Converse
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
Kohl’s Upping the Ante on Footwear During Critical Back-to-School Season
The retailer will roll out more Converse shoe options, Nike Court style, new Adidas retro-inspired looks…
Catching Up With Rick Springfield
The "Jessie's Girl" singer talks his latest tour, his admiration for Paul McCartney and his colorful Converse…
Converse’s New CEO Aaron Cain Is a 21-Year Nike Veteran
Converse CEO Jared Carver, who will exit at the end of July, is succeeded by 21-year Nike veteran Aaron Cain.
Kartik Research Spring 2026: Go Your Own Way
Kartik Kumra's strong collection suggested the label's days as an insider's secret may be numbered.
With Paris Men’s Runway Debut, Kartik Research Steps Onto a Bigger Stage
The craft-focused Indian brand is growing, with a collaboration with Converse, an expanded assortment of…
Converse Made Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a Gold Version of His Sneaker to Celebrate His Finals Win
The gold Converse Shai 001 is a one-of-one sneaker for the Finals MVP.
Livvy Dunne Trades Beach Minimalism for Printed Converse x Isabel Marant Wedges at Fanatics Fest After Party
After a streak of strappy sandals and muted palettes, Dunne's Converse collab sneakers brought a graphic…
Ader Error Updates the Converse Wave Trainer in Its Signature Blue and Shaggy Suede
The collaboration will release globally on June 26.
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Converse Sneakers in ‘American Love Story’ Is Causing Drama, But It’s Nothing New
Bessette's biography revealed she was a fan of the shoes.
The Fashion Faceoff for the NBA Finals
Star players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton are competing in the NBA Finals as well as…
Converse Takes Shot at Anthony Edwards, Adidas After SGA’s Thunder Defeat Timberwolves
"Nothing left 2 say?"
‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 Costume Designer Ann Foley on the ‘Beautiful Collaboration’ Between Makeup and Costuming, Ellie’s Journey and More
"The Last of Us" stars Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal.
Converse and Tyler, the Creator’s Le Fleur* Launch The 1908 Program Collection Featuring Archival Sneaker Designs
The rapper teased the Coach Jogger back in November.
Converse Unveils 2025 Proud to Be Pride Collection Featuring Rainbow Flames and Animal Print Designs
The celebratory collection is available now.