminent
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Amid Sale Speculation, Converse Layoffs, Restructuring Appears Imminent
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EXCLUSIVE: Tracksmith Names Former Converse President as New CEO
Jared Carver will replace founder Matt Taylor, who moves to the role of chief creative officer.
Converse Celebrates Valentine’s Day With ‘Chucks in Love’ Collection
Featuring details like the word "love" embroidered on the upper.
Will Nike Sell Converse? One Analyst Thinks So.
BNP Paribas Equity Research senior analyst Laurent Vasilescu suggested the move in a research note on Monday.
Will Nike Sell Converse? One Analyst Thinks So.
BNP Paribas Equity Research senior analyst Laurent Vasilescu suggested the move in a research note on Monday.
These Were the Biggest Footwear CEO Changes of 2025
Puma, Converse, REI Co-op and more footwear companies hired new chief executive officers this year. Meet the…
Madhappy and Converse Rework the Chuck 70 With Washed Canvas and Raw Edge Details in First Collaboration
The three-style lineup features heavy-washed uppers, burnished foxing and suede star accents.