OLD SNEAKERS?
Even thought it might sound strange, the designs that were made in 1908–even the diamond shaped soul of the shoe- are the same that continue being produced.
These sneakers have been in the world for over a century and are the only shoes that have established close links with mass culture in general (music, film, advertising). No other shoe in the world has been shared by all urban segments appeared since the mid-twentieth century. In 1913, the company sent out a catalogue with a text that defined their future:
“Our company was organized in 1908, with a belief that the original rubber shoe company would be independent enough to not follow other companies in what they do.”
At this point, Converse were destined to be a sign of rebellion and independence for not copying others.
These sneakers have been in the world for over a century and are the only shoes that have established close links with mass culture in general (music, film, advertising). No other shoe in the world has been shared by all urban segments appeared since the mid-twentieth century. In 1913, the company sent out a catalogue with a text that defined their future:
“Our company was organized in 1908, with a belief that the original rubber shoe company would be independent enough to not follow other companies in what they do.”
At this point, Converse were destined to be a sign of rebellion and independence for not copying others.
When Chuck Taylor joined Converse in 1921, he publishes the first 60 years of the Converse Basketball Yearbook.
In 1910 Converse was already producing 4,000 shoes daily.
In 1942, to support the war effort, converse shifts its production and designs the innovative A6 Flying Boot, which the entire U.S. Army Air Corps wore.
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The First time Basketball is played as an Olympic Sport in 1936. The U.S. team which wore Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star, defeats Canada 19-8 for the gold medal.
The first ever NCAA National Championship Game took place in 1939. The Oregon Ducks defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 46-33and both teams were wearing Converse All Stars.
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Between 1955 - 19556 Converse are everywhere, from high school, college and pro basketball games. Chucks are the #1 basketball shoe in America.
1983 – Dr. J, wearing Converse— his footwear of choice throughout his entire career—leads his team to the win the NBA Championship
You think Nike is dominant? By the 1960s, roughly 90% of college and professional basketball players wore Chuck Taylor All Stars. Meanwhile, All Stars made up approximately 80% of the consumer sneaker market.
Now that is domination. 2002 – By this time, more than 750 million pairs of Chuck Taylor All Star shoes have been sold in 144 countries since its 1923 debut.
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1962 – The most points ever scored in a single NBA game by one single player, 100 points to be precise, is recorded. Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks March 2, 1962. The record, established in Chuck Taylor All Star shoes, has never been broken.
1966 – Converse adds seven new colours to the Chuck Taylor All Star line to coordinate with team uniforms.
Tree Rollins was the last NBA player to wear Chucks in a game, and, shockingly, it wasn't until 1979. By then there were a number of other new shoes on the market, but I guess Rollins liked to keep things traditional.
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In 2013 Converse released heaps of sayings like:
- Shoes buy Art, Sneakers Create it
- Shoes keep it Clean, Sneakers get Dirty
- Shoes wouldn't, Sneakers definatly Would
- Shoes Turn it Down, Sneakers get Loud
- Shoes buy a Ticket, Sneakers put on the Show
1986 – Converse unveils The Weapon™ with its instant hit, “Choose Your Weapons” ad campaign featuring sevral pro basketball players raping about the authentic shoe.