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 CEO Talks Pandemic, Strategy and Consumer Connections
The heritage brand was bought by Nike in 2003 for $315 million.
Rhude Races In, Chanel’s Latest Flower, Kendrick and Converse
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Kendrick Lamar, Dave Free’s PgLang Launch Sneakers With Converse
Lamar, Free and the PgLang team reinterpreted limited-edition Chuck 70 and Pro Leather sneakers launching on…
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But investors didn't seem to mind. Company shares shot up more than 6 percent in after-hours trading.
Converse, Comme des Garçons Release Latest Collaboration
The two brands are back with a new version of the popular Chuck 70 sneaker.
Nike Gives Converse’s Chuck Taylor Sneakers an Adaptive Makeover
The hands-free Chuck Taylors bring Nike's FlyEase technology to its Converse brand for the first time.
Nike Logs $1.3 Billion Profit, But Supply Chain Issues Persist
Lower wholesale revenues were offset by the growing Converse and digital businesses.
Nike, Converse Settle Lawsuit Against Sneaker Customizer
A former Nike employee agreed to a consent judgement that says his customization business infringed on and…
Nike Rides Continued Momentum, but Lowers Guidance Amid Supply Chain Uncertainties
Shares fell more than 3 percent as a result.
Back-to-School Sales Solid, Sneakers Lead the Way
As leaders report their latest results, they have consistently previewed a strong season, though not all are…
Converse’s Holistic New Approach Listens to Consumers, Puts Comfort First
The company's CX series aims to fuel movement with its progressive design ethos.
Nike and Converse Bring Back Looney Tunes Fashion With ‘Space Jam’ Drop
For the upcoming LeBron James sequel, the athletic giants created a capsule emblazoned with Bugs Bunny and…
First Look at Nike’s ‘Space Jam’ Collections, New LeBron Sneaker
This marks the first time Nike has teased a new sneaker in a movie.