Converse
Converse All-Star (1917)Founded in 1908 by Marquis Mills Converse as the Converse Rubber Shoe Company, Converse is an American footwear company, mostly know for its iconic All Star high top sneaker. Launched in 1917(!) and distinguished by the company’s star logo, the rubber sole, the smooth rounded top and the wrap-around strip, the iconic All Star has dominated the American court shoe market for over half a century.
In 1921, Charles “Chuck” Taylor joined a basketball team that was sponsored by Converse. He became a salesman and athlete for the company, holding basketball clinics in high schools all over the country and while selling the All Star shoes. Taylor also made improvements to the shoe to provide enhanced flexibility and support. In 1932 Taylor’s signature was added to the All-Star patch on the classic, high-topped sneakers. The design of the Chuck Taylor All-Star has remained largely unchanged since its introduction. Since 2003, Converse has been a subsidiary of Nike, Inc.
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