The Monday Piece – Chuck Taylor All Star, Converse

This week’s piece is on American global shoe giant, Chuck Taylor All Stars. The shoe started out as a classic, simple basketball style boot in 1908 and in the last 100 years has gained a huge cult following. It began in Maldin, MA as a rubber, shoe-making company around 1908.Chuck Taylor, who was a basketball player in the early 1900’s wanted to create a simple, easy to wear shoe that could be worn whilst playing basketball – he became a salesman for the brand who also improved the shoes design and style. Huge improvements were made regarding the shoes general style, comfort, and support –shortly after the improved designs the shoes were worn by athletes who attended the Olympic Games and they were also worn in World War 11. In later years the shoes became known as converse, Chuck Taylor’s and All Star – the original monogram black and white style is still a classic but they now stock all colours and patterns. You can even now design your own pair on the Converse website! The shoes popularity is due to the fact they can be worn during most sports, as well as casually with jeans and t-shirts. The shoes were popular among many groups throughout the decades including athletes, punks, grunge rockers, alternative rockers, surfers, rappers, emo’s and skaters. The brand has many celebrity fans including Blake Lively and Kristen Stewart. Converse will always be famed for all American, laid back cool footwear – everyone should own a pair! Now owned by Nike there are more designs than ever...which is your favourite? I want a blood red cord pair, or maybe even a suede pair with a fluffy sheep lining.

Do you own some converse?

What’s your favourite thing to wear them with?

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All images taken from google.