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
Converse Reveals Job Cuts as Nike Inc. Layoffs Continue
The moves are part of Nike's previously announced layoffs.
Willow Smith Embraces Suit Vest Trend in Monochrome Look for ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’
The singer and artist was joined by Questlove and Emily Blunt during the Wednesday episode.
Timex Releases Keith Haring Collection
The late artist's squiggles serve as the canvas for a trio release with the American time maker.
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Billie Eilish Brings Skater Girl Aesthetic to ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ in Gucci Shorts and Willy Chavarria Shirt
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The heart-adorned Chuck Taylor All Star has been a fixture since 2009.
CBP Confiscates $314K Worth of Counterfeit Chuck Taylors
Down in Australia, a luxury boutique is under fire after hundreds of complaints claim it sells fake designer…
Big Freedia Joins Converse’s ‘Proud to Be’ Campaign for Pride Month
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Converse Names Jared Carver as New President, Chief Executive Officer
The brand veteran had previously overseen the company's North American operations.
How Tina Turner Made Hanes Hip, Plus the Singer’s Other Noteworthy Ad Campaigns
Turner passed away Wednesday at the age of 83.
Nike’s Stock Jumps After Beating Expectations
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Mary Dillon Beefs Up C-Suite at Foot Locker
Shakeups at COO, CCO and CFO as new president fortifies her executive team.
Nike’s Latest Includes ‘Disruptive’ New Converse Silhouette
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Converse and Barriers Release First Collaboration Capsule Honoring Black Heroes
Barriers founder Steven Barter, through this capsule, tells stories of Black history and the African diaspora.